At the beginning of August was the Timaru Winter Swim Meet held over two days. For the first time, instead of just entering everything I decided to enter the events I thought I could make better times in.
I entered the 200 IM, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyles, 200m and 50m breaststroke.
I knew the best Canterbury swimmers would be there and the competition would be tough.
I had a great day Saturday and swam great personal bests, on Sunday I had the 400m free which is 16 lengths of the pool. I often forget to count and so I keep my eye on the best swimmer and when they're finished then I know I'm nearly finished.
I was totally focused on getting a good time, I started off strong and after three lengths i could hear Narcis, my coach, whistling at me to hurry up. Every time I put my head to the side to breathe I heard his whistle, he knows how to time it just right. With about five lengths to go I could also see Narcis walking up and down whistling, waving his arms to go harder. It really hurt and I breathed on the other side so I couldn't see him egging me on.
When I had finished I felt dead. My body ached and i was exhausted. I took nearly a whole minute off my best time! I went back to the team, Narcis said...."listen very carefully Charlie, very, very good...but i get half the credit for that!" Turns out I qualified for the Junior Nationals with that time, but, unfortunately I turn 13 eight days before the Nationals so I cannot go.
We celebrated on the way home with Burger King!
