Monday, May 16, 2011

Redemption

One thing I love about racing is there are no second chances.  Yes, there are alway more races, but that specific race, there is only one.  There is no 2nd or 3rd attempt, or next play or shift to get another shot.  You get that race and that's it.  
But training's different.  You can't let one training session be the determinant of where you stand.  Thats why I was pumped to know the group was heading to Sedona, AZ for another session.  My last session there was me tightening up 50m before the line and the coach laughing at me.  

Saturday Morning workout, 
40m, 50m 60m  flys 
1x200m at 800m pace (25-26 seconds) 5minutes rest
300m (90 seconds rest) 500m   All at 800m pace.  10min recovery  6x120m

This workout is a variation of the 200m, 600m I did last week.  It looks so easy on paper but when you incorporate that little variation called altitude, it brings a whole new factor.  (Remember altitude means less oxygen which mean your body feels like a fat kid running for the first time)

The first 200m felt fast.  25.6.  I want to feel relaxed not fast.  It's okay, 5min recovery to shake it off.   6 guys step on the line for the 300.  The coach starts us and we're off.  39.6 seconds,  PERFECT!!  Now 90seconds rest.   Typically 90seconds is that just enough rest so where you've just caught your breath.  At altitude it's going when you're still deep breathing.  We start the 500, the layout again 3 partners in front then me.  The flashback of my wheezing attack hits me hard.  "Stay relaxed" I say to myself, "you got this".  I move the backstretch closing the gap on two of them.  Coming around the turn I get this boost from my body telling me it's time to go.  I pass one, but still have my eyes set on the other two.  We all reach the home straight away.  Each step getting closer to the front runners.  I get beside the number two and I suddenly hear breathing on my outside shoulder. Someone's closing on me I surge just past and we finish all finish one body length apart from one another.  65.7seconds (1:05.7).  I FINISHED THE WORKOUT!!!!  A big smile comes across my face and a confidence comes across me.  I'm back and feeling good. The simulator added up to a 1:45 which is the Olympic standard.   

Second chances are great eh...    

 Up next is a flight to LA for the Oxy Occidental meet.  Low key meet with lots of fast competition.

1 comment:

  1. Hey Kyle,
    Glad to hear you are feeling better!
    Hope Leanna is too :)
    Keep on training hard & hopefully I can plan a trip to see you guys soon!
    Jen
    xo

    ReplyDelete