On Tolerance ...

This week I've been following Dr. Chow's advice. I know. Go figure!

Some time ago he suggested I try doing some training in a racing suit for the added back and pelvic support. The thing is, it's not an inexpensive proposition, because nothing kills lycra like chlorine. The Speedo Fastskin I race in is generally a $300 suit. Not long ago, though, I decided to give it a shot, and ordered a lower end Speedo Aquablade knee suit (which was still $117 CAD before taxes), and have been working on fly tolerance. It seems to be working. Who knew? Three days in a row I got between 300-400 metres of fly in. Last night, it allowed me to do almost 400 metres of breaststroke. And kick. After swimming breaststroke. At the end of practice. Which went something like this:

♦ 600 free
♦ 7 x 50 free descend 1-2 (8 assigned, but Duane stopped us)
♦ 15 x 100 on 1:45 as 75 free, 25 not free (I did breast)*
♦ 4 x 100 kick (I did almost all whip, with the occasional length of flutter kick thrown in)

Now, first of all, I haven't done 400 metres of kick since I got back in the pool, let alone at the end of practice! And the likelihood of actually walking afterwards would have otherwise been very low. It wasn't fast, I took it fairly easy on the kick, but again I say, "Who knew?" Well, okay, maybe the orthopaedist who is also team doctor for our NHL team. But other than him? Am I a little on the sore side today? Sure. And it is remotely possible moving the microwave didn't help a great deal. Conveniently, though, it's a recovery day!

* I missed one 50 free on account of inhaling some water, and Margaret & I took an extra 15 seconds on one due to lane confusion (we were the only ones making the intervals).