More and more I am beginning to think my body doesn't get along too well with swimming. This past weekend was a holiday weekend and I spent a lot of time running on the treadmill to make sure the Thanksgiving calories didn't stick around too long. Other than a few aches and pains now and again, my dryland training as been going rather well. Maybe I should try for a running event! lol. For the weekend I decided not to swim for 2 days, which is a first, and instead do other types of training to try and heal some body parts. I've been getting this pinching in my left shoulder during my recovery on freestyle and also I pulled something in my ankle from stretching them too much. So anyway I thought a good rest was in order.
On Monday however I started the day off with a gentle swim focusing on my breathing and flip turns. Then I played a round of golf. Later that day I headed to the gym for some weight training followed by another swim. This second session I did 50m free sprints. The best time I managed was 36 seconds. I was forced to leave the pool earlier than I wanted due to a strong urge to vomit. I was basically dry heaving all the way home. 
I actually gets better.
Yesterday I started the day off with a swim again. I used the hand paddles for about an hour to work on some pulling technique and power. Most of the times I swim I try and use the lane beside someone faster then me so I am always chasing them down. After some carbs and a protein shake I hit the gym for some more weight training. I only managed to fit in some core exercises before I had to go work. I also had Masters swimming last night so I didn't want to be too tired for that. 
For last nights session we did the following:

200m free
150m kick
150m backstroke

3x75m (alternating breaststroke kick, pull and swim)
3x75m breastroke

6x50m (alternating backstroke, breastroke) on 1:30
2x150m free pull
2x150m free

8x50m kick(alternating)

This last bit is where I had a bit of excitement again. On the 6th set I was doing the dolphin kick and all of a sudden my left leg completely cramped up in the middle of the pool. luckily I had a flutter board because as I tried to use my other leg to keep me up it also cramped. So there I was in the middle of the pool with 2 massive cramps in my quads hanging on to the lane divider. I took a few minutes for anyone to figure out what I was doing and finally someone helped me bend my knees so I could stretch it out. I then pulled myself along the lane divider to the wall and dragged myself out of the water. I have to say that was probably the most painful full leg cramp I have ever had. After about 10min of stretching I was able to limp over to the water fountain and then to the showers. My one leg didn't feel right again until this morning.
So mental note: Take water bottle to the pool and eat more bananas.

Well on the plus side at least I'm pushing myself to the point of sickness or severe cramping. I think too much of the time people tend to only train within their comfort zone. I say that's a waste of time!!