Another shooting log

7 yards and 10 yards. This is post Nevada.

If you compared this with my 7 yard targets from July, there doesn't seem to be a discernible difference by the numbers. Got about 55% bulls eye, which is comparable to July's shoot. But my grouping has tightened a bit, I don't land shots outside of the 9 circle as long as I stick to the technique. Plus I have much better stamina and don't take as long to get these shots off now. But I keep cutting myself short when I don't give myself a proper platform, so I will need to keep practicing until I can aim true.

The 10 yard, really good grouping, but a lot of them hit a tad high. Not sure if that's poor sight reading or a tiny flinching habit. But if I can just bring those shots in closer, this would have been something to boast of.

But I ought to be shooting a lot better than this after taking a four day course, so I will keep doing drills until I get it right.

Swimming log #1

There are some sports that just doesn't feel natural to your body. Swimming is one of them for me. I don't know if it's nature or nurture, but in the spirit of competition, I'm going to have to drill and train myself to swim better. Our next triathlon is next summer, which is still ten months away. That's plenty of time to dive in and get into swimming shape.

At the pool on Monday, I was winded after two warmup laps. Meanwhile three lanes over, the water polo team was cycling through laps like well... the chain on my bicycle when I climb hills. It's going to be a long ten months.

I did start wearing ear plugs, which drastically improved my comfort level in the water. I am able turn my head and roll my body more without worrying about water entering my ears. And now that I removed every possible excuse for poor technique, it's time to start building proper technique into my muscle memory.

I also started taking cold showers to adapt my body to cold water. Nothing feels as emasculating to a 200 pound guy as hyperventilating and panicking in cold water. Cold showers also have the added benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing your water usage significantly (as you scramble to finish showering).

Swimming goals for myself to accomplished by June:
1) Develop good technique, elbows bent, fingers piercing the water, S-shape underwater.
2) Swim comfortably on the left side.
3) Swim comfortably taking breaths every two strokes.

Laps laps laps!