Weight, Happy Feet and Awesome Weather

Hello all from a sunny, awesome spring day in Cape Town. The weather has been absolutely peachy and perfect for some lekker outdoor swimming :-) I once more have a dreaded sinus infection ... nothing bad ... but obviously been pushing my training a little hard of late. That easy week, every FOURTH week, is rather important I presume; but not something I always stick to ...

I had an interesting experience the other day. A little Chinese massage parlour in town, called Happy Feet, is just perfect for a little foot massage before going out in the evening, or after work on the way home. They offer longer and more elaborate sessions; but a 30 minute foot massage, green tea and a comfy seat are just fine. I was not surprised to find the spots under my feet corresponding to my upper back, shoulder and neck tension being quite sensitive (obvious swimming muscle overuse). But the masseuse indicated with rather broken English that my right knee was also a little buggered ... it wasn't really sensitive - neither the knee, nor the corresponding foot area - but I accepted his comment and smiled. Well, the next day during training ... I started with a right knee twinge; which became rather severe and caused some mild limping two days later. The knee has recovered well and I have been for some extra massages for my neck and shoulders ... but it just reminded me how weird and fascinating our body is ... all the wiring and connections we so often take for granted :-)

And I am not really all that surprised that my knee is complaining! I am currently weighing in at a good 97/98kg. The most I have ever weighed, but quite necessary for the insulation required for the 13 - 15 degrees we are swimming in. It doesn't feel overly comfortable - especially with the odd run. But ... who can really complain when one can eat and drink basically anything one wants, every day throughout winter ... aahh ... what a life ;-)

Lighthouse to Big Bay Results 2012

Three cheers for my AquaCoach and Stroke Change

Well ... for any novices out here searching blog sites and getting training ideas ... I have found, or rather eventually adopted, two key components to my training routine. Do not waste any more time searching ... focus on these ASAP!!

Firstly I eventually invested in a Speedo AquaCoach watch. Secondly I eventually adopted some decent stroke changes. Both are by no means new to any seasoned swimmers, but both should be drilled into any novice swimmer keen to take their hobby to a new level. I would equate these to certain must-dos in cycling: bib-shorts, tubeless MTB tyres and cleat pedals ... these items definitely change the enjoyment and success in ones sport :-)

Speedo AquaCoach

No more counting laps ... and more concentration on form and strokes per length. Really simple actually. It doesn't have to be a Speedo watch specifically ... but a swim watch that counts laps, average strokes, time, speed, etc ... For me this has made a huge difference.

Changed Stroke

I have read about, heard about, watched and been familiar with stroke rates, efficiency and styles for a while. I even thought I was implementing it semi-properly. But I had a rude awakening ... or rather the penny eventually dropped ... when I went to my chiropractor for a wrist niggle and we got into stroke rates and stroke style ...

BINGO!! Lawrence just described it so well. Thanks doc, you are a star.

For those that are into swimming and have not linked through to the Swim Smooth website ... go now ... immediately ... and don't forget to download the Mr Smooth app. The website is really well written, simple and to the point. Not as boring as some of the books on the market, and easy to reference back to on a regular basis.

Big up to my AquaCoach and Mr Smooth :-)

Time for a laugh ...

Lighthouse to Bigbay Swim 2012

Saturday morning ... flat seas ... water at 12 - 13 degrees Celsius ... 10.5km swim distance ... thick fog ... and a variety of support craft ... perfect conditions for a great swim. Many thanks Derrick for organising such a great event.

The start of the 2012 Lighthouse to Bigbay Swim, in Cape Town, had to be delayed by an hour due to the thick fog at the start line. The swim is a one-way, shore hugging, 10.5km cold water, sea swim. The conditions were really great, albeit a tad chilly. And getting out beyond the waves was at first a slight challenge ... especially for some of the longer life saving paddle crafts our dedicated support crew from the local life saving association were using.

The somewhat chilling swim went off perfectly. Practising my new stroke, feeding well ... and constantly hungry! Waters were flat. The constant view of the shore line was lekker. Seals were out and about. Shipwrecks, Table Mountain views, an assortment of paddlers, kayaks, stand-up-paddlers and a variety of rubber ducks all added to the mental stimulation in an otherwise, simple, run-of-the-mill, mind-numbingly boring swim :-)

I was quite happy with my 3h16 ... a good steady sub one hours per 3km pace. Minimal shivering at the end. A cool 33.5 degrees core temperature after the swim. Hot chocolate. Good lucky draw prizes and a great crowd.

... what more does one want from a day out swimming :-)