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I feel like that all the time, but you CAN overcome anything (I think you know that).

My test is the mere effort to do endurance workouts. I am GREAT anaerobiclly but when it comes to aerobic exercise I must push myself hard.

I quit smoking some years back and I find I have to slowly recover every time I run or swim laps. I have slowly been able to increase my lung capacity over time, but it is sometimes still painful; I just " border="0" alt="" />

I think testings yourself is really important. You can't just keep going the same old, same old, and expect results. Our bodies grow and adapt so we have to be constantly challenging them to try newer and harder workouts.

I have a lot to say about racing so I'm going to start a new thread for that!

Maybe if I took it easy right from the beginning, I may be able to complete an Ironman. I would need to swim more often though, because I am a horrible swimmer!

I get muscle cramps in my hamstring or calf a lot when I swim fast..maybe because I'm doing something wrong with my legs?

Absolutely right adam is competative! I have seen him straight wreck shop at the club when he gets into a dance off!

Atj32,
This sounds silly and obvious but a huge part of swimming is breathing. Depending on which stroke doing try to breath every third breathe so you alternate sides, this will help you to take in more oxygen at a time. Also make sure you are exhaling through your nose. This should help with your cramps, and the build up of lactic acid that causes them. I cant say it will rid you of them completely but it might help a bit. Also alternating the every three breathes changes the side you breath on constently so it will help your shoulders and rotater(spelling) cuff not hurt as bad

DV, sounds like you are a good swimmer! I might be coming to you for advice also -- the swim is my least strong event of my 3 Tri sports.

Really, a race like an Ironman, or any running race or Triathlon, is the reward. The training is the effort and the race day is just the fun icing on the cake.

I openly apologize about the remark I posted about Adam and the dance club. It was a faulse statement and i only meant it as a simple joke. Adam does not go to clubs, and to say that he does is not the truth.