Swimming challenge

With swimming as my only training option (and yoga) I spoke to my coach in Canada and she put together a training schedule to try and get me fit enough to complete a 10km race in 6 weeks time.  I really haven't done enough swimming this year so getting back in the pool after 3 weeks off wasn't going to be easy - and it wasn't.  The total distance for the set was 3,000m which was a 50% increase on my longest swim this year.  But it had to be done.
500m warm up, 5 x 200m, 10 x 100m & 500 warm down.  All timed however my coaches targets were a bit ambitious as she had set them based on my Ironman time 2 years ago when I was in a lot better shape.  But now I've established the baseline I just need to get faster.  Having a programme to follow certainly got me focused.
The following day I went to Loch Lomond and swam3,600m.  Open water swimming is different and the wetsuit certainly makes it easier.  You have to overcome the fear that sometime sneaks into your head especially when you are swimming away from the shore and the water gets darker, deeper and colder.  Your mind can play tricks but mine was fully occupied as I was being given some tips from the club swim coach Nicola.  She was swimming next to me getting me to follow her cadence, trying to get me to slow down and be more efficient.  It worked and it also helped me relax in the water.
I'll be back in the water tomorrow as my schedule is to swim 4 days a week splitting my time between the pool and the open water.
I have also started to build in my yoga which will help the recovery of my hamstring and improve my core strength.  I've got an appointment booked with the physio later this week and am treating the swelling with heat & cold, twice a day.  Hopefully this will start to help the hamstring recover.