Time to swim

I somehow dragged my body out of bed at 4:30 this morning after being out late to see Riverdance (so worth it!), having a hard time dropping off to sleep, (visions of tappers in my head), and then waking up too often before the alarm went off. I didn't want to miss this morning because the game plan was to time our 1000 yards. I can't remember what my old time was back in March 2010, probably around 25 minutes. It wasn't much better today. I was pumped and optimistic and ready to stroke it! I started out strong, but around 400 yards, started to feel fatigued and gasping for air, and realized I was swimming too fast and too strong, for me. I tried just slowing down, but instead felt panick setting in. I had to stop and catch my breath (how embarrassing!) and then start again. I forced myself to calm down and think about my form and breathing and found a comfortable stride and got through the last 600 yards without difficulty. But the stop dented my time and I came in over 22 minutes. I can't remember the seconds. So, hoorah, I am officially the slowest swimmer in the class. But then, I'm relieved that I am not moving to the next lane just yet. Maybe next year! I need to work on those long distance swims, breathing in, breathing out, pull pull kick kick kick.