As We Roll In

Midway Mark of Workout

Let's do some inventory on the status of things

 At the end of these simple laps - it's hard to believe you're halfway done

 Laps number 19 and 20 come and go so fast you don't have time to say goodbye
The first couple of laps were au natural, nothing assisted & no boost in glide speed
The second pair of laps you get the fins - Free swim or kickboard if your back permits
The third pair of laps - you still wear fins - free swim with buoy - without paddle hands

We don't slip on the paddle hands until the warmup is complete
We do that to protect the body from danger created by extra pull



If you feel like going on vacation at any time during laps 2-4, you are encouraged to do so
Lap number 7 - you have mandatory vacation hours - you can't come to work - go lay out

Laps number 8-10
You have one job
Which is to get accustomed
To making 75 yards distance
That's three lengths and then a single 25-length of doing Lazy River

Lap number 11
You have mandatory vacation hours again
You can't come to work - call it a mental health break

Laps 12,13
Take an honest lap - fins on for rest of session
Then take another lap with rest modification

Laps 14,15
Honest lap with fins
Then finish on a different lap
That's designed to cut corners

Lap number 16
Believe it or not
You are once again
Required to go on vacation

Laps 17,18
You are employing
The buoy-assisted pair
Within your fourth five-set

Laps 19,20
You are doing the paddles
Or free swim to reach 50% of your set

As you roll into being halfway complete, you have so many options

When I reach 20 - I can hardly believe how easy it's been

There's a mesmerizing power when you become the passenger
To the driver of your own focused intention
It's not a bad way to reach goals

You can keep up this repeating pattern honest-rest-vacation-repeat all the way to the moon

You are free to change from lap count (# of laps) to time count (# of minutes)
There's a beautiful zen to doing exactly that - a lot of people only watch time

You can create intention about how far you want to go on today's particular workout
You can do body inventory - see if you're injured, distracted, resentful, in good spirit

It's halfway - let's check in - are we doing another 20? Want to be done right now?
Having freedom to double or leave the workout right now - is worth its weight in gold

If you're having bitter thoughts you might not be enjoying yourself enough
What's up with that? If you're finding ease and grace

More power to you, friend - don't be bitter
There is no need for that, dear Reader

Lesson Summary

As we reach the midway mark of the workout, it's a good time to take inventory of where things stand:

• Laps 19 and 20 mark the halfway point of the session.
• From the start, the laps progress from natural swimming to assisted techniques.
• Here's a breakdown of the laps:

1. The first couple of laps are natural with no assistance or boost.
2. The next laps introduce fins for free swimming or kickboard use.
3. In the third set of laps, fins are still on for free swimming with a buoy but without paddle hands.
4. Paddle hands are added after the warmup to prevent strain from extra pulling.
5. Take a mental health break during laps 7 and 11 - mandatory vacation hours.
6. Focus on making a 75-yard distance in laps 8-10.
7. Laps 13 and 15 involve honest laps with fins and finish with a different lap to cut corners.
8. Employ buoy-assisted techniques in laps 17 and 18 within the fourth set of five laps.
9. Laps 19 and 20 are done with paddles or free swimming to reach 50% completion.

As you progress, consider the following:

• You have the freedom to complete another 20 laps or end the workout early.
• Feel empowered to adjust from lap count to time count to suit your needs.
• Check in with your body - are you injured, distracted, or in good spirits?
• Reflect on your progress and mindset - aim for ease and grace in your workout.

Remember, the journey to your goals doesn't have to be bitter. Embrace the freedom to tailor the workout to your liking and enjoy the process.