The Chicot Challenge Rampup Has Begun

It's getting close and I'm feeling the need to pour on the distance. The Chicot Challenge is only six weeks away and although I have swum some 42,000 meters more than last year at this time, thanks to the coldest spring in my memory, I am way behind on long swims. Monday I did a little 3.15 mile shuffle and then went to Twin Rivers. The pool was in a little better shape but not much. It always takes a few weeks to get in clean and the chemicals right. It ain't right yet. But it is sooo much cleaner than a catfish pond. I swam 5,700 meters just up and down, up and down: no sets, just lap swimming. I was in a lap mood and felt I needed an easy pace after yesterday's hard swim in New Orleans.

Tuesday I went for a run during my lunch break and did 6.55 miles in a multi-paced fashion. I was stronger at the end than I was on the same workout last week. Good sign. After some nutrition and a nap, it was off to the pool at Twin Rivers instead of Masters. I stayed home to save the gas money and the two hours of driving time thus giving myself the opportunity to do a longer swim. This time I took my thermometer and found the water was 72. That is still a bit cool to me, especially when trying to stay in two or more hours. I swam

I love paddle sets. They make me really strong in the water.

1,700
10 X 100 @ 2:00
400 easy
10 X 100 @ 1:59
400 easy
200 XL paddles
400 L paddles
600 Medium paddles
1,300 Small paddles
Total: 7,000 meters.

The 7,000 makes this my longest swim of the year. Following on the heels of 5,700 the day before, and I feel I am developing a bit of endurance. Since I have to drive to the main campus tomorrow, I hope to take the opportunity to get into a catfish pond, Jerry Nobile's, tomorrow and try to hammer out another long swim.