To the waters and the wild

Kurt.Godel

griffin100 wrote: »

Not too sure Friday will go ahead. All UL buildings are shut until at least Saturday morning.

You were right, its official, reduced program with no 1,500 or 800... there goes my training goals! On the bright side I still have the 50 & 100 free, 50 & 200 back, and IM and free relay teams. Loads to be going on with!

griffin100

That's a pain that both the 1500 and 800 are cancelled. I won't be travelling for a 400m only so I'll have to pick a day some and TT a 1500m.

Kurt.Godel

Thurs 30min Fastlane; 60min easy run

With travel to the gala being up in the air at the moment (I'd prefer if it was rescheduled at this stage), todays training was a mixture of taper and ticking over. Various pace swimming for a while, then later in the afternoon a nice snowy run through the deserted roads, and less deserted forest (lots of bird activity). I kept the pace very easy throughout, it was an enjoyable run through the snowscape.

Kurt.Godel

Fri 40min S&C; 1:50 turbo

Turbo:
10min EZ
4*(10s MAX, 2:20 EZ)
6*(10min hold 260W, 5min EZ)

We got pelted with snow here last night, roads are impassable to all but tractors, and we'll likely be housebound for a few days. Word came in that Limerick gala was cancelled altogether- that suits me as I couldn't travel and it should be rescheduled. However I invested way to much mental energy thinking about if it would go ahead or not. Ok it was a goal, but not in the same way a proper swimmer might have it as a season goal.

For the turbo I just couldn't stay at 260W... don't know what the problem was, no energy in the legs. If I had to hazard a guess I was probably fretting over the Limerick gala cancellations the past few days.
Still, a turbo done, lets move on.

Shell to Run

Amazing how the use of mental energy impacts on physical energy!!
Best of luck at the gala.

Kurt.Godel

Shell to Run wrote: »

Amazing how the use of mental energy impacts on physical energy!!
Best of luck at the gala.

Thanks! I don't know when it'll be rescheduled but looking forward to it!

Sat 15min yoga, 11k snow trek

CRAZY! What started as a run on tractor-snow-tracks veered into the untouched forest- 3k of fighting a path through knee-deep snow. The "objective" of this run was a wine/chocolate request, alas when I got to Tinahely all the stores were shut. Ah well, back a different,higher route... a lot more cross-country, and some huge drifts to climb over/around/through. Not like anything I've experience before, probably the slowest 11k I've ever done but the most fun for sure.

Neady83

Kurt.Godel wrote: »

Thanks! I don't know when it'll be rescheduled but looking forward to it!

Sat 15min yoga, 11k snow trek

CRAZY! What started as a run on tractor-snow-tracks veered into the untouched forest- 3k of fighting a path through knee-deep snow. The "objective" of this run was a wine/chocolate request, alas when I got to Tinahely all the stores were shut. Ah well, back a different,higher route... a lot more cross-country, and some huge drifts to climb over/around/through. Not like anything I've experience before, probably the slowest 11k I've ever done but the most fun for sure.

Really sorry to hear about the Gala Kurt. So difficult not to stress over whether the gala would go ahead or not, it consumes so much energy and can be totally out of our control.

This adventure sounds like mighty fun though and no chocolate in the end :eek: hope you got a gold start for your heroics though

Kurt.Godel

Neady83 wrote: »

Really sorry to hear about the Gala Kurt. So difficult not to stress over whether the gala would go ahead or not, it consumes so much energy and can be totally out of our control.

This adventure sounds like mighty fun though and no chocolate in the end :eek: hope you got a gold start for your heroics though

Yeah it was a real adventure alright Neady, something straight from your playbook! Snow banks were over 2m in places, and had to scramble up and down them. Coming back over a mountain track I was ploughing through deep drifts, my leg would sink right to the waist, pretty dodgy in places, but you know yourself, there's a fine line between reckless and adventure!

The mental stress from the gala... not something I'm great with, I tend to overplan things and am used to being in control. Something to work on, go with the flow a bit more, channel my inner Lochte rather than Phelps

Kurt.Godel

Sun 15min yoga, 35min Fastlane

I was pretty tight this morning, DOMS from yesterday's snow hike. The yoga seemed to help, even though it was harder than usual to hit some poses.

Fastlane:
10min easy with 4*10s bursts
20min @ 1:23 pace
5min easy

This was interesting. I did manage the 20mins at 1:23, albeit using pb for the most of it. I also stopped for a couple of seconds at times to adjust pb or cough. Stroke feedback was immediate in that you got thrown out the back/sides if streamline faltered. It was pretty turbulent throughout, and (rather like a treadmill) although I don't believe it translates to 20min @1:23 pace in the pool, it was a good session for confidence.

shotgunmcos

Interesting indeed! How do you feel the fast lane translates to the pool in general?

Kurt.Godel

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Interesting indeed! How do you feel the fast lane translates to the pool in general?

Having used it for over 6 months now you'd imagine I'd have a better idea of calibration, and yet... There are times when I'm cruising 1:40 pace in the Fastlane that the effort seems correct, and I'd almost say it feels correct swimming steady up to 1:30- after that its harder to quantify. The water "returns" to the Fastlane at the side of the pool, so if you get thrown out of the stream you get a free ride back. My pool is narrow enough so that if my legs go out of line, they could be gaining from this return flow, and I'd imagine that is whats happening if form goes (especially with pb when its harder to kick into a streamline). Doing faster stuff in shorter sets and "resetting" the streamline seems more honest, although I'd imagine if I lost the pb and kicked more, this would give a more accurate calibration to pool swimming.

shotgunmcos

Kurt.Godel wrote: »

Having used it for over 6 months now you'd imagine I'd have a better idea of calibration, and yet... There are times when I'm cruising 1:40 pace in the Fastlane that the effort seems correct, and I'd almost say it feels correct swimming steady up to 1:30- after that its harder to quantify. The water "returns" to the Fastlane at the side of the pool, so if you get thrown out of the stream you get a free ride back. My pool is narrow enough so that if my legs go out of line, they could be gaining from this return flow, and I'd imagine that is whats happening if form goes (especially with pb when its harder to kick into a streamline). Doing faster stuff in shorter sets and "resetting" the streamline seems more honest, although I'd imagine if I lost the pb and kicked more, this would give a more accurate calibration to pool swimming.

Thanks was genuinely curious. I guess the only real way to find out is a max effort 400 in the Fastlane, then one in the pool, then one in LC, then one SC with dive no tumbles, LC with dive and tumbles, SC Dive and tumbles, LC dive no tumbles and finally a Fastlane with dive and no tumbles...:-) Should give a reasonable calibration!

peter kern

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Thanks was genuinely curious. I guess the only real way to find out is a max effort 400 in the Fastlane, then one in the pool, then one in LC, then one SC with dive no tumbles, LC with dive and tumbles, SC Dive and tumbles, LC dive no tumbles and finally a Fastlane with dive and no tumbles...:-) Should give a reasonable calibration!

i think kurts assestment is very good.
and the faster you go the less you should trust the speed.
the thing is it dosnt matter at all as he gets enough intenisty in the pool and its endurance he is lacking
( when we talk about him being a triathlete)

Kurt.Godel

Mon 45min S&C; 60min Masters swim

500 warmup BE3
25*100 off 1:40
200 swim down

I managed most of these in 1:30, drifting a couple of seconds towards the end. Had to skip a couple with back cramp (tight muscles after snow stuff) but otherwise decent enough form.

Kurt.Godel

Tue 30min fastlane; 15min yoga, 40min run

The swim was a pyramid 1,2,3,4,3,2,1 mins at 1:30 pace, it’s noticeable how much better the stroke is after resetting with the few seconds rest between each.

The run was later in the evening (just finished), my calf’s were very stiff all day and I was apprehensive as to how they would feel. Dropped the kids to swimming and drove to Gorey but the sidewalks were full of snow and there was a freezing fog about. I had half a mind to ditch the session but the roads around Courtown were snow free for the most part. 25mins easy pace and the calf’s were cooperating, so I upped the pace for the last 15mins. The sidewalks are undulating and lighting dark in places (which is why I don’t run these streets at night as a rule) but I got back to the car in one piece.

Kurt.Godel

Wed 10min yoga, 65 min turbo; 1:30 hilly snowy hike

Turbo:
10 mins easy
4 * ( 10' hard, 2.20 easy )
5 * (5 min @ PE 5-6, 3min easy)
5 mins easy

A little off on the first rep but managed the builds better for the others.

Run:
This was a recce for the race we are organising at the weekend- unfortunately the course is covered with snow, a battle in the drifts going up, over 2m high along the ridge, and knee deep in any of the lower trails. We took the hard decision to cancel the race. It would have been great fun, but impossible for any injured runners to get assistance in good time. Ah well, another snow memory.

Neady83

Kurt.Godel wrote: »

Run:
This was a recce for the race we are organising at the weekend- unfortunately the course is covered with snow, a battle in the drifts going up, over 2m high along the ridge, and knee deep in any of the lower trails. We took the hard decision to cancel the race. It would have been great fun, but impossible for any injured runners to get assistance in good time. Ah well, another snow memory.

Really sorry to see the race cancelled when ye have put in so much work. Hopefully ye will get to run it at some point. Say the pics, can't believe there's still snow that deep there, incredible.

Kurt.Godel

Sun 10min yoga, 1:55 turbo

10min EZ
4*(10sMAX 2:20 EZ)
6*(8min 260-270W, 7min EZ)
5 cooldown

No training the last 3 days at all. I felt run-down, little energy- two large projects I had mentally prepared for (Limerick Gala and Annagh Hill race) were both last-minute cancellations and I felt it better to take a step away for a few days rather than just tick-over training. Whether that is the best thing to do or not I don't know, but I felt rejuvenated on this turbo, and looking forward to training again. Mentally and physically I benefitted from the mini break.

Kurt.Godel

Mon 45min S&C, 5k easy run; 60min Masters

Run was straight after the S&C, a nice 5k in the forest. Legs and body felt great, lungs a little tight which would tally with how I felt over the past few days. No big deal though.

Masters:
Warm-up:
2*200 (BE3,5 each length)
2*100 (BE5,7)
2*200 (BE3,5)
2*100 (BE5,7)

400TT 5:58 (no splits)
Balance of hour drills

I felt in control, it felt like a well-balanced effort (ie not dying after 100m), but the spark wasn't there tonight and its a disappointing time.

Hmm. I had written both those comments in my Training Peaks diary at different times in the day. Interesting how I don't mind underperforming in a run due to not feeling 100%, but am disappointed when I underperform in a swim TT. That doesn't make much sense.

joey100

If it's any consolation my chest and lungs are feeling the same. I'm putting it down to some dampness back in the air, during the snow there I was grand, nice dry cold air was no problem. Frost and dampness comes back and my chest starts to feel tight again.

Edited to ask what's your 400m PB??

Kurt.Godel

joey100 wrote: »

Edited to ask what's your 400m PB??

I think it’s 5:41, from last year. This year I’ve done TT’s in Nov, Jan, and March (5:48, 5:50, 5:58). Not a great return but I do feel I’m swimming much more economically now. Breathing, position, kick, pull; are better than ever so it’s s matter of bringing everything together and getting the 5:30 I should be capable of.

Tue 60min fastlane; 15min yoga, 36min run

Fastlane:
10min 1:45 pace
5*(6*1:20 @. 1:20pace, 10s rest) 2mins 1:45 pace between each set
5min 1:45 pace

This felt good, the turbulence is still an issue but I managed to hold a nice streamline for most of these.

Run:
Plan was 30mins easy, 15minbuild to hard. I was laboring from the start, and had nothing in the tank when I started to build, so quit the session. My nose is runny, throat is sore, obviously I have some bug.

Kurt.Godel

Wed 10min yoga, 1:20 turbo

20min steady to build
3*(15min 160-200W, 5min EZ)

A harder turbo had been planned but what with feeling under the weather this was curtailed to lower power zones. Although I had no issues with energy levels, sweating at 200W was the right thing to do today.

Kurt.Godel

Thurs 15min yoga, aborted 45min run; 60min Masters

Run: plan was 30min easy, 15min steady, to test how the system was. Breathing wasn't too bad (a little tight), but soon after I upped the pace I had stomach problems... so cut it short and dashed for the jacks. Sweating in bed last night too, so I've got something in the system.

Masters:
400m WU
8*(25k IMO, 25 swim long stroke, 10s)
Main: 10 sets of
(25 fly max, 25 easy swim) on 1:10
(25 back max, 25 easy swim) on 1:00
(25 breast max, 25 easy swim) on 1:10
(25 free max, 25 easy swim) on 1:00

200m swimdown

These were tough. The air wasn't great in the pool tonight so I was tight of breath at first. I tried to relax, have a constant exhale (make motorbike sound) and this seemed to help a lot. Cramped during the final 2 back reps, but otherwise a good hard session.

shotgunmcos

Kurt.Godel wrote: »

Main: 10 sets of
(25 fly max, 25 easy swim) on 1:10
(25 back max, 25 easy swim) on 1:00
(25 breast max, 25 easy swim) on 1:10
(25 free max, 25 easy swim) on 1:00

These were tough.....

Looks so innocent in words but I'd say that was tough alright. Just breathing though it!

Kurt.Godel

Fri 45min weights; 30min easy hill run

Up around Annagh for a scout of the race which has been rescheduled. There's a lot of branches down due to recent snow, and the course has streams everywhere. The pace was easy enough but a good reminder of the fun hill-running is.

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Looks so innocent in words but I'd say that was tough alright. Just breathing though it!

I slept well last night! My back muscles are in bits today because of all the fly, its a tough stroke when you're bluffing your way through it. Nothing better to watch though when its done right.

Kurt.Godel

Sat 7k hill run

On a wintery morning, I headed up Annagh hill to recce the short course for the race in two weeks. The initial climb was pretty cold, sleet attacking horizontally, but at least it was easier to climb than the last time I was here. Good running along the top, although there are still large banks of snow that remain. Nothing that can't be ran through though. Lots of puddles and lots of streams on the trails.

Sun 2 hour turbo

Yesterday afternoon was spent on the couch, fuelled by Guinness and rugby. This morning was spent on the turbo trying to undo all that damage. Main section was 6*(10min build 200-240W; 5min EZ), and I managed to get through it for my sins

Kurt.Godel

Mon 30min Fastlane

Kept it easy 1:36 pace with pb.

I had a run scheduled but my lower back was very sore so I bailed on it. Can possibly be traced back to Thurs fly, or more probably Sat couch.

Tue 30min Fastlane; 10min yoga, 1:20 turbo

Fastlane:
5min easy
15*(1:25 @ 1:25pace, 5s rest)
This seemed to help the back.

Turbo:
10 mins steady to build
4 * ( 10' all out 2.20 easy)
3 * (15 mins building from 230-260, 5 mins easy)
easy 5 cool down
Felt good for this and managed the power comfortably enough.

Wed 30min Fastlane; 10min yoga, 1:30 turbo

Fastlane:
Just easy pace to help the back (felt better after)

Turbo:
10 mins warmup
4 *(2 mins easy, 30 secs all out)
Easy 60'
3 *(12 min at 240-260, 5 min easy)
20 *(20' at 110 RPM +, 20' easy)
rest of 90 min easy cool down
This was pretty tough to hold 240+ (but tough in the right way), and the 110RPM were hard too. Back felt ok during it.

Thurs 15min yoga, 4k run; 60min Masters

Run:
I was really pushed for time, did this just before swimming on a very cold wet and windy track. Kept the pace easy, the back felt much better and there were no issues except tight glutes.

Masters:
400wu
9*(25swim build 1,2,3; 25easy, 10s)
Main:
take your 50m time from 200PB as base (so my base was 40s)
4*50 off 1:30 (in base +2s)
1:30 rest
4*50 off 1:30 (in base +1s)
1:30 rest
4*50 off 1:30 (in base)
1:30 rest
4*50 off 1:30 (in base -1s)
1:30 rest
6*100 as (25BE3, 25BE5, 25BE7, rest 30s, 25MAX)
I swam well, the first set too fast (in 38), the second set in 40, 3rd in 37/38, last in 36/38. Good form, good breathing, good exit and recovery.

Fri 30min Fastlane; 45min weights; 30min Fastlane

30mins 1:34 pace in the morning
30mins 1:24 pace 100's/200's in the evening
Felt good in the evening, a better rhythm throughout the arm turnover cycle.

Kurt.Godel

Sat 14k moderate run; 35min Fastlane

A fresh early start, first run with company in a while. We are both nursing back niggles so kept the pace down in favor of chatting and just enjoying being out in the start of spring. No issues with the back (it’s still a little tight) but I’m glad we didn’t push any harder.

Kurt.Godel

Sun 10min yoga, 2 hour turbo

10 mins steady to build
4 * ( 10' all out 2.20 easy)
4 * (10 mins building from 200-240, 10 mins 260-280, 5 mins easy)

I found this tough. Early start and 6 hours at a swim gala before didn't help, but I was determined to get it done and grabbed a couple of hours as soon as we were home. The last threshold 10mins was hardest, my ass was hurting and I had to stop momentarily a couple of times to quickly stretch the leg... but got it finished out.

Kurt.Godel

Mon 60min Masters

I had a 70min run scheduled but was in Dublin most of the day (clients) and could only have done this right before swimming- decided to ditch it in favour of a good pool session.

400m wu
6*(25k choice, 25 swim, 10s)
10*200@80% (PB+25s), 30s rest
6*(25 BE7, 25 drill, 10s)
My 200PB is 2:40 so I was to bring each of these in 3:05. The pace was manageable, I tried a few things to see what happened (tumbles/touch, length/turnover, rotation/kick etc) and concluded a long comfortable stroke with controlled breathing and touch turns works best. All in 3:03-3:05, working but comfortable.

Tue 30min Fastlane; 10min yoga, 90min turbo; 15min yoga, 45min run

Turbo:
10 mins warmup
4 *(2 mins easy, 30 secs all out)
Easy 60'
3 *(12 min at 240-260, 5 min easy)
20 *(20' at 110 RPM +, 20' easy)
rest of 90 min easy cool down
The session felt a lot more manageable than its equivalent last week. Holding 240-260 with relative comfort today.

Run: 30min easy, 15min steady
After missing yesterdays run I tried to squeeze it in today. The legs were a bit tired after todays turbo and I was labouring up any hills. I'm aware there's little point in making up for skipped sessions but wanted to get some running done and this 45min run around Courtown forest was a decent compromise.

Kurt.Godel

Wed 40min S&C; 5km hill hike; 45min Fastlane

Quite possibly the slowest- and most enjoyable- 5k I've even done, 2hrs 20mins marking part of our Annagh Hill race for this coming Saturday. It was a magical afternoon up there, sun was beating down and the start of Spring evident. Clear views in all directions. Its a really good course, its dried a lot quicker than I'd have imagined, and everything in place for a great race.

Fastlane:
10 min build easy-steady
20*(1:20@1:18pace, 10s rest)
5min easy

I shortened this as I was out on the hills for a couple of hours just before, but the intensity was there and more work than an hours easy swim. 1:18 pace means a fair amount of turbulence but I'm convinced learning to fight through this ("swim smooth") is paying dividends.

Neady83

Kurt.Godel wrote: »

Quite possibly the slowest- and most enjoyable- 5k I've even done, 2hrs 20mins marking part of our Annagh Hill race for this coming Saturday. It was a magical afternoon up there, sun was beating down and the start of Spring evident. Clear views in all directions. Its a really good course, its dried a lot quicker than I'd have imagined, and everything in place for a great race.

I hope it goes really well for ye, you and the committee have put so much work into it and it sounds like a cracking route, ye deserve to have a fun day. I really wish I didn't live so far West.

It's a magical feeling being out on these crisp days when the sun is just warming up.

Kurt.Godel

Neady83 wrote: »

I hope it goes really well for ye, you and the committee have put so much work into it and it sounds like a cracking route, ye deserve to have a fun day. I really wish I didn't live so far West.

It's a magical feeling being out on these crisp days when the sun is just warming up.

Should be good fun, and yes its magical being out around now!

If its any consolation I envy you washed by the Atlantic- the grass is always greener on the other side Neady!

Neady83

I've been highly entertained by the videos and pictures from Annagh Hill today

Kurt.Godel

Neady83 wrote: »

I've been highly entertained by the videos and pictures from Annagh Hill today

They are great, aren't they! Andy (photographer) chose that spot himself, he knew the rewards to be had! That particular downhill is very steep- you start to run down in a controlled slide, think you've got the hang of it, and then come to a cliff... arms grabbing tree branches, survival instinct takes over, before succumbing to the inevitable. Thankfully years of matted beech leaves make for a cushioned fall, but how perfect is it to have a camera ready to capture your lack of dignity?:D

Great fun, great race, great place. A lot of work to organise but a lot more enjoyment doing so.

Kurt.Godel

Sunday April 1st
Didn't do any training- woke up feeling dizzy and felt like crap all day. Don't know if it was from standing in the hills all day, or the kids have a cold, or whatever. I'll take tomorrow off too.

Mon and Tue Rest

Wed 90 min turbo
Main:
3 sets of (12 min at 250wt, 5 min easy)
20 * (20' at 110 RPM + 20' easy)

I felt better today, like energy had come back. Its not great missing so many odd days, but on the plus side its only the odd day or two- I've not had a major illness or injury all winter, and I'm happy to hit the start of April with a decent winter behind me.

Thurs 90 min turbo; 60min Masters
Main:
3 sets of (10 min at build from 240 to 260wt, 5 min easy)
20 * (20' at 110 RPM + 20' easy)
hamstring was very tight waking up but better after this turbo

Masters:
400m WU
2 sets of:
(400m in 6:20, 40s rest
2*(200m in 3:00, 30s rest)
4*(100 in 1:28, 20s rest))
400m swim down
A relatively easy pace night, although I felt a bit rusty. Foot cramped badly for the last 100's.

Fri Trail 10k run
30 mins easy, 15 mins steady to strong
Nice trail run across Annagh flank for the first part. It was the first time to run in a few days- the hams felt much better- so "easy" pace was probably a little faster than prescribed. I picked it up nicely once off the trails, just testing the legs. No problems as the pace increased.

Sat Nothing- at IKEA all morning and assembling flatpack all day. I was dressed to head on a run in the evening but my daughter needed help with homework...

Sun21k hilly run
Very hilly, very mucky, very fun. I did a local Tinahely loop for the first time- blessed with trails round these parts so we are. I underestimated the amount of mud and slop and had a poor choice of footwear, however the pace was easy so no bones broken.

Kurt.Godel

Mon 45mins S&C; 9k run; 60min Masters

Run: 30 mins easy, 15 mins steady to strong
The legs felt a bit dead today, residue from yesterday's long hill run. I wasn't going full blast towards the end, but was going strong, and this was probably 10s slower km pace than the effort felt.

Masters:
1,000m steady
10*(25k, 25fist, 25fast, 10s)
Dives and turns practice
300m swim down

I felt good in the water, a nice streamline. Dives are pretty good, I got some good advice on foot position and kick off board which helped. Turns are getting better but they still don't feel natural, I'm loosing breath if I tumble, which doesn't happen with touch turns. I guess the answer is to relax into the tumble but its getting close to D-day and probably too late to perfect.

joey100

have they re-scheduled your swim meet Kurt? First race of the tri season in Carlow?

Kurt.Godel

joey100 wrote: »

have they re-scheduled your swim meet Kurt? First race of the tri season in Carlow?

The 1,500 is rescheduled to this Friday evening, with the main gala on Saturday. We were just talking about it last night, no-one feels 100% targeted, but will do the best on the day. My goal is a good 1,500 (23:xx) and see whatever the next day brings. We have a couple of relay teams so it should be good fun.

After that the (bigger) goal is the Aquathon Nat Champs, which are on very early (May 13th). Carlow is hit and miss the next week, I have Lough Cutra the week after which is a race I like. It's all just around the corner now! How about yourself, what lead-in races before your biggie?

joey100

Not sure yet to be honest, was half thinking the Aquathon Champs cos it's only down the road and maybe Skerries cos it's only down the road too but we will see.

Best of luck with the Gala this weekend! That's a nice time to be going for.

Kurt.Godel

You will find the cold tough as you’re so skinny! Should make for an interesting day. I was going to try the first sea “swim” tonight but I’ll wait until after limerick. Water temps are only 8/9degrees at the moment!

Tue 30 mins easy fastlane; 1:20 turbo; 5k easy run

Turbo main:
3*(15min build 200-260W, 5min easy)
I had good control on these builds, effort was steadily increasing and it felt like a good session.

Rounded out the day with an easy 5k around Courtown forest and environs, running down by a choppy sea for a section to contemplate what might have been.

joey100

Good luck this evening and tomorrow Kurt!

pgibbo

joey100 wrote: »

Good luck this evening and tomorrow Kurt!

+1

Enjoy. Swim well

griffin100

Good luck with tonight if I don't see you there (still unsure if I'll travel).

Kurt.Godel

Wed Easy 30mins Fastlane

Thurs 4k easy run; 40min Fastlane
The run was more for the mind than the body, in the forest at jogging pace.
Fastlane:
10min easy
20*(40s@1:20pace, 10s rest)
10min easy

Fri 10min Fastlane
Just an easy stretch before travelling.

Thanks for the good wishes lads. I woke up very nervous this morning- something I will get under control on the journey down. Nerves have no part to play- 95% of the 1,500 race has been pre-determined in training already, its mine to mess up by going out too fast. Control the stroke and control the pace will be the aim.

Griff- I hope to see you down there.

joey100

Nerves are a natural part of it, I wouldn't be worrying about them, if you hadn't done the work you wouldn't be nervous because there would be no expectations, it's about using the nerves in the right way. Every race I do I'm nervous before. Best of luck.

Kurt.Godel

Fri/Sat National LC Masters Champs

What a weekend, absolutely buzzing from all the highs and lows. Brilliantly organised gala by Limerick Masters, and a really good attendance. I'll run through each of my events:

1500
After the long drive down I settled in the hotel, did some yoga, then went out for a 15min run . The last 5mins were to be fast... they were, but in the opposite direction to where I though the hotel was. Oh dear, another couple of km added on, but no hassle. I got to the pool in good time and well prepared, and watched a couple of the other heats with some clubmates swimming. Had a chat with Griffin (glad you made the trip!). I had determined not to go out too fast, control the pace and keep a good stroke. Looking at the heat sheets, there were 2 other M45's beside me, and likely at least a couple of medals coming from our heat. On the blocks, go. I felt good, in control, breathing well. I'd made a decision not to tumble turn, in order to keep breathing manageable- this is something I now regret. Going well to 500m, one lad has built a 10m lead, another guy 2m behind me. I put in distance each length, but he makes it back at each turn (he tumbles). But I'm still swimming well. At 800m a muscle in my back twangs... never had this happen before. Breathing on the other side seems to help for a bit, and in the end I just ignore it. Into the last 400m, I'm still holding 2m on the guy behind (so 2nd place in our M45 trio). Anything I make on the distance, he makes back on the turn. We're down to 200, 150, 100, and its obvious its going to come down to the wire. I deliberate if I should tumble the last turn, wait too long, don't do so and turn like a tanker. The other lad steals a couple of meters here, now I'm chasing him for the final 50, and sure enough he pips me into 3rd. I look up to see the time, 24:40 and I'm disgusted. Goal was sub 24, not only did I not get that but I lost a place over bad turns.
I check the results before going back to the hotel and I got 3rd place in AG. A medal is nice, but it should have been silver (in fact I should have went out harder and gone for gold). That night I woke up at 4am-
"where am I?"
"oh yeah, hotel in Limerick"
"what happened today?"
"you drove down for the 1500 and awwww fuuuuuccccchhhhh....."
Until the day we can wipe memories, we can just use them to learn from. Roll on Day 2.

Woke, showered, yoga, 15min run with better direction. Drove to the UL pool which was hopping.

50 back
I'd never raced this before (rarely swim back), and a recent TT had me at 48sec. Good start, up for air, start throwing the arms (and throwing water underwater), and keep going through pain waiting for the flags... and waiting... until finally they appear and there are only 1,2,3,4,5 strokes before the salvation of the wall. I had no expectations going into this event, but am happy with a 45sec time. 4th in my AG and another second would have bought a medal. Next year.

400 Medley relay
Straight away I had to get back in the water, swimming first leg (100m backstroke) for our Asgard Masters relay team. The other lads on the team are actual swimmers (and bloody fast!), so there's an expectation you have to live up to. I swim this at slightly less intensity than the 50m, and just about manage to hit the turn ready for more. I had a decent enough stroke throughout and managed to hit the wall without completely disgracing myself, yielding only enough distance so the other lads could claw back, and in the end we won the overall relay by some distance. Shiny gold medals all round!

800 DNS
I was due to do the 800 straight after this relay, but a quick text to the coach convinced me to ditch it (I had entered too many events and always knew some would be scrapped). Looking at the results after I would have been fighting for 4th place at best, so right call.

200 back
A bit of a hiatus before this event, I went for a brief walk outside and chilled before heading back inside. Into the water, good start, and grinding away. I expected to drop places but was in fact holding my own alongside each lane I could see. Decent turns, coming to 150, and still level with the field, I massively overcomplicated my last turn and in a huge effort to remain on my back I NEVER KICKED THE F*^*ING WALL, cue a mild panic as I swam back to the wall and retouched it, before going on to the final 50. I had stupidly lost distance to the field, but I was still good enough for 3rd AG (4mins I think).

50 free
Last event proper, good dive, decent stroke, I gave it what I had but didn't have that extra electricity... 33.8, happy enough with that all things considered.

400m free Relay
Straight away we had to drag ourselves to the start of the last event. 4*100m relay. Everyone was working on very tired arms, same all round. Our team was loaded the first 3 legs, with me doing the final "don't f*&^ it up" leg. I was tagged in the lead, swam hard but controlled for the first 50m, decent turn and give whats left to the finish. We ended up in third (but won our AG), I swam 1:16 for the final leg but that was everything I had.

Overall a pretty happy experience, our fledgling club has gone from strength to strength, and it was great to be part of a group and of relays in particular. Lovely bunch of people down there, big smiley face driving home.

griffin100

I thought you'd be disappointed by the few seconds to 2nd in the 1,500m. I held on to watch your race and if it's any consolation your stroke looked good right until the end. Your turns did cost you as they did slow towards the end but you've come a long way. The last time I seen you swimming properly was probably 5 years ago in Wicklow Harbour when you looked like a man wrestling a bullock - you're a hell of a lot smoother now.

I had a so so race. Did a hard session on Thursday in anticipation of not racing so was feeling that. Struggled towards the end and despite knowing I needed to slow and concentrate on my stroke I still did an impression of a drowning man for the second half of the race - 30 secs slower over the second 750m tells its own storey, as does the final time which was 30 secs over my 1,500m TT PB. Glad I went though.

I'm sure we'll catch up again over the summer OW season.

Neady83

griffin100 wrote: »

The last time I seen you swimming properly was probably 5 years ago in Wicklow Harbour when you looked like a man wrestling a bullock - you're a hell of a lot smoother now.

I think this is the most eloquent way of paying someone a compliment that I've ever heard

Well done Kurt, great prep and racing.

RacoonQueen

Your mug popped up on my facebook feed so I figured I'd better come here to check out what you've been up to. Nice swimming!