u/ibcrian

I've been swimming since around mid-February, usually 4–5 times a week. I haven't really tracked my progress at all. I've just watched a couple of YouTube videos to improve my freestyle technique and I try to mix in some pull buoy and kickboard work during my sessions.

Yesterday I bought a smartwatch and, for the first time, recorded what a mostly continuous swim looks like for me. I swam for about 55 minutes with very little rest and the watch says I did 2,000 m (although I think it may have missed a few lengths). It also shows an average pace of 2:43 per 100 m.

What do you guys think of that?

I've mainly been swimming for enjoyment and never really measured my progress before. Before February, I had only taken swimming lessons to learn the basics and swam recreationally from time to time, but I never paid much attention to technique. Recently I've started trying to improve it through videos and drills.

I'm also considering signing up for a 1,500 m open water race in July. Based on those numbers, do you think that's a realistic goal?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

I’m still buzzing from Comic Con Liverpool! I managed to meet Gillian Anderson, Nicholas Lea, and Annabeth Gish, and the whole experience was unforgettable.

Even though my meeting with Gillian was short because her line was so massive, she was lovely. I had actually made a custom magazine for her about fashion throughout her career! She got to see it briefly, but because it was so busy, I didn't get to say much.

Later, I met Annabeth Gish, who was a total sweetheart and was giving hugs to fans (myself included). But the person who truly blew me away was Nicholas Lea.

I caught him at his desk before his lunch break and it was all quiet. Since I’m Spanish and was with another Spanish fan I met in the queue, we ended up chatting with him for nearly ten minutes. He was genuinely interested in our trip and even told us he loved Spain and he’d vacationed in my hometown with his wife! I mentioned other places nearby to visit.

The best part? He noticed the magazine I’d made for Gillian. He was so curious about it and said, "She would genuinely love that." When I mentioned her line was so fast that she only saw it for a second, he told me he would actually talk to her about me and the magazine!

He really didn’t have to go that far, but it was such a kind, thoughtful gesture. He even signed my autograph with a "See you Águilas" (referring to my hometown). A massive thank you to all of them but specially to him for making my first con so special!