Those attending were given the choice of a chain-gang style of exercise where the last swimmer in a 3 or 4 sprints to the front while the others recover before they get to the back again and sprint to the front in turn. It helps with Drafting, swimming in close proximity and often gives you some time to practice a drill during your recovery. Altogether much can be gained and its also quite good fun and a little different. We set off in a clockwise circuit of the buoys to try it out. It all went a bit chaotic at first trying to sort out pacing but by the back straight we were like a team time trial all slotting in nicely, bar the odd swimming over your team, don't worry we're all friends ;-).
After regrouping following one lap we decided the clear water, lack of current and wind meant we had to do a timed circuit for the record books. With so many of us there on one day it would have been a wasted opportunity, so those up for it found their place on the start lione all wanting to get on the feet of teresa for the first 10m. 3-2-1 GO!!! Off we went clockwise. We had already noted that the standing club record was Hildi on last years course covering the distance in 09:45 on 1st september 2010. that day there was a slight current and a breeze so how would this still conditions favour the brave?
I could only view the time trial from where I was, I saw Teresa head off fast and tried to give a burst at the start to get a clean turn on the buoy. Rounding the first buoy I was able glance back and saw Hildi, sharon and Paul W all about 5 m behind. Rounding the second buoy I had settled into a stroke to last the estimated 500m course.Teresa had rounded the third buoy about 50m ahead of me and when I reached it and turned I could see Sharon had stretched out a bit of a gap from Hildi and Paul. the last home straight felt quite tough, obviously trying to sprint the last 50m seemed harder trying to work against a receding tide. I came in huffing and puffing and watch the other runners and riders come in. A great effrot from all those that went for it.
Various other swims went on as I tagged Tracy and took over childcare while she slipped in for a dip, others set off on warm down laps, anti-clockwise swims and some rather more dignified bathing!
People seemed to enjoy the home made flapjack but I think it was the basking in the sun and looking at the bright blue water that gave everyone a high before heading off to start the day.
time trial results: Clockwise lap 22-Jul-11. Conditions still, clear water approxx 15-16deg.
We will try to re-do this in aug/sept in similar conditions (if that arises) to see where we have improved.
Teresa: 06:29 NEW CLUB RECORD
Ollie 07:55
Sharon 08:20
Hildi : 09:00
Paul W: 09:27
Dave: 09:40
Paul C: 10:27
judging the times we estimated the course to be approx 500m.
In: 07:10
Out: 08:00
Swimmers: 13 (new record): James, Paul W, Helen, Joan, Steffan, Paul C, Ollie, Hild, Anita, Sharon, Teresa, Tracy, Dave
non Swimmers: Penny - well she is only two!!
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