The hour Postal swim. To me, this is a eeasurement of progress. I did it 2 years ago and was around 3700 yards, or 1:37 per 100 pace. I knew that I had improved since then, but I did not know how much. Now I do.

I was hoping for 4000 yards, which would be a 1:30 per 100 pace. My general plan was to start out easy and build pace in the second half.

I did a few hundred yards warmup. And then it was time to go. Was I ready? I don't know, are you ever ready for an hour swim? But we started off. My first lap wsa about 40 seconds, a good pace. Even so, the woman in the lane next to me was already about half length ahead of me. She was flying. (She ended up doing 4660 yards.)

I settled in and finished the first 500 yards in 7:10. I was about 20 seconds ahead of a 1:30 pace. I was feeling good and in control.

I pretty much set the cruise. From 500 yards to about 3500, every single 100 yards was 1:29 or 1:30. Just very consistent. Strokewise, I tried to make a good pushoff and streamline each time. I played a touch with my catch, especially my left arm. But it didnt seem to make too much difference.

With about 8 minutes left, I picked it up some. While I had been clearly aerobic for the race to this point, I moved anearobic. I don't have the splits, but I think I increased a couple seconds per 50. With 3 minutes left, I stepped it up again. Last minute was a strong push.

I was pleasantly surprised to finish 4070, or a 1:28 per 100 yard pace. But I know that I could have done more. I could have picked it up sooner. How much difference this could have made, I don't know. But I know I had more in me.

After finishing, several people commented on how strong my push off was. My streamline and dolphin was apparently very strong. Coach actually wondered if I'm better off not flip turning as the open turn lets me get this good push off. Something to play with for the coming year. :)