Monday, July 12, 2010

Welcome Back

So this morning was my first swim back... I mean, I've been swimming regularly, but half-heartedly. Today was the first time in quite some time where I showed up with my game face on and ready to be aggressive and actually swim well. (Especially unique given that it is a Monday morning!) That swim race on Saturday was still at the forefront of my mind and I had just finally reached the point where I was DONE being complacent in the water.

From my first stroke this morning I could tell that it was going to be a good day. Not that physically I felt a whole lot different. It's not like I am more rested today then I have been on any other day... but mentally I could feel that I was back. I had that aggressive feeling in both my head and my heart and was ready to have a good swim.

How may times have I blogged about deciding that you're going to be fast today? Or about how you're faster than you think? I had a good reminder of that for myself this morning. I am continually amazed at what a large part our brains play. I think part of the problem for me is that I've been swimming with Nalani and Mark and Brett, three very fast swimmers. And somewhere along the line I'd made the decision that they were all faster than me... so when they would swim ahead, I just accepted it.

Today I decided that they were not faster than me. Nope. I decided that I am just as fast as them. (Ok, not as fast as Brett. He is a genetic freak who is like 8 feet tall and more naturally talented than most humans but I am ruining my point here so let's not focus on Brett. Lol.)

Our main set today was 300 steady, 150 FAST, 50 easy, x2, on pretty tight intervals. (Or what I thought were going to be pretty tight intervals for me.) But I was aggressive even in the 300 steady and came in about 10 seconds ahead of where I would have last week. Awesome. Right into a 150 FAST. At the 100 I looked across the pool to see how far ahead Nalani was, and um, was that her behind me?? No way. Change your mindset, Michelle. You are FAST. Dig and GO!

Can I just say that I haven't beat Nalani to the wall in any fast swim in like, probably 10 months?? I'm telling you, it's all in our heads. And then I did it again on the second set.

And there's nothing not to LOVE about Nalani. As we were walking into the locker room after the swim she said, "You know, I'm sorry you didn't have a great swim on Saturday, but if that's what it took to light your fire, then I'm glad it happened. Welcome back."

Indeed. It feel good to be back. :)

10 comments:

Aimee said...

Awesome! Hooray for being "back!" :)

Running and living said...

Welcome back indeed! And yes, I am in owe of what the mind can do. Incredible!

Teresa said...

Woot!

tn

Nitsirk said...

She sounds like an awesome friend and workout buddy. Nice job.

Angela and David said...

Nalani is awesome. You are lucky to have such a great training partner (and she's lucky to have you!).

Lizzie said...

It must b so great to have someone like Nalani to swim with - she sounds like one cool chick!

Regina said...

Poor Brett, left out of the equation. Nalani is a good friend who seems to know just what to say.

So, basically what you are telling me is if I decide I will swim faster I will? ;P Ok, maybe that wont work for me. ha!

Glad you had a great swim!

jessithompson said...

Lurve.

Catching up with Jessica said...

yes, congrats on finding the perfect training partner and you for her!

kerrie said...

you know, i can always give you some swimming tips ;)




wow, i'm funny.....