3375 meters in 1 hour or a 1:47/100 pace. I exceeded my total from 2 years ago. So that was the good news. I was hoping to reach a 1:45/100 pace, but it didnt happen tonight.

The fitness and pacing were both good for the event. I didnt get overly tired, and I didnt run out of gas. I was going hard at the end. I had been concerned about my fitness not being enough, but it was fine.

I felt like I never really got into a good grove though. I had a few laps where I posted some decent splits. But I just felt that my stroke was off a touch.

I remember 2 years ago, I was constantly mentally engaged by trying little stroke modifications. But I didnt get into that much tonight. Not entirely sure why. This was a tougher event mentally. I looked at the clock at like 7, 19, 26, 35, 40 minutes, etc. "Are we done yet?" It was a bit of a mental challenge.

I did feel successful in picking up my pace the last few minutes. When I hit the 3000 meter mark, I knew that time was running out. I had a number of strong laps to close.

I'm glad I did it. Glad I beat my distance from a couple of years ago. But I feel I could have done better.

After a freestyle stroke clinic late in 07, I really felt stroke with my stroke. THen the pool closed over Christmas and then I got an ear infection. I haven't quite gotten back that feel I had before. So this gives me reasonable hope for solid improvement this upcoming season.