How elusive is the search for progress?

Progress is relative. Progress is subjective. But the infrequent times I have managed to maintain some forms of training, progress is hard to find.

The ongoing chase for that elusive ' race fitness' continues. And one that is made all the more prescient as suddenly the full triathlon season is upon us.

Due to this errant approach to training lethargy sets in more easily. More easy to turn over than answer the early morning alarm. More easy to hit the couch than the track. And yet there is the yearning to progress. More than three months now in the pool, and several in the original beginners have, rightfully, been promoted to the intermediate lane. I, though, stalled. I have led the beginners lane on a number of days, but progress seemed to elude me. 

I pressed on session after session, drill after drill. And while my fitness and stamina appeared, at least on a superficial level, to have improved, I really didn't know if I was making progress.

Progress is more than simply an indication of improvement, it is a motivation. A reward for the hard work put in, and a way to move forward. But training wasn't giving me that. Mild frustrations set in. As much at myself for missing training through laziness, fatigue and illness. But frustrations nonetheless.

And as the season arrives, the lack of progress gets amplified. So having asked our coach, Lee, for a few tips on how to improve I had my next step towards progress. I hoped.  But quite how I progressed surprised me. Next training was on Bank holiday Tuesday. I arrived at the pool more out of habit than eagerness. I sought to put Lee's suggestions into play. 

Eight lengths later I was in the intermediate lane. Progress. Made. Motivation restored.

Progress is relative. I am now in the intermediate swimming lane. Progress is subjective.  I believe I can keep improving.

Roll on the season and the first triathlon in two weeks time.