Swim &Tempo Run - a.k.a "my bitches"

Guess what. I brought a swim workout to the pool - AND ACTUALLY FOLLOWED IT. Total: 1600 meters. Nothing fancy, just some good old fashioned freestyle and a little breaststroke thrown in for good measure. I really wish I could incorporate more drills, but I don't really know any. I did however meet a chick who does an adult swim instruction - focusing on technique. I would love that. I would also kill to learn how to butterfly. She does a class on MW and although I missed the sign-up date, she said she would take me under her wing if I showed up. How sweet. I think I will try to go next week and she whats up. I also did a tempo run. My major overriding goal was to run each tempo mile a little faster. Usually I go out all gung-ho like and shoot my wad on the first mile. I was much smarter this time. I held back a little. Interestingly, the first mile was the closest to the actual time I was supposed to be running. How bad is it if I'm not actually hitting my miles, but running faster? I know there must be some scientific reason for why I should stay at the designated time. The second mile was tough and the third mile I was talking myself up the entire time just to get through it. I feel pretty good about it, but if someone wants to give me some insight into the importance of staying on pace rather than speeding up - I'm all ears. Stats: mile 1: 8:54 (bpm 165) wtf? I knew it was fast, but I didn't know it was that fast plyometrics: about 15 minutes mile 3: 9:18 (bpm 178) mile 4: 9:03 (bpm 184) mile 5: 8:35 (bpm 186) Overall, I am very happy with this run. It was not easy especially after the plyo work. I actually forgot to do the core, which sucks - but whatev.