Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Off to an Early Start

Who would have thought the pool would be so packed at 6 a.m.? Well, it’s not uncommon. I had assumed there would be a bulk of people at the pool bright and early, but didn’t anticipate such a crowd at that hour. The rec. center opens at 6 a.m., and when I arrived by 6:10 a.m., every single lane was full.

But it turns out that early swimmers are particularly courteous. When I swim during other peak times, people tend to bury their heads and swim down the middle of their lanes—ignoring you even if you’re kicking and splashing for their attention. And asking to squeeze in is akin to asking for their secondborn.

The people swimming in the three marked lanes this morning (the rest of the pool is open; it was full too), however, split to one side or the other of their lanes as soon as I showed up on the deck. Ahh, some faith in humanity!

I hopped in with a pretty good swimmer dude and did the following 4,200-yard workout:

1,000 yards free pull warm-up

8 x 150 yards alternating:
· 4 x 150 yards free (counting strokes)
· 4 x 100 yards free sprint, 50 yards backstroke

12 x 75 yards alternating:
· 6 x 75 yards free
· 6 x 75 yards IM order

8 x 50 yards IM order

200 yards reverse IM

500 yards free cool down

Not only was it nice to swim among so many people for the wake (if I’m going to open-water swim, I need to get used to wake), I had pacers and competitors galore. As I mentioned, the guy in my lane was a strong swimmer. I didn’t talk to him much, but we did plenty of swim-dueling during my 1,000-yard warm up. Maybe it was just me.

This may be the weather talking, but early morning workouts aren’t remotely as painful as I had imagined. Don’t remind me I said that in December. Not only did I get my swimming done before the day even began, but I had plenty of time to get a full swim without the pressure of getting back from lunch or getting home before my evening was lost.

Two hours was more than enough to swim, shower, dress and make it to work. I guess I’m just fortunate that the pool is five minutes from my office. Now, if only I could get there before the crowd.

5 comments:

Brooke said...

Although I am not one, I do find that morning workout people are more courteous.

Great job on the swim.

Jim said...

I used to LOVE swimming in the morning because driving to the pool offered premium wake-up time. (Although, I've certainly run into my share of grouches.) And of course, if not fully awake when there, hitting the water for the first time sure snapped me awake in a hurry! Seems like I'm always saying this but, "Sheesh, I need to get to the pool more than once a month!" Nice swimmage with your 4,200!

JenC said...

I am also amazed by the number of people in the pool by 6 AM. You would think they'd want to sleep in. Although, like you, I've found morning swimming (or the workouts) to be the best because then it is done and nothing can interfere with their completion.

I'm still in awe of your 4200. I swam 3200 meters this morning (in 1:20) and I was one tired gal.

Joe said...

Morning swims are the best. The hard part is getting to the pool.

Papa Louie said...

I need to learn how to put that much yardage in the pool. Maybe this winter. Great workouk!