Ethereal

Workout:
Ran 3 miles in 25:41
Swam 1,300 yards


Warm-up (200)
Main set (1,000):  
4 x 25  #1 (9-3-9); #2 (FTD); #3 (rotation kick); #4 (catch-up freestyle)
200 pull 
12 x 25 free @ :45 - breathing every 3 strokes 
400 free- with as few breaks as possible
Cool-down (100)


When our swimming coach told me two weeks ago that to her, swimming was ethereal, I nodded and smiled politely having no idea what she was talking about. To me, it was more hellish than heavenly. But today, I kinda got a glimpse of what she was talking about. About midway through my main set, I went somewhere else, just like I do on my long runs and lost track of time. I've progressed enough in just three week to no longer be constantly struggling and I was able to look around, under water and appreciate the reflections of light, insulation of sound and bubbles that floated in front of me each time I stroked. I felt weightless and efficient, gliding through the water. You might say that I even enjoyed it! 


That enjoyment was fleeting, because after I completed the 12 x 25 (or, 12 laps) I took a look at my workout sheet and felt like I'd been tricked. 400 free didn't look like much, but doing the math, I realized it was actually 16 laps. I bartered with myself, saying that if I completed 200 (8 laps) I could cheat and make the last 200 a pull (with buoy between my legs) instead of a swim. But, just like on my long runs, once I was 1/2 way through it, I decided to just finish it proper. It felt so good to be done, and to be noticing some improvement!!!