Bleh - the weather, my workout, the traffic. All of it. What a cruddy day. The weather is absolutely miserable and I am already dreading my commute home from work.
Last night I stayed up way past my bedtime doing a "guests are coming to stay" clean-up. So the apartment is definitely cleaner, if not clean. Then I had to get up earlier than normal because I knew I had a long workout this morning - it included by strength training and swimming. Strength training today consisted of core muscle work, which I always hate because I may have the weakest core muscles on this planet. That took about 20 minutes because I flew through it - it really should have taken around 30+. Then I jumped in the pool. It was supposed to be a 60 min swim including the warm-up and cool down, but about 40 minutes into I started to feel super queasy. I think that I was just hungry and the swim drills that I was doing were making me a bit dizzy (they involved a bunch of twisting in the water). I had to quit because I really did not want to have to tell the old man at the desk that I had puked in the pool. I figured 40 minutes was good, even if it wasn't the whole workout. I guess I need to figure out something better to eat before swimming because I always get hungry when I swim. I usually eat nothing at all before I work out, but as my volume and duration increases, I am going to have to eat something. This morning I ate half of a clif bar. I don't know if that made me queasy or if I should have eaten the other half too in order to stave off the hunger. This whole process really is going to involve a lot of trial and error.
Here's the workout:
Core Muscle Strengthening - actually maybe instead of describing the workouts I'll post a link with the pictures. Anyway - this portion of my workout involved trying to figure out how to do the exercises with really weak muscles and modify them so that I could do them.
Swimming
5 min - freestyle warm-up
15 min - balance drills with fins
15 min - extension drills with fins
10 min - stroke drills without fins
Then I was supposed to do 5 more minutes of stroke drills, 5 min freestyle swim, 5 min cool-down of non-freestyle
To be perfectly, these drills seemed like a waste of time. First of all, because the pool is so short, I don't have time to get much done with fins on before I am turning around. Second, I a fairly good technical swimmer. Heck, I used to teach swim lessons. I'm not saying I'm great, but a lot of these drills were a bit too basic. I pictured them being better for someone who has trouble breathing to the side or lifts their head out of the water or etc. The stroke drills are helpful drills that I used to do when I swam, but I guess they just stunk today because by then I wasn't feeling so good. We'll see - I hope future swim workouts on the training program are better.
Showing posts with label Workouts - Swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workouts - Swimming. Show all posts
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
So far so good
Well, day 2 of the official training plan has arrived and my first two workouts were great. I was always good at doing my homework growing up, and having a training plan is kinda like doing homework. If you tell me that I'm supposed to do it and that I'll be able to pass the "test" because of doing it, then sign me up. I'll do it. I follow the rules. Basically, I'm a nerd. But once again, being a nerd is helping me get where I want to go.
Yesterday I hit the pool for my first official workout. These workouts are definitely longer than the ones I've been doing, but I think I have enough base work to keep up with them. Before hitting the pool, I did some strength training: 1 set of 12 reps of leg press (160 lbs), leg curls (50 lbs), leg extensions (50 lbs), and single-leg calf raises. I was supposed to do planks, but I forgot. Opps!! Then I jumped in the pool and I did a 10 minute warm-up alternating between 100 yd freestyle and 100 yd breastroke. I did about 300 yd total (remember I can't keep count of laps, which means they are always going to be approximate). Then I did 10 minutes of kick, alternating again between 100 yd freestyle and 100 yd about 100 yd breastroke. Total it was about 250 yd of kick. Then I was supposed to do 20 minutes of freestyle, stopping as needed. Although I technically could have have swam for 20 minutes straight without needing to stop, I took a 30 sec break every 5 minutes. I was able to squeeze in about 750 yds into the 20 minutes. Then I did a 5 min cool down of random stuff (ie: no specific stroke). Total duration: 45 minutes.
Today was a running day. Definitely a more intense running workout than I've done in a very long time. I'm tired now, and definitely ticked that the new kind of instant oatmeal that I brought to work with me is so disgusting that I wouldn't feed it to my dog, if I had one. So hungry. Total duration of active time 46 minutes. First I did a 5 minute walk/jog. I was supposed to incorporate pylometrics into this, but 1) not really sure what they are, 2) pretty sure I would looking like a super big dork doing them, 3) do not think it is possible on the treadmill without risking life or limb. I ended the jog around a 4.7. Then I climbed off and stretched the legs for just a few minutes. Then back on the treadmill. I was supposed to do 30-45 minutes of fartleks. Definitely not ready for 45 minutes, so I stuck with the 30 minute session, plus I didn't have time for 45 minutes. I picked 4.7 as a base running pace. This is was lower than a pace that I would pick for steady state running, but I figured it would be a good recovery rate. Then I kept upping the speed until I was huffing and puffing. Usually I would get up to about a 6.5 or 6.7 over about 5 to 7 minutes and then I would head back down to the 4.7 to recover. Overall I was pleased with how it went, and how well my knee held up. Oh - I have been trying to do all my treadmill running at a 1.0 incline, b/c I've read that 0 incline is actually easier than running outside, and that 1.0 incline is more like outside conditions.
Note on knee: I think that my knee hurts more when I am not adequately warmed up or when my knee gets cold during a workout, especially if it is rainy. Not sure if this is true, but I am positive the cold doesn't help it.
UPDATE - I just looked at the training schedule. Today's running workout was supposed to be "low" intensity. Running is never a low intensity workout for me - at least not in years. Power walking is low intensity. Maybe by the time the triathlon arrives I'll be able to run (not just walk) for 30 min and call it low intensity, but I doubt it.
Yesterday I hit the pool for my first official workout. These workouts are definitely longer than the ones I've been doing, but I think I have enough base work to keep up with them. Before hitting the pool, I did some strength training: 1 set of 12 reps of leg press (160 lbs), leg curls (50 lbs), leg extensions (50 lbs), and single-leg calf raises. I was supposed to do planks, but I forgot. Opps!! Then I jumped in the pool and I did a 10 minute warm-up alternating between 100 yd freestyle and 100 yd breastroke. I did about 300 yd total (remember I can't keep count of laps, which means they are always going to be approximate). Then I did 10 minutes of kick, alternating again between 100 yd freestyle and 100 yd about 100 yd breastroke. Total it was about 250 yd of kick. Then I was supposed to do 20 minutes of freestyle, stopping as needed. Although I technically could have have swam for 20 minutes straight without needing to stop, I took a 30 sec break every 5 minutes. I was able to squeeze in about 750 yds into the 20 minutes. Then I did a 5 min cool down of random stuff (ie: no specific stroke). Total duration: 45 minutes.
Today was a running day. Definitely a more intense running workout than I've done in a very long time. I'm tired now, and definitely ticked that the new kind of instant oatmeal that I brought to work with me is so disgusting that I wouldn't feed it to my dog, if I had one. So hungry. Total duration of active time 46 minutes. First I did a 5 minute walk/jog. I was supposed to incorporate pylometrics into this, but 1) not really sure what they are, 2) pretty sure I would looking like a super big dork doing them, 3) do not think it is possible on the treadmill without risking life or limb. I ended the jog around a 4.7. Then I climbed off and stretched the legs for just a few minutes. Then back on the treadmill. I was supposed to do 30-45 minutes of fartleks. Definitely not ready for 45 minutes, so I stuck with the 30 minute session, plus I didn't have time for 45 minutes. I picked 4.7 as a base running pace. This is was lower than a pace that I would pick for steady state running, but I figured it would be a good recovery rate. Then I kept upping the speed until I was huffing and puffing. Usually I would get up to about a 6.5 or 6.7 over about 5 to 7 minutes and then I would head back down to the 4.7 to recover. Overall I was pleased with how it went, and how well my knee held up. Oh - I have been trying to do all my treadmill running at a 1.0 incline, b/c I've read that 0 incline is actually easier than running outside, and that 1.0 incline is more like outside conditions.
Note on knee: I think that my knee hurts more when I am not adequately warmed up or when my knee gets cold during a workout, especially if it is rainy. Not sure if this is true, but I am positive the cold doesn't help it.
UPDATE - I just looked at the training schedule. Today's running workout was supposed to be "low" intensity. Running is never a low intensity workout for me - at least not in years. Power walking is low intensity. Maybe by the time the triathlon arrives I'll be able to run (not just walk) for 30 min and call it low intensity, but I doubt it.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I heart my bike.
So, Thursday I didn't end up going for a workout after work. I looked at the weather and told myself that a long outdoor bike ride on Saturday would be much more productive (and I was right!)
Friday morning I went to the pool. I actually didn't end up swimming though. The water was waaaay to hot for lap swimming. So I just did some water aerobics and talked to Cindy the pool lady. It was enjoyable and relaxing, even if it wasn't the most taxing workout. Then I spent the rest of the day full of anxiety about our house purchase. The inspection overall went well, but there is one major potential plumbing issue. It really made me anxious - as in - high blood pressure, might throw-up anxious. I am better now, but Friday was not a pleasant day. So the Hubs and I went out to dinner on Friday night, discussed life, the house and the move and I felt much better.
Then yesterday - my bike. My lovely, wonderful bike. It was beautiful outside, and the sun was shining. So much so that my face is a bit burnt today. It still was a bit cool/cold when I started out biking because I wasn't appropriately dressed, but by halfway through my ride I was fine. I ended up doing about 13 miles along the Lakefront path. It was pretty busy, which means you can't go fast the whole time, but I finished up my ride (including a stop at the turn around and a quick phone call) in about 1 hr 20 minutes. Pretty good. Plus, I forgot my knee brace. I was a little worried at first, but there was no pain at all. I think that is just how perfect my bike fits me. My bike just makes me smile.
On that note though, mechanical issues with my bike do not make me smile. I admittedly know nothing about bikes or maintenance. In fact I almost walked my bike to the bike shop before riding yesterday because the brake was sticking (due to having to shove it in the car - I really need a bike rack). Luckily, Antonio - Hubs' rowing buddy - was around and knows a lot about bikes. He saved the day and made a super easy fix. I think I am going to offer to make him dinner in exchange for Bike Maintenance 101. It will make me feel a lot more confident.
Friday morning I went to the pool. I actually didn't end up swimming though. The water was waaaay to hot for lap swimming. So I just did some water aerobics and talked to Cindy the pool lady. It was enjoyable and relaxing, even if it wasn't the most taxing workout. Then I spent the rest of the day full of anxiety about our house purchase. The inspection overall went well, but there is one major potential plumbing issue. It really made me anxious - as in - high blood pressure, might throw-up anxious. I am better now, but Friday was not a pleasant day. So the Hubs and I went out to dinner on Friday night, discussed life, the house and the move and I felt much better.
Then yesterday - my bike. My lovely, wonderful bike. It was beautiful outside, and the sun was shining. So much so that my face is a bit burnt today. It still was a bit cool/cold when I started out biking because I wasn't appropriately dressed, but by halfway through my ride I was fine. I ended up doing about 13 miles along the Lakefront path. It was pretty busy, which means you can't go fast the whole time, but I finished up my ride (including a stop at the turn around and a quick phone call) in about 1 hr 20 minutes. Pretty good. Plus, I forgot my knee brace. I was a little worried at first, but there was no pain at all. I think that is just how perfect my bike fits me. My bike just makes me smile.
On that note though, mechanical issues with my bike do not make me smile. I admittedly know nothing about bikes or maintenance. In fact I almost walked my bike to the bike shop before riding yesterday because the brake was sticking (due to having to shove it in the car - I really need a bike rack). Luckily, Antonio - Hubs' rowing buddy - was around and knows a lot about bikes. He saved the day and made a super easy fix. I think I am going to offer to make him dinner in exchange for Bike Maintenance 101. It will make me feel a lot more confident.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ugly Socks
So today's title has nothing to do with my training. It has to do with the really ugly socks that I currently have on my feet. I needed new dress socks of the tan/brown variety for work. I bought these at Target last night and they looked fine. Well it turns out that they are exceedingly ugly in daylight. Such an ugly color! I'm not what you would call a fashionista (people who really know me are laughing at the thought of that right now) but seriously, this is even too ugly for me. But my feet are cold and the shoes are a no-go without socks, and that all means that I am stuck with distractingly ugly socks all day.
Knee update = sore. Yesterday I forgot to take all of my doses of ibuprofen and I could tell. My knee was definitely hurting more by the end of the day yesterday and this morning. It is feeling better now that I have resumed the ibuprofen, but it is still tired and uncomfortable. At least there has not been any significant sharp pain since Saturday.
Today's Workout:
I forgot to set my alarm last night before I went to bed and somehow this morning I woke up late but still early enough to sneak to the gym. I am proud of myself for not throwing in the towel when I overslept and still making something happen.
Back in the pool again today because of the knee. Finally it felt like a good cardio workout today and it was enjoyable. I give the workout a 8 out of 10. I could have pushed harder, but still pleased over-all.
Today was the first time I have done a 1/2 mile swim without stopping. (The triathlon swim is 1/2 mile = 800 meters). It went really well. I had an elevated heart rate when I was done, but I was not panting or anywhere close to exhausted. In fact, I really just felt warmed-up - as if I could actually go bike.
It took me less than 25 minutes to do the swim today, which I think is good for the first full trip. I don't have an exact time for a couple of reasons: 1. when I started I didn't know that I was going to swim a full 1/2 miles but I ended up feeling good so I just kept swimming, 2. by now you should all know I can't count, which means I'm not positive that was actually 36 laps, but it was pretty close.
Based on my swim today, I think that I might be able to get my swim time under 20 minutes by August and that would be great. Because then I am pretty sure that I could be in the 20-25 minute range in open water. Overall, training is going well, even if it has been slightly derailed by my stupid knee.
Knee update = sore. Yesterday I forgot to take all of my doses of ibuprofen and I could tell. My knee was definitely hurting more by the end of the day yesterday and this morning. It is feeling better now that I have resumed the ibuprofen, but it is still tired and uncomfortable. At least there has not been any significant sharp pain since Saturday.
Today's Workout:
I forgot to set my alarm last night before I went to bed and somehow this morning I woke up late but still early enough to sneak to the gym. I am proud of myself for not throwing in the towel when I overslept and still making something happen.
Back in the pool again today because of the knee. Finally it felt like a good cardio workout today and it was enjoyable. I give the workout a 8 out of 10. I could have pushed harder, but still pleased over-all.
Today was the first time I have done a 1/2 mile swim without stopping. (The triathlon swim is 1/2 mile = 800 meters). It went really well. I had an elevated heart rate when I was done, but I was not panting or anywhere close to exhausted. In fact, I really just felt warmed-up - as if I could actually go bike.
It took me less than 25 minutes to do the swim today, which I think is good for the first full trip. I don't have an exact time for a couple of reasons: 1. when I started I didn't know that I was going to swim a full 1/2 miles but I ended up feeling good so I just kept swimming, 2. by now you should all know I can't count, which means I'm not positive that was actually 36 laps, but it was pretty close.
Based on my swim today, I think that I might be able to get my swim time under 20 minutes by August and that would be great. Because then I am pretty sure that I could be in the 20-25 minute range in open water. Overall, training is going well, even if it has been slightly derailed by my stupid knee.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Less Stupid Knee
So last night my knee was definitely sore and tired. Uncomfortable is probably the best word to describe it. This morning, much more comfortable. I swam again this morning and probably will again tomorrow. I feel like I am getting a decent workout swimming (though not high enough heart rate) and it seems to be helping the knee some. This very moment my knee feels almost good. I have a feeling it will get tired later, but maybe I'll get lucky.
I was supposed to pick up my bike yesterday which I was really excited about, but due to my stupid knee I delayed pick up until next Wednesday. I hope that by then my knee will be feeling better and that I will be able to get in a long test ride on the weekend of April 3-4th.
This morning I pulled out my old swim gear that I picked up when I went home this past weekend. It was nice to have it. I think that fins really help you remember what a good freestyle kick is supposed to feel like regarding the correct and natural motion. I also think that the paddles will really help me build up some arm strength.
I did a little longer kick session this morning with the fins to workout the legs a little harder because I haven't been doing any leg lifting or training. I was pleased with the variety it brought to the workout and I will continue to incorporate different tools.
Also, the other day (before the knee pain) I saw an article about deep water running while injured. Unfortunately I only glanced at the article but I remembered a couple things: 1. use a flotation belt, 2. make fists with your hands, 3. something about not over-exaggerating. I decided to give it a try this morning. I need to find the article to see if it gives hints on technique. I'll try to post it here later. Anyway - I think it could be a decent workout.
Workout - total duration 40 min
10 laps freestyle swim
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle kick with fins rotating sides - one arm on board, one at side
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle arms with paddles and pull-buoy
10 mins water jogging with belt
stretching legs
Hopefully I'll have time later to give a knee update.
** Update **
I am 5 hours post-workout and the knee is feeling good. Very little soreness, but it and the lower end of my quad muscle is feeling tired. I have taken two doses of ibuprofen today and have two more to go. I definitely think the combination of "treatments" is working.
Also, here is the link for the deep water running article. I don't think the pool that I workout in is technically deep enough, but I'll probably try it a little more. Surely it can't hurt.
I was supposed to pick up my bike yesterday which I was really excited about, but due to my stupid knee I delayed pick up until next Wednesday. I hope that by then my knee will be feeling better and that I will be able to get in a long test ride on the weekend of April 3-4th.
This morning I pulled out my old swim gear that I picked up when I went home this past weekend. It was nice to have it. I think that fins really help you remember what a good freestyle kick is supposed to feel like regarding the correct and natural motion. I also think that the paddles will really help me build up some arm strength.
I did a little longer kick session this morning with the fins to workout the legs a little harder because I haven't been doing any leg lifting or training. I was pleased with the variety it brought to the workout and I will continue to incorporate different tools.
Also, the other day (before the knee pain) I saw an article about deep water running while injured. Unfortunately I only glanced at the article but I remembered a couple things: 1. use a flotation belt, 2. make fists with your hands, 3. something about not over-exaggerating. I decided to give it a try this morning. I need to find the article to see if it gives hints on technique. I'll try to post it here later. Anyway - I think it could be a decent workout.
Workout - total duration 40 min
10 laps freestyle swim
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle kick with fins rotating sides - one arm on board, one at side
5 laps freestyle kick with fins on stomach
10 laps freestyle arms with paddles and pull-buoy
10 mins water jogging with belt
stretching legs
Hopefully I'll have time later to give a knee update.
** Update **
I am 5 hours post-workout and the knee is feeling good. Very little soreness, but it and the lower end of my quad muscle is feeling tired. I have taken two doses of ibuprofen today and have two more to go. I definitely think the combination of "treatments" is working.
Also, here is the link for the deep water running article. I don't think the pool that I workout in is technically deep enough, but I'll probably try it a little more. Surely it can't hurt.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ready for the Weekend Part II
I made a very wise decision when I made Fridays my swimming days. It is a great workout for the end of the week because always seems to help stretch out my muscles, plus I really enjoy swimming which makes it easier to get out of bed. In fact, there is no way that I would have gotten out of bed this morning if I hadn't been going to the gym to swim. I was so tired again this morning, but I bargained with myself that I could hit snooze one extra time, reminding myself that the pool was waiting for me. There is no way that bargain would have been made this morning if the treadmill was waiting for me. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow - I am definitely ready for the weekend.
This morning the pool was a lot better - as in, it was not 10000 degrees. Instead, it was only 86, which felt cool by comparison to the last few weeks. Plus, it was quiet today. There are no lap lanes in the pool and it can be a little hectic when there are a couple old men floating/swimming and old ladies do their exercises. I just pretend like it is the triathlon with lots of random people doing weird things. I have a feeling though that I won't be zipping past people quite as fast during the actual triathlon!
Workout - Total Duration = 40 minutes
I lose track on counting sometimes (ok, often) so the number of laps below are approximate. I try to throw in an extra lap if I think I miscounted, but who knows maybe I miscount a lot. In fact, just ask anyone I rowed with in college. I was terrible at practices when we did "silent pyramid" pieces. I just can't keep count.
approx. 20 laps (over 1/4 mile) freestyle
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle kick with board
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle arms only with pull-buoy
5 minutes treading water
2 x 10 - leg swings - across the front and front to back
PS - I think I may go look at bikes tomorrow. I am super excited to see what is out there! Soon enough I'll be able to get outside for my biking sessions and I am really excited by the thought of a new bike!
This morning the pool was a lot better - as in, it was not 10000 degrees. Instead, it was only 86, which felt cool by comparison to the last few weeks. Plus, it was quiet today. There are no lap lanes in the pool and it can be a little hectic when there are a couple old men floating/swimming and old ladies do their exercises. I just pretend like it is the triathlon with lots of random people doing weird things. I have a feeling though that I won't be zipping past people quite as fast during the actual triathlon!
Workout - Total Duration = 40 minutes
I lose track on counting sometimes (ok, often) so the number of laps below are approximate. I try to throw in an extra lap if I think I miscounted, but who knows maybe I miscount a lot. In fact, just ask anyone I rowed with in college. I was terrible at practices when we did "silent pyramid" pieces. I just can't keep count.
approx. 20 laps (over 1/4 mile) freestyle
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle kick with board
approx. 9 laps (around 1/8 mile) freestyle arms only with pull-buoy
5 minutes treading water
2 x 10 - leg swings - across the front and front to back
PS - I think I may go look at bikes tomorrow. I am super excited to see what is out there! Soon enough I'll be able to get outside for my biking sessions and I am really excited by the thought of a new bike!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Hot Hot Hot
My swim today stunk - to put it nicely. I think I've mentioned that they keep the water warm for the PT patients and the older gym members who exercise/chat at the pool. Well today the water was literally 89 degrees. I did around 20 laps - over a 1/4 mile - when I had to stop because I thought I was going to throw-up. It was so hot, especially with a swim cap on - it just traps the heat. I couldn't even keep count of how many laps I was doing because I was so hot. Most of the time you forget that you sweat when you are swimming. Well not today - it was miserable. So then I did around 200 yards of arms only. Then did some kick work - both breaststroke and free style. (Breaststroke is my favorite and really my best.) Then around 5 minutes of treading water, and some leg exercises. Total workout - 30 minutes. I'd give it a 5 out of 10. The whole experience was miserable and the workout was mediocre at best. I was moving so slow because it was so hot.
I want to stick with this membership until I move, but if the water continues to be this warm I'm going to have to join the city pool in addition. It isn't that expensive, but we are desperately trying to save money because we are thinking purchasing our first home once we move out East. But seriously, I can't swim in that water. It's insanely hot. Plus, I don't want to get used to swimming in that warm of water when the river that I'll be swimming in is going to be around 80 degrees, which is a huge difference. The city pool might be necessary.
PS - Does anyone (assuming someone reads this other than me and Hubs and my lovely sister) have good lifting exercises specifically focused on arms for swimming freestyle? I've noticed that my arms definitely tire more quickly than my legs. Obviously, I want to build up my strength for the swim portion of the triathlon, but I also am afraid that my arms are going to be exhausted when trying to support my body on the bike.
I want to stick with this membership until I move, but if the water continues to be this warm I'm going to have to join the city pool in addition. It isn't that expensive, but we are desperately trying to save money because we are thinking purchasing our first home once we move out East. But seriously, I can't swim in that water. It's insanely hot. Plus, I don't want to get used to swimming in that warm of water when the river that I'll be swimming in is going to be around 80 degrees, which is a huge difference. The city pool might be necessary.
PS - Does anyone (assuming someone reads this other than me and Hubs and my lovely sister) have good lifting exercises specifically focused on arms for swimming freestyle? I've noticed that my arms definitely tire more quickly than my legs. Obviously, I want to build up my strength for the swim portion of the triathlon, but I also am afraid that my arms are going to be exhausted when trying to support my body on the bike.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Not so bad
I tried going to the pool little later this week than I did last week, but next week I'll be returning to the earlier time. The pool gets too crowded with pool exercisers/chatters at the later time. They are a lovely group of old ladies and men, but it is just a bit much - though I feel super fast next to barely moving swimmers and people walking/floating with noodles. Hopefully next week the pool won't be as hot. It feels like bath water, which all the little old ladies and PT patients like, but it gets hot.
This morning I spent 30 minutes in the pool and I was pleased - I am not going to die on the swim portion after all. This is only my second time in the pool since I have started swimming and the times are acceptable to me. I did about a 1/4 mile (18 laps) of freestyle in about 10-12 minutes (I am not exactly sure what time I started). Then I did 9 laps of freestyle kick with kickboard and 9 laps of freestyle with pull-buoy in less than 15 minutes. So in a little over 20 minutes, I did a .5 mile including kick/and arms-only. Then I threw in another 6 laps of freestyle and played around a bit - for a grand total of 30 minutes.
I need to remind myself that this pool is an easy pool because I am doing twice as many turns (well I don't do actual flip turns, but the wall is there), but I really try not to push off at all.
All in all - I give it a 7 out of 10. I definitely could have worked harder, but it felt good.
This morning I spent 30 minutes in the pool and I was pleased - I am not going to die on the swim portion after all. This is only my second time in the pool since I have started swimming and the times are acceptable to me. I did about a 1/4 mile (18 laps) of freestyle in about 10-12 minutes (I am not exactly sure what time I started). Then I did 9 laps of freestyle kick with kickboard and 9 laps of freestyle with pull-buoy in less than 15 minutes. So in a little over 20 minutes, I did a .5 mile including kick/and arms-only. Then I threw in another 6 laps of freestyle and played around a bit - for a grand total of 30 minutes.
I need to remind myself that this pool is an easy pool because I am doing twice as many turns (well I don't do actual flip turns, but the wall is there), but I really try not to push off at all.
All in all - I give it a 7 out of 10. I definitely could have worked harder, but it felt good.
Friday, February 20, 2009
How do you forget things you love?
I found my goggles this morning! They were with my swim suit and goggles, but I just missed them in my hurry last night. Remember how, in college, your mom told you that nothing good happens after midnight. Well, these days, nothing good happens after 10pm - my brain shuts down and anything I do is too rushed. So when I was digging through the drawer last night, I simply missed the goggles. After a great night sleep, I methodically looked through the drawer and found them.
Because it is cleaning day at work, I can wear jeans today and for some reason I was able to get out the door faster this morning. So I arrived at the gym early and got in a great swim. I forget how much I love swimming. It was my first love in life - particularly in the world of physical activity. Thanks mom for signing me up for swim lessons every summer until I was 10. Actually, when I think about it, I've spent most of my summers, until recently, in the pool. Either at lessons and playing when I was little, or lifeguarding and teaching lessons when I was in high school and college. I swam on the various teams, some summer league and two years in high school. I was never very fast, but I really enjoyed it. All of these memories were brought back simply by getting in the pool this morning for the first time in around two years. There is something oddly comforting about squeezing into a swimsuit, smooshing my head into a silicone cap, and getting rings around my eyes with the suctions on my goggles. How do I always forget how much I love swimming - I never forget how much I hate the treadmill!
So - my first workout in the pool consisted of 10 minutes swimming freestyle (with some stops), 10 minutes freestyle kick with a kickboard, and 10 more minutes swimming freestyle. Nothing hard - simply getting re-acquainted with the water. The girl I talked to yesterday was right, the pool is a decent length, though definitely shorter than a standard pool. They have a conversion chart on the wall, but I'm not sure that it is right. I need to get out a calculator and figure out how many laps I'm going to have to do in order to equal a half mile. All in all - I give the workout an 8 out of 10 - not because it was a great cardio workout but because I left feeling happy, my muscles felt good, and it was a decent workout.
Oh! and my knee feels good today. Maybe that knee brace did work. No pain at all, especially after the swim. That also makes me happy! and its Friday!
I haven't been working out on the weekends and I don't plan to for another month or two, so have a good weekend!
Because it is cleaning day at work, I can wear jeans today and for some reason I was able to get out the door faster this morning. So I arrived at the gym early and got in a great swim. I forget how much I love swimming. It was my first love in life - particularly in the world of physical activity. Thanks mom for signing me up for swim lessons every summer until I was 10. Actually, when I think about it, I've spent most of my summers, until recently, in the pool. Either at lessons and playing when I was little, or lifeguarding and teaching lessons when I was in high school and college. I swam on the various teams, some summer league and two years in high school. I was never very fast, but I really enjoyed it. All of these memories were brought back simply by getting in the pool this morning for the first time in around two years. There is something oddly comforting about squeezing into a swimsuit, smooshing my head into a silicone cap, and getting rings around my eyes with the suctions on my goggles. How do I always forget how much I love swimming - I never forget how much I hate the treadmill!
So - my first workout in the pool consisted of 10 minutes swimming freestyle (with some stops), 10 minutes freestyle kick with a kickboard, and 10 more minutes swimming freestyle. Nothing hard - simply getting re-acquainted with the water. The girl I talked to yesterday was right, the pool is a decent length, though definitely shorter than a standard pool. They have a conversion chart on the wall, but I'm not sure that it is right. I need to get out a calculator and figure out how many laps I'm going to have to do in order to equal a half mile. All in all - I give the workout an 8 out of 10 - not because it was a great cardio workout but because I left feeling happy, my muscles felt good, and it was a decent workout.
Oh! and my knee feels good today. Maybe that knee brace did work. No pain at all, especially after the swim. That also makes me happy! and its Friday!
I haven't been working out on the weekends and I don't plan to for another month or two, so have a good weekend!
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