500 Free Challenge

Many of you are probably wondering why on earth I’m racing the 500 free this weekend at the American Short Course in Austin. During my younger years i.e. high school and college, I always raced the 500 free once per year to see where my fitness level was. Since my senior year of college in 2007 I haven’t raced a single one. Be it focusing on different events, the lack of desire, or maybe even poor planning, I just haven’t thought about doing another 500, until recently.

At the 2010 World Championships in Dubai the fire for the 500 was rekindled. In Dubai my personal coach working with me throughout the meet was Chris Davis, of Swim Atlanta. One afternoon a few coaches and I (Chris included) were sitting around talking about the 500 free. I brought up how I used to do it once per year and could actually throw down a pretty decent time for a sprinter (4:30). Chris turned to me and said, “what do you think you could go now?” I instantly replied by saying, “I bet I could go under 4:20!” Without hesitation Chris says, “not a chance.”

Challenge me? Are you kidding? I live for challenges. The bet was made. Fire began pumping in my veins. We decided the race would be the 500 free at American Short Course. If I go under 4:20 Chris buys me dinner at any restaurant I want in Austin. If I don’t go under 4:20 I buy him dinner. I was super pumped up and couldn’t wait to get back to training. Since Dubai I’ve had some of the most consistent and best training of my life. All roads lead to sub 4:20.

This morning I went 4:25.8. The swim wasn’t easy but I never really threw in the legs and my stroke was controlled the whole way. I’m both very confident and excited that tonight is going to be sub 4:20! I know two things for sure. One, I will give everything I have to this swim, as I always do. Two, this 500 is going to hurt like a mother!

Let’s go baby!!