Who doesn't love a New Year's Eve swim? I went to the LAC on the 31st of December, and there's a simple reason why: it's the pool I can count on to be absolutely always long course, not like Hengrove. And I love this pool from the many times I've visited it.
First Impressions
When I arrived - lovely. I just love the shape of the building. It's not a basic 3D shape. It's one of those innovative curves with so many intricate patterns.
The Pool & Facilities
The pool itself? 3 meters deep, 50 meters length - perfect. There were no disasters when I got there. It wasn't like Hengrove, as I say again. Perfect temperature as well.
And the changing rooms? Wow. You might have heard me say "spacious" for Colfe's, but these changing rooms? Biggest changing rooms ever. That's why they didn't even call it changing rooms - they called it the changing village. It was crazy. And there were no bad surprises. Everything was great, spacious, awesome, amazing.
The Session
I did sprint endurance training and some sprints for the Kent County Championships. I did hit the times I was aiming for - 40 seconds for 50 at 80% effort. And max effort, I did a 35 and a 36, which is awesome. And that's all without a dive.
The Butterfly Set
There was a butterfly set though. It went 50 butterfly then 50, then 50 butterfly 50, then 50 butterfly 50. The first 2 were focused on technique and build to 85%, but the last one was sprint like a race.
In short course, you normally have a turn to help you. This was harsh. My heart was just pounding in my chest afterwards. I could hear it. So it was very hard. Yeah, I pushed for it