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2010 Hour Swim

DATE:  January 23, 2010

WHERE:  Sierra College, Rocklin, CA

DISTANCE:  3865

PLACE:  61st, F34-39

TEAMMATES:    Bob, Doug

Troy and I head to the pool kid-less. This is the first time we've had a babysitter since November and it's kind of nice just to focus on the two of us. It's the "1 Hour Swim" and I'm swimming and Troy is counting. We usually switch off, but with Troy's messed up shoulder it's not possible for him to compete today. We get to the pool and I see Doug who is also doing this swim. Troy has his work cut out for him as he will also count Doug's laps and keep both of our timing sheets dry under the umbrella. Another RAM (Rocklin Aquatic Master) teammate, Bob, is doing the event without a counter. The rest of the team is doing the normal workout. I miss doing this with all of my MVM (Mountain View Masters) teammates. Every year it was such a big event at that pool and would take over their entire pool.

Troy and I discuss a goal. The Ironman swim is just over 4200 yds and I have done it in 1:05. Realistically, we think I can do 3750 to 3800 yds. It's a challenge but Team Soares is all about challenges!

The 3 of us do a short warm-up. Coach Tracy sets up the big digital clock for us...nice! Troy reminds Doug and I that he'll signal each 500 yds by putting a kick board in the water. I'm pretty good at counting up to 500 yds but this is a good backup. Troy sets the clock to 0:00 and we're off! Doug takes the lead and I make it my goal to get as much distance in before he laps me. At 800 yds, Doug laps me, just as I'm lapping Bob. My new goal is to reach 800 yds before the next pass. The first 1000 yds is super easy mentally even though I did miscount one time. I feel good physically and find myself in a good rhythm. My flip turns are not the greatest right now but I'm doing my best to push off in a streamline position all the way to the flags before getting air. My flip-turn issue started last year when I developed this anxiety about hitting the walls, even though I never have. . As a result, I flip too early and push off of a wall that isn't there.. I'm finally getting my confidence back. At 1600y, Doug passes me again and I pass Bob. Alright, I met my goal. At about a ½ hour, I start to struggle mentally. I have to do this for another 1/2 hour?! This is getting boring! But I know it's times like these that make us all tougher! I press on and keep counting and looking for that kickboard! I will again try to hold off Doug as long as I can.

At 30 minutes I hit 1900. Hey, I'm right on target for my goal distance!! That gets me a little more excited and soon enough I find myself at 2500 yds! Doug passes me again around the same point. The new goal is to hold off Doug longer this time! I start focusing on kicking my legs more to get more speed.

At 3000 yds, I find myself more motivated! Less than 15 minutes to go! I can do it! I continue to kick hard and push harder. At 3300 yds, Doug hasn't passed me yet.He's close but I'm able to hold him off! I keep up the effort until he gets me at 3500 yds. Now, it's all I got. Come on 3800!! 5 more minutes!

My arms are really sore and tired. I haven't been swimming that much, or this hard. But it doesn't matter because the count down is on. I hit 3800 yds with a minute to go! Go, go, go! Any extra distance now is icing on the cake. At 3850, I can see a few seconds left. I won't make it to the other side of the pool, but I'll get some extra distance. It's over! Thank you, Jesus! He certainly gave me a boost today! I feel that only with Him could I do 3865 with little training! Thanks to Troy too for keeping track of it all in the rain and cold! Thanks Jesus for a supportive husband!