Here's the first half of our slate:
* 2100 broken into 6 parts (see me if you want to know these parts.)
FIN LADDER - IM at 75%, Free at 95% - on 30 seconds rest
* 600 (200 IM, 400 Free)
* 500 Free
* 400 (200 IM, 200 Free)
* 300 Free
* 200 IM
* 50 free without fins
Usually towards the conclusion of a training trip, the collective thoughts of a team morph from "this is the hardest thing I've ever done" to "well, since we're here, we might as well make the most of it." Our finest morning practice of the Ft. Myers adventure saw the Bison move to the dark side of the pool and climb onto the block. The goal was to only race the clock with no one next to you (in fact, we made lanes 6 and 7 the warm down lanes and raced in lanes 5 and 8, ensuring you racing only the timer in your head.) Take the times the coaches bark, make adjustments, and post a lower total on the next go-around.
The sprint group threw down 5x50s for time and the distance friends fired 4x150s.
We were tremendous.
Undoubtedly, the chance to rest a bit before a dynamic performance was much more welcomed to repetitive aerobic demands. Every Bison was fabulous and on point with making their times descend.
Three Howard student-athletes, though, highlighted the herd:
#3 - Darell Hungerford - Rousing performances with his 50 breaststroke sprint should not be Darell's only accomplishment. His Fin Ladder was not in his wheelhouse of sets, but he pushed himself when asked and had plenty of juice to spare for his 50s.
#2 - E'lan Brewer - When you've already been on 2 full Florida trips, practices like this seem familiar. Brewer's 150s were awesome...easily her fastest of the season in any pool. Her 300 freestyle in the Fin Ladder was equally impressive.
#1 - Emeka Brooks - Emeka NEVER complains. Emeka NEVER takes a set off. Every team needs an Emeka or three. The alterations he is making in his stroke have visibly benefited the freshman. Awesome time in his 50s and impressive work passing teammates during the Fin Ladder.
Great work Bison...buckle up for this afternoon. We're going to make the most of every minute we have remaining in 2011...