Final swim lesson

Ok it's time to make some decisions!

What am I going to do? Am I going to do a 2 beat kick a 6 beat kick? WHat am I going to think about?

It's funny that in many ways my biggest concern for the race is my swim. It's the thing that is probably the most technically easy thing for me because the distance isn't overwhelming. It's the first thing so I know I won't be tired, under hydrated, over-hydrated, not enough electrolytes, etc. etc. All those millions of things you have to really start thinking about post swim. The swim is easy you hop in the water and swim 2.4 miles and that's it! There's no real equipment failure concerns. I guess I could get kicked in the face, lose my goggles, but those are all things outside my control.

So why am I concerned. Because I want to pull of an improved swim and I'm a bit afraid that if I don't do it that it could affect my attitude for the rest of the race. So let's put this into perspective shall we?

My last 2 Ironmans I swam in about the same time ~1:19. That is a 1:53/100 yard pace. If I go slower than that next Sunday what is it really going to mean? Will it mean all my hard work in swimming was just wasted time? Will it mean that I am going to have a crappy race for the rest of the day? Does it mean I'm a loser that I couldn't possibly that SLOW!

No it doesn't. It is what it is! It is just not even 1/3 of the race really! It is 1.5 hours out of basically a 14 hour day. That really is only 10% of the day. I need to keep it in perspective.

So here's my plan!

• 6 beat kick
• keep elbows high at the beginning
• find position at beginning of race and then settle into my pace
• don't slack off, don't get too comfortable
• Focus on one thing at a time
• Come out with a smile on my face and ready to ride!

It really is easy! That's all I have to do. I know I won't go too hard on the swim. I know that I am likely to be cautious versus overly aggressive. So there we go.

Just swim!