Finding my swimming mojo

Over the past few weeks as much as I am trying to be positive about my swimming, its just not clicking. I feel like I really can't be bothered getting into the pool to swim laps. I feel tight and slower than pre-surgery which I know is to be expected. Plus having a small car accident three weeks ago has not helped with whiplash and a sore back. So the last couple of weeks have been hard to find motivation to go swimming and even when I am there, to do much.

So I am hoping with a new week I can get my mind in a better place and start to be more driven in the water that sinking. I guess as much as I know in my heart and mind I won't be able to run again, but maybe power walk, that I could go back to triathlon again. So with a few things running (excuse the pun) through my mind, and not having my swimming mojo, its been just a little difficult to find much drive at all. The other hard part I guess with out really taking the time to think about it, is I finished my last open water swim doing the Rottnest Channel Swim in February, and with a DNF (did not finish) due to hypothermia and I haven't been back in the ocean since, due to surgery and now weather as its cold, stormy and almost Winter. Swimming in the ocean for me, makes me feel free, light, one with the ocean so to speak, and the feeling of almost flying. I guess that is the part I miss the most, where swimming in the pool, just ins't the same.

Now its up to me to find away to pull myself out of this hole and into a better mind set for when I swim in the pool and push that bit harder and smarter.

Have an awesome week everyone...

Hayley xx

Never Give Up!

 When you have a dream and for some reason you think that you can no longer reach that dream, remember there is always a way, it might be a different direction you need to take to get to that dream, but never give up!

I thought I wouldn't be able to go back to triathlon, though I had a wonderful thought of instead of doing the run section there might be the idea to power-walk it. Though I need the all clear from my surgeon before I tackle this idea.

I call it an idea not a goal at this point, as I don't want to get my hopes to high and then land myself back to where I was when first told I wouldn't be able to run again. As much as I would love the to do another solo half Ironman event, I have to be very much aware, that I can not afford to injure my foot again, as it will only cause bigger problems in the future.

I wish I knew years ago what I know today. As cliche` as that sounds I think aspects of my life would be different, though many would be the same. I wish I could have loved triathlon as a 20 something and had more time doing such an amazing sport. I am very grateful for the times I have competed as a team member and a solo participant, with great memories and wonderful experiences. So what ever happens, I will work my way through it and come to see the reasons for what happens.

Have a great weekend when it comes...

Hayley xx

Training to start 2016/17

This week will see me stepping back up to quality training, as the past week has had set backs due to a minor car accident last weekend. Yesterday was my first proper swim session in a little while and it was good to be back into a better perspective on my swimming. Over the next couple of weeks as I start to get more sessions in per week again and slowly build back to my previous fitness levels before my first attempt to swim the Rottnest Channel.

I have realised I have lost speed over the last eight to nine weeks that I have had off from surgery and accident. So with determination and drive I will strive to rebuild and become faster again and regain the 11 seconds per 100m I have slowed down by. In order to rebuild, and as much I would like to go back to swimming  5-6 days a week, its not going to happen. I need to slowly rebuild. Form is still where is should be, its back to rebuilding the strength in my back and shoulders. Also I noticed with my swimming yesterday I need to do a bit more work on my lung capacity, so more sessions of more strokes per breath that needs to be taken while doing freestyle. Above all else with training its also a matter of staying focused on good eating habits, or I will be back to where I was the day of the swim as well, with not fueling properly before the swim, and that would have made the attempt a little harder as well. So as this week takes shape so will my swimming. With a session planned for tomorrow night for an hour.

Have an awesome week everyone...

Hayley xx

A new year of training

 With two weeks till I start back to proper swim training, I am looking forward to the time in the water to relax, clear my mind and to plan for the next eleven months of training, but not just myself, this year I am coaching more people, others who want to join in the journey of swimming across the Rottnest Channel. I will have a lovely team of four, hopefully a duo team and four of us who wish to do the solo.

For me this year training will be different. Not so much on my technique of swimming more on being able to deal with long cold swims. I am hoping to do some winter open water swims as well, to condition the body into the cold and choppy waters that we get on the channel swim. Even though this years swim was the best conditions that has been had in such a long time, there were still areas of choppy water, especially once you start getting closer to Rottnest Island. I am looking forward I guess more to next years swim, as I know what to expect and how to deal with the sea sick situations that I had and knowing I am and will be even stronger physically and mentally than this year.

The next eleven or so months will be filled with so many new and old things. From swim training to writing novels, and to working, plus family time, my days will be filled and my life fulfilled. I guess that is the simplicity of it all. Its a matter of putting things in your life that you enjoy and that make you happy. Finding the courage to chase your dreams and goals, though finding the balance to be able to not rush and enjoy the journey no matter which way it goes.

Have a wonderful week ahead and chase your dreams...

Hayley xx