One thing I have learned over the years is to not get worried about where I want to end up but to monitor my progress in that direction.

In the last week I have watched my mileage for the same trainer ride steady go up which means the drills are working. I can feel my pedal stroke smoothing out and I definitely feel stronger on the bike.

Last night's swim though was a real marker.

First of all it was after a very hectic stress filled day at work. Then you add in the traffic due to a little snow and wondering if I was even going to make it to the pool in time for lap swimming (6-7). Then as I slid into the pool I could feel the water was warm (the water aerobics class must have complained). That normally means a pretty sluggish swim as I just over heat.

From the very start I felt great. My form was good and I felt strong. No shoulder pain to work out just flat out swimming. I knew it was going to be close getting my mile in because I was late due to traffic but I figured I would swim until the life guard kicked me out for the water aerobics class.

I finished with an all time best time and a minute faster than when I started swimming again in Nov. Now that is the kind of progress I am looking for!