Sunday, January 18, 2009

Caro Dual Meet - Caro vs. Midland - Jan 17, 2009

It was a blustery day in Michigan's thumb. The wind swirled the blowing and drifting snow along Route 81 east to make the road appear to be in constant motion. The sub-zero wind chills made keeping the car warm a challenge. Our toes were freezing as we approached small farm houses with dilapidated barns outlined against miles of white. Less experienced drivers slowed to about 35 miles per hour along a the two-lane road where 55 mph was more likely.

Caro, Michigan is the absolute middle of nowhere. Imagine my surprise when we arrived at their high school to find a very nice 50 Meter pool! It took me a while, however, to realize the pool was 50 meters. Typically in the winter season, we are swimming in 50 Yard pools, which, as you know, are shorter by a good margin. The times posted in the program seemed odd to me, until I figured it out, got home, and did the Meters to Yards conversion. As it turned out, Lexy had a spectacular day!

The first event was the 200 Meter relay, with each girl swimming their best stroke for 50 meters (two lengths). They dropped about four seconds as a team, winning first in their age division.

In the 50 Fly, Lexy dropped about three-tenths of a second from her 50 yard time (converted). This was her best time all year. She came in second behind her 10-year old teammate. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n1rUjKGtRI

In the 50 backstroke, Lexy dropped more than two seconds (converted time). Again, a second place behind the same teammate. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoYxUvvpCDk

And in the 50 Meter breaststroke win, she dropped about two-tenths of a second in her converted time, and finally won a legitimate first place this season. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THZEdOL44Y4

This was a great way to spend a blustery Saturday. By the time we left, there were several inches of snow on the ground. By Sunday morning, at home, we had about eight inches of the fluffy stuff!

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