Sunday, November 04, 2007

Seasonal?


So, I've decided to use this off time from running to take up a new sport. Namely, swimming. However, apparently I've miscalculated my efforts here. See, apparently swimming is a seasonal sport. Even in California. So, no one, anywhere, seems to carry swimsuits right now! I do have a few swimsuits, but they are definitely more of the lounging variety than the working out kind. I might try to order something online, or just deal with wearing my oh so cute hawaiin flower halter top two piece swimsuit to swim laps in. I feel a little silly not having an exercising swimsuit, but what can you do?


Still, despite the suit limiations, I finally got into the pool yesterday :)

I got to they gym right when it opened at the extra early hour of 10am (seriously....apparently no one at UCSC like to work out at a normal working out hour). Much to my surprise, the pool was relativley empty! Granted, it is november, but it was 70 degrees and blue skies, perfect swimming weather. I actually got a tiny bit sunburned!!

Anyways, I swam for just over an hour, at my ridiculously slow pace, which got me 70 laps (25 meters for each lap, I think, so a total distance of 1.16 miles since apparently the swimmer's mile is 1500 meters, according to a site I saw). So, hopefully I'll get better!

I did also see those water running belts, so I might have to try that out. Maybe next saturday when I can count on the pool being empty again :)

My my crosstraining efforts definitely fell short this week with just 4 hours of cardio and a 1/2 hour of weights. Still, better than nothing! I'm really sore from yesterday's swimming and hour of crosstraining and weights, so I took today off, but hopefully will do swimming and crosstraining again tomorrow! It's nice to be somewhat active again :D

Thanks everyone for giving me confidence to get in that pool!

11 comments:

Jean said...

Hey, you are better off than I am, Addy. I am pretty sure I would need to buy a swimsuit, as nothing I own would pass for one!

Enjoy your break from running, and good luck with your cross training!

Journey to a Centum said...

I hope you swim better than I do. I'm more like a thrasher than a swimmer. Great pictures on this and your previous post. Is the bridge on the Big Sur Marathon course? Michelle and I are running Big Sur next year.

If you are going to start swimming you may as well start saving your money for a really expensive bicycle. Triathalons are all about the gear!

Keep active!

Cheers!
Eric

Backofpack said...

My swimsuit is so old it might fall apart if I tried to put it on! Check out lands end - they usually have something. I think it's great that you've found something to do while you are recovering. Good for you!

Journey to a Centum said...

Doh! I need to read picture captions. I'm just a visual learner...

Eric

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed you swam for an hour. I have no problem with the going out for a run for two or three hours but I really can't see myself swimming for even half an hour!

Trail gal said...

hello Addy, Good to hear about your swimming adventures, I'm very impressed. One word: TranSports! where swimming is always in style and in season. I got a great speedo suit there during the winter at a fabulous sale price. One more reason for you to come up to Berkeley for a visit!

Phil said...

4 hours of cross-training is 4 more than I've done this week. Congrats.

Sarah said...

70 laps? I'm impressed! I sooo can't swim.

Gretchen said...

Yes, I too am more impressed with someone who will swim for an entire hour than someone who will run 50 miles. Maybe because I don't think I have ever actually swum for an hour straight. Nice job!! That will definitely keep you in shape. I'm ready to get on the cross training train (as it were...) too. Yoga, and skiing as soon as it snows!!

Dave - Atlanta Trails said...

Exactly what Phil said....unless you count ankle exercises as cross training. :)

Jessica DeLine said...

swimming. that is awesome!!