I’ve
been meaning to try new things, but for a creature of habit, breaking
out of a routine is hard for me. Trying new workouts, especially, is a
challenge. I know what I like and what works for me and I get kind of
obsessive about my running and yoga schedules. I’ve been riding my bike
more this summer, for transportation and
exercise (to the point where I might have to buy some of those goofy
padded fanny bike shorts *cringe*), but other than that I stick to the
same old things. What can I say, I like running.
But last week in Pittsburgh was unbearable. Hell, last week anywhere in the US other than the west coast was unbearable. It was brutally hot, and we don’t have air conditioning (sigh). So, running outside was out, unless I wanted to wake up at 5:30am, which I did not. I did get in a few sessions on the treadmill, but it’s definitely not the same as running in the great outdoors. Then D suggested that we swim at the indoor pool at his school, in the interest of staying cool and to get some exercise. My first instinct was to refuse, of course, but the heat got the best of me and I agree to try it.
After a quick trip to Target for some goggles and a super stylish swim hat, we were ready to go. And...it wasn’t that bad. I mean it wasn’t amazing--I’m no Michael Phelps--but swimming is kind of a fun workout. The pool was cool and it was nice to be in the water. It was also alarming how quickly I got tired and how many breaks I had to take, especially as all around me people were swimming back and forth with minimal effort like they were part fish or something.
I have a lot of room for improvement, which is something that both scares me and makes me want to try harder. For example, it was difficult for me to concentrate on my breathing and stay calm while I was sharing a lane and splashing along and trying to keep good form and not drown. I panicked a little when I started to get out of breath and would come up for air almost breathless. I ended up doing a good bit of kicking with a board while keeping my head out of the water. I know how lame this makes me sound, believe me, and I was beating myself up about it at the time too. I used to be such a good swimmer (um, 10-15 years ago) and I can’t believe I’m so bad at it now. But doing a triathlon has been a goal for a long time now and I’d always let the swimming intimidate me into thinking that I might not ever actually do one.
So we’re going back tonight and I’m going to try again. I’ve read a bit of advice online and I think I know what I was doing wrong. Do you guys swim laps? Any suggestions for this tadpole?
But last week in Pittsburgh was unbearable. Hell, last week anywhere in the US other than the west coast was unbearable. It was brutally hot, and we don’t have air conditioning (sigh). So, running outside was out, unless I wanted to wake up at 5:30am, which I did not. I did get in a few sessions on the treadmill, but it’s definitely not the same as running in the great outdoors. Then D suggested that we swim at the indoor pool at his school, in the interest of staying cool and to get some exercise. My first instinct was to refuse, of course, but the heat got the best of me and I agree to try it.
After a quick trip to Target for some goggles and a super stylish swim hat, we were ready to go. And...it wasn’t that bad. I mean it wasn’t amazing--I’m no Michael Phelps--but swimming is kind of a fun workout. The pool was cool and it was nice to be in the water. It was also alarming how quickly I got tired and how many breaks I had to take, especially as all around me people were swimming back and forth with minimal effort like they were part fish or something.
I have a lot of room for improvement, which is something that both scares me and makes me want to try harder. For example, it was difficult for me to concentrate on my breathing and stay calm while I was sharing a lane and splashing along and trying to keep good form and not drown. I panicked a little when I started to get out of breath and would come up for air almost breathless. I ended up doing a good bit of kicking with a board while keeping my head out of the water. I know how lame this makes me sound, believe me, and I was beating myself up about it at the time too. I used to be such a good swimmer (um, 10-15 years ago) and I can’t believe I’m so bad at it now. But doing a triathlon has been a goal for a long time now and I’d always let the swimming intimidate me into thinking that I might not ever actually do one.
So we’re going back tonight and I’m going to try again. I’ve read a bit of advice online and I think I know what I was doing wrong. Do you guys swim laps? Any suggestions for this tadpole?
7 comments:
I used to swim A LOT, and now can not keep it up for more than a couple of weeks. It's just so boring for me to swim alone without a team. If your pool has a masters team (adult team), I would sign up. It will keep you motivated, and you'll learn a lot! There will be lots of triathletes there too :).
I do swim once every few weeks or month or so. I took a "learn how to lap swim" class in college, which was really helpful, but I just recommend taking breaks when you feel panicked or out of breath. I usually do two full down and backs (100 yds) before stopping to rest for 20-30 sec or so, but sometimes if I've worked really hard, I'll have to stop at the other end of the pool. Also you could mix in some kicking (holding the kickboard in front of you) in between the crawl stroke so that you get some relaxation (but still exercise) time.
I don't actually know how to swim. I mean, I can keep my head above the water. I can dog paddle. But that's about it. I really wish I could learn because I know it's supposed to be a great full-body workout, but sadly swim classes for adults don't really exist. At least, not anywhere that I've seen (and I have been keeping my eyes peeled the past few years).
Good luck sticking with it. Doing a triathlon sounds like a cool idea!
How fun! Good for you trying something new.
I am a terrible swimmer, but I LOVE getting into the pool and doing what I can. It's such a fun, easy way to get great exercise. I am always intimidated by lap swimmers - and super envious!
Hope you have a great weekend :)
I love swimming! I used to do laps in the pool at lunch when it was really hot outside. It made me feel great, but I definitely need some practice!
I love swimming! I don't do it very often because I don't have a gym membership, but I did bring my goggles with to the lake so I could swim there. I am thinking about getting a gym membership as there is a gym close by that has a pool, awesome workout classes, and great yoga classes. I hate to spend the money, but know yoga + swimming would be so good for my marathon training!
It was so wonderful being in the Pacific NW last week. It was like 70-85, with NO humidity. I was in heaven.
I trained for and completed a triathlon many moons ago. Swimming is the one reason I'll never do one again. I like swimming for recreation. Swimming laps kills me with boredom. Though, I'm hoping to do some open water swims in a local pond during my Cape Cod vacation in a few weeks.
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