First ever swim clinic...

This morning John Barclay, Stephane and I went to a triathlon clinic at McMasters University. John and Hugh were also there, but in a different class. I was looking forward to going and I wasn't.

I wanted to go for the personal swim video taping, review and pointers. I didn't want to go for the yoga or bike riding sessions. I don't do well sitting and listening. If it resembles school type learning or a structured exercise class, I'm not interested.

I have trouble going to any type of scheduled classes. That is one of the reasons I like training for triathlons. It's a lone sport and I don't have to be somewhere at a specific time. I like the flexibility of picking the time of day I want to workout. Other than high school football, I've never been a team sport kinda guy.

The swim clinic portion was great for me. They pointed out that I don't extend my arms out far enough. At the end of the day, we had an hour in the pool doing drills with one on one coaching. I lucked out and got a great kid from the University swim team, his name was Cameron Bailey. Everything his coach observed when he reviewed my swim video, Cameron observed in the pool. He said my head position and body roll was perfect, but my arm extension and pull required work. The feedback was invaluable.

I'm starting to take my swimming seriously. After Clearwater I was inspired by a guy in my age group who started swimming 6 years ago and has become very good. I was also disgusted with being the 200th last out of the water. For the first time ever, I'm prepared to work at getting faster in the pool. Today taught me that I can get better if I improve my technique. I also learnt I really like one on one coaching.

I can now see why having a coach is so important. You need someone to watch you swim and give immediate feedback. I was talking to John and Stephane afterwards and we all agreed we need to hire a coach. We were thinking hiring someone for an hour and then having them spend 20 minutes with each of us one on one. Rather than a large group with periodic coaching tips.

I was tired today. I was up with Alice until around 1:30 pm last night. During the yoga session I spent the last quarter of the class hiding behind the person in front of me and sleeping on the floor. One time I almost got busted, but John gave me the "wake up, she's coming!".

Swimming - 1:20 / 1000 meters

11