In preparation for the Budgie 100, a 100m Free challenge race amongst a few friends in a couple of weeks, I figured I should get back in a swimming pool and try and get a feel for things again. Not having swum since January means I’m a bit rusty.

Had a look around and decided to join the lunchtime squad sessions at Boy Charlton Pool since they are coached by Mark Newton who knows his stuff and and usually produces a decent workout. The squads I went to last year were a bit useless as the coach knew less than I did and usually churned out almost the same session, week in, week out.

So, I went along for my first session yesterday and it was great. Spending your lunchtime swimming in a heated outdoor pool, in 30C under a blazing sun, is a great way to train. I arrived a bit late as I’d got sidetracked at work, and there was a bit of a problem finding Mark as I was expecting someone walking up and down the bank, not leading the lane. Once that was sorted out it was a pretty easy session.

300 Free
5 * 200 Free on 3:30 (3:10)
100 Free/100 Back Relax
8 * 50 on 1:00 (37)
4 * 100 Free Paddles on 1:40 (1:20)
Total: 2300m

I took it pretty easy, as while I’m reasonably aerobically fit, my arms aren’t used to doing any work at all, so they were the weakest link. Still, swimming in salt water helps as it makes me about 5s/100m faster than a pool.

I’ve signed up for Tuesday & Thursday lunchtimes and I reckon I’ll run to and from the session next week and not bother having a shower until I get back to work.

S: 2300m