At this point, I think I’ve seen every possible show that Shark Week has to offer. Speaking of, Shark Week and USA Swimming should strike a deal to collaborate on something. It just seems to me that every week-long selection competition coincides with a week-long special of documentaries on the most feared marine animal. Is there a connection there? I think so. When the week is over, the TV programs end, and the fastest swimmers are selected to represent the USA. Survival of the fittest, just like the evolutionary story of the shark.
Tonight is my last race, which also happens to be the last race of this competition. Special thanks to whoever built the 1500 into the last spot. There’s nothing worse than having to swim the finals race in the dead heat of the afternoon sun. It gets hot enough without the sun, so it’s reassuring to know that I won’t feel like I’m swimming in a cauldron of boiling soup tonight. I’m excited about the race though so hopefully it will come together like planned.
The 1500 seems to be the race that every swimmer dreads. Maybe because it’s the longest race in the pool. Or possibly, because to swim it effectively, you have to endure some challenging practices. I’ve gone on record, claiming to maybe “be crazy,” but it’s arguably my favorite race. Part of that comes from having it be the race that jump-started my career as an age-grouper. Part of it is because, well maybe, I’m crazy. More often than not, when I tell someone I am swimming the 1500, they either cringe or laugh. I guess I’ve never really understood that reaction. For me, I’ve always embraced the 1500 as a challenge, but have rarely feared it because I prepare for it. And even if I’m crazy, you have to trust me on this one: There’s no better feeling than a perfectly executed 1500.
Tomorrow we assemble for the Pan Pac training camp and the whole preparation process starts over again. Maybe I can even sneak over to the beach for a little bit…
I’m always amazed how you manage to hold your 50′s on a 1500m race within a few tenths on each 50. How do you train to pace that steady! Congrats. Continued best wishes PVK. It was great to see you @ IL States meet. You made the girls’ day by talking to them @ the meet.
Great race today PVK!! I’m hoarse from rooting for you! Lol. Your swim strokes look so clean. You made it look effortless and it’s apparent how much you enjoy swimming. Thanks for all the smiles! It made the pictures I took look nice and made the rest of us feel like we shared the moment with you. You are amazing to watch in the water
Hope I get to come and watch you swim in Pan Pacs! <3
Hi Peter! Good job at Nationals! While you were signing autographs this past week, I heard one of the kids ask you what you think about during the “long” period of time that you’re swimming. I remember you saying that “it’s just 15 minutes”. You saying that really put the 1500 into perspective for me. Whenever you hear “1500″ you DO get really distinct reactions. But hearing you put it that way?…It’s NOT really a long time at all. It made me think about all the things in my life that take 15 minutes! hahahaha Take Care and Good Luck at the Pan Pacific’s.