Swim test, I am slow

So I finished up my last test of my first ever testing week. This morning I did a 900yd pool swim TT. My local pool is only 45yd per lap, strange I know. I just figured I'd work with what I got and I can play with the numbers just the same. The testing sessions were fun to break the monotony, but I'm ready to take the volume to the next level as I move into the Base 1 phase.

Now the swim summary...I woke up later than I had hoped, so I didn't get to the pool until 6AM and felt a little rushed. To make up for being a little late, I only did 90yd of warmup swimming plus some quick stretching. I definately had time for more, and could have used it too. The first 3-4 laps of the TT I was still pretty tight, especially in the upper body and had to loosen up.

I have been reading Total immersion and working on their drills as one of my goals this season to improve my swim efficiency. I have heard arguments for and against this method, but more seem to be positive and the idea of swimming efficiently instead of worrying about working so hard appeals to the triathlete in me. I think if I can swim just slightly faster or the same speed I do now, but keep my HR lower and muscles fresher, my times will improve more significantly than if I learn to kill the swim at the expense of my precious energy.

Since I have been focusing mostly on drilling in the past couple weeks, I haven't been doing all that much straight swimming. In fact, my longest straight swim since I got back in the pool was 450yd easy. Needless to say, I was expecting to fade down the stretch on this 900yd trial.

My main goal for the first test was just to get in a rhythm and get comfortable while trying to stay as consistent as possible. In this regard, I succeeded. I was able to complete the 900yd with no noticeable energy dropoff until the last 180 or so, where I broke form a little too. I noticed that the TI drills have improved my position in the water as I felt more balanced. However, I still lie mostly flat and don't have good body rotation yet, so my power output is low. Overall I was pleased b/c I was able to complete the test and get a time to improve on. Mostly I was excited that my breathing was so easy and I didn't really get out of breath. I've had issues in the past with getting headaches on longer swims and I could tell I wasn't going to be getting one, even if I continued.

My stats: 900yd time-20:22
90yd split-2:02.2

My goal split for my A race is 1:55/90yd in open water, so I definately have work to do. However, with basically no endurance swimming completed to this point I feel like I have a pretty good shot.

Overall, my training tests were successful I'd say. I definately have work to do, but I feel pretty good at this point. Monday marks the beginning of Base1 week.