So for Alcatraz, I've set a no-plan training plan. Instead of rigid goals, I've set mild benchmarks that if I make them, I know I'll be on track for the swim.
The first benchmark is to swim three or more days a week, except when I can't. (How's that for a non-rigid goal?) Last week I was in Victoria, BC with the spouse for four days. I didn't swim at all. That's ok. When I came home I picked up my Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday swim routine, having only missed one Tuesday.
The second benchmark is to make a mile an easy swim. I've accomplished this. It is about a mile from the swim beach to the dog park and back at Magnusson park, where I swim most often. That is now my "daily" swim or my "easy" swim. When I don't feel like swimming, I do that mile. Easy peasy.
The third benchmark is to make a mile and a half an easy swim. I've pretty much accomplished this. I've done the mile-and-a-half swim three times, and only the first time did it feel hard. It is worth noting that the first time was also the worst conditions I've swum in so far this summer.
The fourth benchmark is to swim to the Lighthouse and back every time I swim at Alki in July and August. I've done this this last two times I've swum at Alki (so far every time in July and August). The distance is almost identical to Alcatraz, though the conditions may be different.
The final benchmark is to make a two mile swim a reasonable swim, if not "easy". I'm still working up to this, but plan on doing my first two miler of the season this Thursday. If I can do it once a week between now and Alcatraz I'll consider the benchmark met.
Just over a month until the Alcatraz swim, I've made four of my five benchmarks. I'm on my way!
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