Thursday, June 17, 2010

Freedom

My foot is dealing with some sort of muscle pull, so no running until it feels better. While I'm waiting for the foot to feel better, I've been frequenting our community pool. I honestly had no clue how I would do. The last time I started fresh from a long time off from swimming I could only swim two or three lengths of the pool and I was toast. Obviously, my fitness levels weren't the best at that time. This time I have miles and miles of running in my endurance tank, I train hard at RU - which has saved me time and time again,  and just keep active as possible. My first time out I swam for an 1 hour and 15 minutes, but took about a 5 minute break during that time, and several mini water sip breaks. I also did several slow back stroke laps to catch my breath. It was complete bliss. It was the way I feel when I have a good run. I didn't have to think about my feet. My head was clear, and I just swam. It felt very freeing.

I also hadn't thought about counting laps until someone asked me if I thought I swam a mile. I had no clue. Bryan suggested dividing my swim into drills, then count the sets of drills, but knowing me I'd still lose count of the drills. I remembered I had that water resistant Tech4-0 sports watch that I had received free for review last year. After some minor fumbling around with it, I found that it did have a lap button and took it on my swim today. It worked!


Sooooo...
Let's do the math. One lap was 50 meters. I swam 37 laps. 50 X 37 = 1850 meters. There's 1609.344 meters in a mile*, so, yeah, I swam over a mile today. Go me.

I didn't take a 5 minute break this time, but water sips that probably lasted a few seconds at best. Most of of the laps were freestyle, but I did a few slow backstroke laps to breathe.

I'm far from being a speedster in the pool, but I'm not training for any tris, masters swim team or anything like that.  I'm swimming to burn off some energy while not running.  That's all.  Will it evolve into something else?  I don't know... yet.

Yesterday's Song:
Hope - Jack Johnson

PEACE


*I had to look it up.

14 comments:

I Run for Fun said...

Awesome swimming! Go you! I do a lot of swimming when I cannot run too...and I keep thinking I should swim more, even when I can run. It's the best.

Anne said...

How great that you are keeping fit and finding a way around your temporary foot problem! Rockin' :)

Jill said...

Over a mile in the pool? You go girl!!! I'm sorry about your foot...err!! You need to get that thing healthy and happy!!!

misszippy said...

Sorry about your foot...I hope it heals FAST. And great job in the pool! Glad you enjoyed it. I find that once the outdoors pools are open, I enjoy it that much more.

Anonymous said...

George Michael

Awesome job Irene!!! I keep saying I'm gonna do more swimming this year.

E-Speed said...

sorry the foot is still on the mend, but kudos for getting into the pool in the meantime!

Maryland Girl aka Michelle said...

Swimming is good crosstraining! Hope the foot heals soon.

Miss Rachel said...

Over a mile - that's impressive! It's great that you have a sports watch that you can use in the pool.

The song? Hmm, I remember hearing a version of a song that I think was called Freedom sung by Richie Havens at Woodstock. (It was a recording though. I mean, I wasn't there or anything.)

Unknown said...

It's great to hear about your swimming and your need to burn off the the non-running energy...I get that! I'm struggling with swimming still but your post was pretty motivating and I've made it a goal to swim once a week throughout the whole summer!! I hope your foot feels better!

Glenn Jones said...

Way to go! I *know* I can't swim 100 yards much less one mile. Outstanding!

Black Knight said...

Sorry for the foot but the work in the pool helps to stay fit and in shape. Lucky you that you can swim long time, here every turn lasts only 40 minutes.

Pink Granite said...

Ditto the good wishes for complete healing of your foot. And you've reminded me how much I love swimming, but haven't been in too long.
Be well...
;o)
- Lee

Unknown said...

great job on the long swim! I really need to get back in the water,but need to wait for my elbow/arm to heal

Stupid foot,sorry it's giving you grief. Being injured is not fun.

Deene said...

good job at the pool!I like your new header.