Monday, March 15, 2010

No Magic Carpet Ride

I was torn between swimming and hitting the gym today and my indecision was probably a factor in getting on the wrong highway. When I got off the highway to consult my GPS, I thought about turning around, going home and getting out a DVD or doing nothing at all. I was about to give in to Monday malaise.

I can't believe that I haven't been in a pool since Feb. 23rd. I had a lane all to myself for about 40 minutes then two duos took up residence on either side of me. Things got interesting when it was swimming lesson time.

Just what is it with the three lanes at these cookie cutter facilities?

The duo of women worked out something with the swim teacher and ended up in my lane which was cool while they were using kickboards. Even then, I was careful to take off behind them. Once they started swimming, I headed for the lazy river because I've seen them swim before. They are fast and I am slow and I don't like the feeling of being chased.

After finishing up at the pool, I was dreaming of a magic carpet to take me home but there is no magic carpet. There are no placebos in this journey. It requires putting one's backfield in motion, dedication and time...

Ana, this volunteer at my job, gave me a Clif bar. Whenever I see her, she's eating one. I told her that I tend to eat the Clif Kid bars.


She's trying to gain weight and is so sweet that I don't even detest her for that reality.

Ana said that the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Clif bar is excellent and she even advised me not to drive while eating it. I love it that the bar has a rock climber on it.


Factoids:

Left work
: 4:30 p.m. Arrived home: 8:00 p.m.
Pre-workout snacks: Half of a Mango + Fit & Active Baked Cheese Crackers (I got really hungry all of a sudden.)
Time Spent in Hot Tub: 10 Minutes
Post-Workout Snack: Clif Kid Brownie Bar
Detour: 25 Minutes
Dinner: Half of (leftover) Mediterranean Wrap from Crazy Bowls...
Water: 56 ounces
Food tracked: None

5 comments:

  1. 40 minutes in the pool with a lane all to yourself? Wow! Heaven! Our pool is always crowded. And it's also the place where all the Masters Groups swim so I always feel slow, slow, slow. For instance, it takes me about 30 minutes to swim 1/2 mile, 1 hour for a mile. Unless I am doing a triathlon, then the fear and the adrenaline kick into high gear and I come out of that 1/2 mile open water swim in about 20 minutes. I don't think I'll ever be amazingly fast, but I think I am strong and can swim a long time at a slow pace. Seems like everything I do is at a slow pace!! Ever heard of or read, "The Slow Fat Triathlete" by Jayne Williams? Very funny. she is my hero.
    goin' slow and gettin' it done.

    Ok, you've inspired me to swim on Saturday and push myself a bit harder.

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Diane,

    I specifically went to a pool out of my way because I had an inkling that it wouldn't be crowded. I do realize that an unshared lane is a luxury -- big time. ;)

    LOL, you're still faster than me but, like you, I just try to be strong and steady even if I'm slow as molasses in January.

    I'm gonna check out The Slow Fat Triathlete -- sounds like someone I can relate to.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the slow fat triathlete also! :)

    40 minutes in the pool is a good amount of time! sprints where you challenge yourself and elave again without a complete rest is a great way to get a tiny bit faster and build stamina without dying :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations on the lane to yourself for so long! When I swim I try and go with my daughter so we can share a lane. She's even slower than I am which is not saying much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. @midlife_swimmer,

    Now, I'm really going in search of this slow triathlete that you and Diane speak of. Also, thanks for the swimming tips; they are always appreciated.


    @Diane,

    That's cool that you and your daughter swim together and it's nice to know that I am not the only slow swimmer. ;)

    ReplyDelete