Training, training, training.......

It's been a while, I know. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, I hate computers and am broadband deficient, secondly, I have been training more seriously and have been left at the end of each week with the inability to lift my arms, let alone type!
October was a good month for me. As suspected I was the only swimmer training with Eilís to be behind in training after September, but I managed to turn things around slightly to cover all of her sessions for last month. Just as I was easing into a bit of a system and thinking that the training wouldn't be so hard, and would easily fit into my already busy schedule, we had our November meeting and all my illusions came crashing down around me. Although Eilís had mentioned that our training would keep at the same pace until after Christmas, she upped it considerably for the month of November.
After the initial panic following a review of her sessions, I sat down with Mick and worked out how on earth I was going to manage to complete the extra mileage. I was glad to have been up to date with the previous month as my head was in a good place, and so far I am doing well, although my arms have been constantly aching for the past couple of weeks. Last week was my biggest week and I went to bed on Friday night barely able to lie on my side, but happy in the knowledge that I had completed the week and had two days off to recuperate before my final week of the month next week. Today I am feeling a lot better and ready for the water again from tomorrow.
A few interesting things have happened along the way over the past couple of months, some good, some a bit frightening, namely the improvement showing in my support swimmer, Derek (16) and Niamh (9). Even though I am training hard and getting stronger by the week, so are they and I find I am hard pushed to stay ahead of them both :) I even had to leave Niamh pass me out on Friday as she was annoying me by touching my toes!! Caelan (8) is also flying and loving the fact that he is helping his mum training by jumping in the lane when I'm getting tired.
Also, I have registered to swim the Rottnest Channel Swim again in Feb next year as we are heading out to see family anyway. It's amazing how differently I think the Rotto swim this time around. It was my swimming goal for this year, but now a training swim for next year... Really looking forward to getting back to Rottnest Island though-it really is a magical place. Oh yes, and it will be nice to see the family and friends too!
Earlier in the month, we went to the Cork Masters Swimming Club 30th Birthday party at Maryborough House in Douglas, where I discovered that tequila and training were not going to work. Since then the social life has been on hold and will probably stay that way until Christmas...
So that's the story so far, will try and be a bit more disciplined with updating my progress. I guess it's not that hard once you get going. Finally, I'd like to say a huge thank you to Christine in Leisureworld, Bishopstown for her support.