Farewell Palm Springs, hello Los Angeles...

I can't believe I've been in California for a week now. The time has just flown by. I really enjoyed my stay with my uncle and aunt. They were very gracious and treated me and fed me like a King.

I left at the perfect time from a weather perspective. Today it turned cloudy, windy and cool. There was even a sand storm. I left around 10 am for Los Angeles. My first stop was the pool and my final destination was Nina and Dana's place in Culver City.

Nina recommended a pool around the corner from their house. It was an outdoor 50 meter pool. As strange as it may sound, I've never swam laps in a 50 meter pool. It was another training first. I've said it before and I'll say it again, California has a LOT of fit looking people, of all ages. The pool was full of them. Most all in great shape and with perfect technique.

It was quite an experience swimming in a 50 meter pool. It felt much more like open water swimming. What added to it was that it was outside and a salt water pool. At first I had a little trouble in that I had to do some sets of 75 meters. What to do? What to do? I ended up stopping in the middle of the pool for my rests.

The next difference was anticipating the wall and it not being there for another 25 meters. It was strange at first, but near the end of the swim, I loved not having to turn as much. I noticed swimming in a 25 meter pool is a slightly easier than swimming in a 50 meter pool because it has more turns to rest on.

I'm happy to say I set another PB in the pool today. On my last 100 meter set, I did a 1:27. I couldn't believe it! It wasn't that long ago that breaking 1:50 was a big deal. After doing a 1:27, I have a real appreciation for those that can maintain a 1:30 or less for a full triathlon swim. I can't even fathom someone doing a sub 1:15.

On the downside, my kick is terrible. It took me 3:00 to kick out 100 meters. I must be doing something wrong. For someone with strong legs, I sure have a weak kick.

Four blocks down the street from the Pool was Nina and Dana's house. There's something about driving through their neighbourhood that I love. I can't describe it, but has a cool vibe to it. I parked the car, walked up to the house, knocked on the door and said to myself "let the next adventure begin".

Nina and Dana are awesome people. Very welcoming. If you don't like them, you probably don't like ice cream either. We sat around the kitchen table, talked and ate. I had a home smoked brisket sandwich. Dana's, who's from Texas, has quite the smoker barbecue set up. I lucked out again, great food in Palm Springs and now great food in LA.

The three of us went out for dinner and I learnt more about their new triathlon coaching business. Very exciting. They have such a passion for the sport, I think their really they're going to do well and help a lot of people.

Tomorrow the weather supposed to be between 9C /17 C and may rain until late morning. But I don't care, it's still better than riding all bundled up in -17 C. Nina prepared a full set of maps for me and gave me an excellent overview. It really helps knowing what to anticipate. I can hardly wait to get out and experience the Pacific Coast Highway.

Speed Swim - 1:19:46 / 3400 meters