So I didn’t manage two training sessions this week as I was chained to my work desk! I won’t bore you with the details except to say that I more well-aquainted with Brazilian import prodedures than our Post Room (and more than should be) and yet I still have four packages stuck in Sao Paolo that should be somewhere else. Just a tiny example of the week’s trials and tribulations.
So swam I did this evening at least – session 4 of the Swimathon training and it was tough. And apparently I needed a swim paddles (for my hands) help with the training. And a pull buoy (just a funny shaped float). So no swim paddles unfortunately – I had never even heard of then so I’ll have to acquire some! So I did 30 lengths without swim paddles – just arms only – but it took me ages. I guess the paddles would have made me faster, right? If anyone knows, please do tell!
I haven’t signed up for the 5K yet (200 lengths of a 25m pool) and I’m slightly concerned that I’ll be the slowest one there and run out of time to do it! I guess I still have time as it’s in April…!
Changing - one step at a time 
By the way – this was Session 4 … (Courtesy of http://www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk/docs_centre/bletchley/Swimathon%20Weekend%205k%20training%20plan.pdf )
Warm up
Level: Easy
• Swim for 4 minutes using a stroke of your choice – without resting
Rest: Up to 1 minute after the 4 minutes
• Swim 8 lengths using at least three different strokes
Rest: 45 seconds after each length
Main session
Level: Moderate to hard
• Wearing hand paddles, hold a pull buoy between your legs or cross your feet and use just your arms for 30 lengths using your favourite stroke
• Try to keep the same stroke count for every set of 3 lengths
Rest: 30 seconds every 3 lengths
• Swim 20 lengths using front crawl or breaststroke
• Increase your speed on every second length
Rest: 30 seconds every 2 lengths
• Hold a float in front of you and kick for 10 lengths using a stroke of your choice
• Build your speed from slow to fast on each length
Rest: 45 seconds after each length
• Swim for 5 minutes using a different stroke to the one you used for kick – without resting. Try to pick up your speed every 2 lengths
No rest.
Swim down
Level: Easy
• Swim 8 lengths using a stroke of your choice. This can include holding a float in front of you and kicking if you wish
Rest: 1 minute after each length