So after a few years of racing tri I finally learned to love the swim. I used to always think that the swim was just a necessary evil for crossing the finish line but as of today I have changed my bad ways. I recently started a swim focus - might not seem like a big deal to most of you but for me this was HUGE … I would guess that last year I actually got myself to the pool less than 60 times and what I did while I was there was not exactly productive. After a miserable swim at IMFL this year I decided I would force myself into the pool atleast 4 times a week for the 2007 season … well this week alone I swam a total of 22,100 yards with only 5 days of swimming (thanks to the holiday)! I wake up everyday and I WANT to swim … I actually want to swim and miss it when I cant. This morning I did 100 x 100 with my new masters group to end a very successful swimming week. I recently moved to Nevada and have been swimming in this great outdoor pool which has definitely helped change my attitude about swimming. Anyways I though I would share my story in hopes of motivating some ‘non fishies’ to start swimming because maybe you too will learn to embrace the swim 
You definitely are OD’ing on volume…aside from liking it better, how has that helped your swim pace? Has it made you much faster? I am sort of where you were, able to complete the swim segment, but always lower half percentile in swim splits. Race doesn’t begin for me until I get out of the water.
That’s a lot of meters for almost anyone - listen to your shoulders. Everything in moderation, including moderation. Best.
I havent really tested my speed lately but I feel much, much better in the water and I would guess I am swimming a bit faster. As for my shoulders … they dont hurt - my upper arms feel tired after todays swim but nothing out of the ordinary. Im not one for moderation … I either go hard or not at all.
Yep, I have done the same thing you have. Started swimming masters a few months ago and do it 5 days a week. Not sure I am any faster, but I do know I am in MUCH better shape. I can see improvements in my runnng and biking, let alone swimming. Have my first race in a month with a pool swim. If I can get and stay healthy, shall be interesting.
Our coach make a big point about the shoulders at practice friday. If they hurt AT all, he wants to know now about it.
Congrads on becoming a fish.
Dave