Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Good-bye KMSC
Monday was a holiday here....a much needed three day weekend! A super busy weekend with puppet shows and concerts, good-bye dinners and lunches, and a trip to Kanazawa. And plus the excitement of a big earthquake only 200km away. The swim team usually practices Monday night but the pool was closed so I suggested to some of the ladies that we get together for some food and dinner! And of course it turned into much more. They picked up both San Tache and I 30 minutes earlier than expected and we went to Majorca, a Mediterranean restaurant in the next town over. It was super delicious--salads, pasta, paella, wine, dessert and coffee! Plus I got a few gifts--goggles, a cap, towel, and keyboard keychain! Super cute and useful!! The conversation was a bit forced at first but after the first bottle of wine everyone started having a good time. Unfortunately we drank two more and the next day I thought I was going to puke during my good-bye speech in front of 300 elementary school kids. But I made it through!! Here are some pics from the evening. They are a crazy group...I'll miss my Monday nights!!
Monday, July 09, 2007
KMSC 1700m
400s
200p
200k
100p
100k
100s
100k
8x50k
8xstarts
Total: ~1700 100min.
Today was it-last day! I brought Ferrero chocolates and left them on the sign-in desk with a little 'thank you' note for everyone. It was a pretty easy good-bye compared to others earlier in the day. I made plans with two of the women to go out drinking--finally!! There were a few requests for good-bye hugs and kisses by older men that I politely declined. The women commented on how thin I've become, not sure if they are making conversation or maybe the stress is starting to add up!
During the starts practice I finally got some help--they noticed my all time biggest problem. When I do a start I sit down, stand up and then jump. It's so slow and it's something I've always done. I just can't break the habit! But I think I figured it out. I am too flexible, so I don't start in a low enough seated position. I start with my legs too straight and not bent enough. I need to start with my knees more bent. And I don't look up, I just go. I have absolutely NO IDEA how I get from the block to the water. It's like a black out for that split second. I have no idea where my arms go or how my body enters the water. The masters swimmers say it looks 'beautiful' but I have no idea...I can't feel it!
200p
200k
100p
100k
100s
100k
8x50k
8xstarts
Total: ~1700 100min.
Today was it-last day! I brought Ferrero chocolates and left them on the sign-in desk with a little 'thank you' note for everyone. It was a pretty easy good-bye compared to others earlier in the day. I made plans with two of the women to go out drinking--finally!! There were a few requests for good-bye hugs and kisses by older men that I politely declined. The women commented on how thin I've become, not sure if they are making conversation or maybe the stress is starting to add up!
During the starts practice I finally got some help--they noticed my all time biggest problem. When I do a start I sit down, stand up and then jump. It's so slow and it's something I've always done. I just can't break the habit! But I think I figured it out. I am too flexible, so I don't start in a low enough seated position. I start with my legs too straight and not bent enough. I need to start with my knees more bent. And I don't look up, I just go. I have absolutely NO IDEA how I get from the block to the water. It's like a black out for that split second. I have no idea where my arms go or how my body enters the water. The masters swimmers say it looks 'beautiful' but I have no idea...I can't feel it!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Biking Around Town
Went for two short rides this weekend! Felt nice to get out and about...went down to the ocean one day and went to the river one day!
Total: 25-30km
Total: 25-30km
Monday, July 02, 2007
KMSC 1950m
300s/200p/200k/300p/100s
11x50 pull/kick/combi/dash(x2)+ez(x3)
10x25 starts
50s
Total: 1950m 1hr. 30min.
No coach again today, but not many swimmers either. July is "start" practice, so I think attendance is down. Anyway, we had 15 minutes to swim after everyone finished their warm-up before we practiced our starts. So I suggested the 50s. I think everyone in the lane finished.
I hate practicing starts because I feel totally incompetent. I need to go to a week-long start clinic, a one-on-one start clinic with a really friendly and very patient coach. Today after I did about 6, I was given the whistle! Hurray! Wow...they trusted me with the whistle! A few people came up and had to correct my style...but I got it down by the end. A few others were given 'whistle' privileges and really screwed them up. We were almost peeing our suits on the deck! A few swimmers almost fell off the blocks in hysterics because the whistle call was so off!! After the official practice was over, I stayed and watched more people do their starts. It's really amazing how people have such different styles for the same basic function...jump off a block and dive into the water.
I think next week might be my last practice! Sad!
11x50 pull/kick/combi/dash(x2)+ez(x3)
10x25 starts
50s
Total: 1950m 1hr. 30min.
No coach again today, but not many swimmers either. July is "start" practice, so I think attendance is down. Anyway, we had 15 minutes to swim after everyone finished their warm-up before we practiced our starts. So I suggested the 50s. I think everyone in the lane finished.
I hate practicing starts because I feel totally incompetent. I need to go to a week-long start clinic, a one-on-one start clinic with a really friendly and very patient coach. Today after I did about 6, I was given the whistle! Hurray! Wow...they trusted me with the whistle! A few people came up and had to correct my style...but I got it down by the end. A few others were given 'whistle' privileges and really screwed them up. We were almost peeing our suits on the deck! A few swimmers almost fell off the blocks in hysterics because the whistle call was so off!! After the official practice was over, I stayed and watched more people do their starts. It's really amazing how people have such different styles for the same basic function...jump off a block and dive into the water.
I think next week might be my last practice! Sad!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Another ridiculous run
I went again today. Why?? I got up, and went running. It was short, it was slow...but I was running.
I'm scaring myself.
I'm scaring myself.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
A Quick Run
No time for the pool, and too much stuff to carry to and from school to be biking. So after school I was feeling wild and crazy and went for a 25 minute walk/run. Seriously...what has gotten into me?
Then I went and ate a massive Nepalese meal complete with a huge naan and rice! Yum!!
Then I went and ate a massive Nepalese meal complete with a huge naan and rice! Yum!!
Monday, June 25, 2007
1200m
400s/200k/300p/200s/100s
Just a quick dip before the pool closed. Half the Masters team was there swimming, or actually just talking.
Can't go to practice tomorrow. I'll try to get to the pool again later this week!
Total: 1200m 40min.
Just a quick dip before the pool closed. Half the Masters team was there swimming, or actually just talking.
Can't go to practice tomorrow. I'll try to get to the pool again later this week!
Total: 1200m 40min.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Mt. Oitsurushiyama
Chica and I climbed Mt. Oitsurushiyama again today! I was doubtful about the climb because it's been pouring the last two days, but this morning was dry! The trail was a little wet and slippery, but it wasn't raining!!
It's just 10am and I've already gone for a three hour hike, showered and eaten! Yatta!! Of course it meant that I got up at 4:45! But anyway, now I have the whole day ahead of me! And it's gonna be a long one. Two good-bye meals to attend!
Total: 3 hours 5.2km
Thursday, June 21, 2007
A Rainy Run
I felt drugged when I got home from school today--so tired I could barely stand up straight. I had to lay down for 10 minutes before I went to go tutor. And then I was planning to go to the pool, but was still exhausted so I came back home and laid down for about 45 minutes. I popped up and decided to eat dinner but still felt so drugged so I decided to go for a walk/run. Strange, I know, but I just felt like I needed to get my blood moving. I walked about 10 minutes, ran about 10 minutes and then walked another 5 minutes. It felt good to be out and moving, but still exhausted. Although I feel better now.
It wasn't raining when I left the house, but by the time I got home it was pouring. It was nice to be out in the rain.
Not sure if I'll have to run in the relay marathon on July 6th, but it's a possibility. So I should get a few more runs in before that.
It wasn't raining when I left the house, but by the time I got home it was pouring. It was nice to be out in the rain.
Not sure if I'll have to run in the relay marathon on July 6th, but it's a possibility. So I should get a few more runs in before that.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cleaning Time
Packed up and ready to go home, I noticed all the teachers had just changed into their 'sports wear'. I asked the English teacher that sits next to me what everyone was doing today. She said the school was going to go volunteer cleaning the underground walkway/subway that allow students to cross the busy streets and avoid all the traffic. Ehh...nobody told me. But it was after 4:15 and I only had work clothes so I said 'next time ne' and walked out the door. But it just so happened that I met up with students and a few teachers as they were walking to the cleaning site. And it was my favorite teacher...my crush! So, how could I not help!?! I rolled up my pants, threw down my bike and bag and grabbed an extra broom. Thirty minutes later everyone was sweating and exhausted! But it was fun, I miss doing labor activities. Not exactly a workout, but since the pool was closed....this is about all I'm gonna get in today!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
KMSC 2450m
300s/300p/300k/150s
200IM k
200IM p
200IM drill
6x100 IM
50ez
6x25 2nd 25 FAST, all others EZ
Total: 2450m 1hr. 20 min.
I was seriously debating going to practice tonight. But I checked my horoscope and it said I shouldn't cancel any plans because people are expecting me. So I went. Maybe it's a lame way to make a decision, but it got me to the pool. I told myself I would resist any attempts to ask me to 'coach' tonight. I was in a bad bad mood and didn't want to do anything but swim. After the warm-ups and everyone started gathering at the end of the lane...they started asking. I told them I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to tonight. That only lasted for a few minutes. They tried cajole a few other swimmers with no luck so they came back to me. Agh! I said again I wasn't in the mood and I had a bad day so therefore I'd be really strict tonight. Could they handle it? They didn't seem concerned.
So we started with the 200's. Not bad, but of course nobody could swim them without stopping because there are too many people and too many slow people in the lane. I was lucky if I could swim a full 25. Sometimes I ended up sculling just so I wasn't passing people. Nobody passes people here at swim practice!
Then I announced the 6x100 IM set. Everyone groaned and laughed and said 'impossible'. And apparently it was for almost everyone. Only two of us actually finished it. All the women gave up after the 1st one and decided they would do every other 100. And one guy disappeared to use the bathroom. And another guy just disappeared. I warned them. When the women weren't swimming they were standing at the end of the lane cheering us on. Ha ha ha. Nothing like swimming with your cheerleaders in the water with you.
Anyway, after everyone finished, we did a small little 25 set for the last five minutes. And I announced that if you completed the workout it was 1400m. I'm not sure anyone has swam that much before at practice, but of course only the new kid in his 20s finished it with me. But everyone was saying 'tanoshikata.' Whatever! I think they'll be glad to see me go next month!.
Nothing like taking out a bad day on a group of innocent middle-aged masters swimmers!
200IM k
200IM p
200IM drill
6x100 IM
50ez
6x25 2nd 25 FAST, all others EZ
Total: 2450m 1hr. 20 min.
I was seriously debating going to practice tonight. But I checked my horoscope and it said I shouldn't cancel any plans because people are expecting me. So I went. Maybe it's a lame way to make a decision, but it got me to the pool. I told myself I would resist any attempts to ask me to 'coach' tonight. I was in a bad bad mood and didn't want to do anything but swim. After the warm-ups and everyone started gathering at the end of the lane...they started asking. I told them I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to tonight. That only lasted for a few minutes. They tried cajole a few other swimmers with no luck so they came back to me. Agh! I said again I wasn't in the mood and I had a bad day so therefore I'd be really strict tonight. Could they handle it? They didn't seem concerned.
So we started with the 200's. Not bad, but of course nobody could swim them without stopping because there are too many people and too many slow people in the lane. I was lucky if I could swim a full 25. Sometimes I ended up sculling just so I wasn't passing people. Nobody passes people here at swim practice!
Then I announced the 6x100 IM set. Everyone groaned and laughed and said 'impossible'. And apparently it was for almost everyone. Only two of us actually finished it. All the women gave up after the 1st one and decided they would do every other 100. And one guy disappeared to use the bathroom. And another guy just disappeared. I warned them. When the women weren't swimming they were standing at the end of the lane cheering us on. Ha ha ha. Nothing like swimming with your cheerleaders in the water with you.
Anyway, after everyone finished, we did a small little 25 set for the last five minutes. And I announced that if you completed the workout it was 1400m. I'm not sure anyone has swam that much before at practice, but of course only the new kid in his 20s finished it with me. But everyone was saying 'tanoshikata.' Whatever! I think they'll be glad to see me go next month!.
Nothing like taking out a bad day on a group of innocent middle-aged masters swimmers!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
~1000m with Erika
500s
25s
100s
Total: ~100m 70min.
Two years ago, when I first arrived in Japan, I had told my welcome host family how much I loved swimming. That fall my host mom introduced me to the local pool. Unfortunately, it was a therapy pool and far too warm and too small to do serious lap swimming. As I was attempting laps, I met an elementary school student swimming with her grandmother. We started chatting and through gestures, my inadequate Japanese and her elementary English, we had an impromptu swimming lesson. She was already a good swimmer, so we worked on pushing off the wall and doing flip-turns. It was a great opportunity for both of us. She got a mini-swim lesson with a foreigner, and I received a lesson on how easy it is to become immersed in a new community.
Two years later, that same girl who fumbled over flip-turns while I fumbled over Japanese, was sitting in front of me waiting for an answer. I smiled, pointed to my head, and said, “Yes, of course I remember.” Her eyes were twinkling. We talked about that day, about whether she still swims at that pool, and about her good memory. It was soon evident that her speaking test, a measure of her English knowledge, had become a real communicative experience without the focus on grammar and the ‘right’ answer. We were connecting and she was passing with flying colors. She had communicated and had done it in fluent English. It was not perfect English, but it was fluent! She was motivated to say what she knew without any preparation or prompting. A connection -- inspiring real communication -- is far more meaningful than correct or ‘perfect’ answers on a speaking test.
25s
100s
Total: ~100m 70min.
Two years ago, when I first arrived in Japan, I had told my welcome host family how much I loved swimming. That fall my host mom introduced me to the local pool. Unfortunately, it was a therapy pool and far too warm and too small to do serious lap swimming. As I was attempting laps, I met an elementary school student swimming with her grandmother. We started chatting and through gestures, my inadequate Japanese and her elementary English, we had an impromptu swimming lesson. She was already a good swimmer, so we worked on pushing off the wall and doing flip-turns. It was a great opportunity for both of us. She got a mini-swim lesson with a foreigner, and I received a lesson on how easy it is to become immersed in a new community.
Two years later, that same girl who fumbled over flip-turns while I fumbled over Japanese, was sitting in front of me waiting for an answer. I smiled, pointed to my head, and said, “Yes, of course I remember.” Her eyes were twinkling. We talked about that day, about whether she still swims at that pool, and about her good memory. It was soon evident that her speaking test, a measure of her English knowledge, had become a real communicative experience without the focus on grammar and the ‘right’ answer. We were connecting and she was passing with flying colors. She had communicated and had done it in fluent English. It was not perfect English, but it was fluent! She was motivated to say what she knew without any preparation or prompting. A connection -- inspiring real communication -- is far more meaningful than correct or ‘perfect’ answers on a speaking test.
As she was leaving I said, “Let’s go swimming again.” She turned and beamed as she "Yes".
Today we went swimming together!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Mt. Oitsurushiyama
Today Chica-san and I climbed Mt. Oitsurushiyama in Nyuzen. It is 6km roundtrip and about 3 hours, 90 minutes up and 90 minutes down. It is a super step trail and there is rope along many sections of it to help you get up and down. It was lightly raining for part of the hike, but at the top it was clear and dry. We might try to do it a few more times before the end of July to help get me ready for the big one this fall.
At the top of the mountain, less than 1000m!
We saw monkeys at the bottom!!
After the hike, Chica and I stopped at her farming patch and picked strawberries! So delicious!
At the top of the mountain, less than 1000m!
We saw monkeys at the bottom!!
After the hike, Chica and I stopped at her farming patch and picked strawberries! So delicious!Monday, June 04, 2007
KMSC 2650m
Warm-up:
500s/100p/300k/100p/100scull/100p
Sets:
5x50 kick :10 rest
5x50 pull :10 rest
10x50 every 3rd choice :10 rest
8x25 4th at 60-75% :5 rest
50scull
Cool Down
200s
Yep, I swam at a meet yesterday and got back in the pool today. I gotta stay in shape, or more like it....get in shape!! Not too many people showed up today, and none of the 'coaches' showed. I thought after all of yesterdays criticism about my strokes I would NEVER be asked to coach again. But hair dryer man stopped me and assigned me to be the 'teacher' for the fast lane. Everyone was tired and sore, so tried to keep them moving without too much excertion. It was all supposed to be pretty easy, stretched out and long. But not everyone could do it and with so many people in one lane, it was hard to stay on the :5/10 rest. It was more like :20-25 for me. But everyone seemed happy that they had swam 1250m at the end!
And after practice I got some pictures from Reiko. I took pictures of the pictures because I hadn't bothered with many photos yesterday. I posted those below in the meet posting.
500s/100p/300k/100p/100scull/100p
Sets:
5x50 kick :10 rest
5x50 pull :10 rest
10x50 every 3rd choice :10 rest
8x25 4th at 60-75% :5 rest
50scull
Cool Down
200s
Yep, I swam at a meet yesterday and got back in the pool today. I gotta stay in shape, or more like it....get in shape!! Not too many people showed up today, and none of the 'coaches' showed. I thought after all of yesterdays criticism about my strokes I would NEVER be asked to coach again. But hair dryer man stopped me and assigned me to be the 'teacher' for the fast lane. Everyone was tired and sore, so tried to keep them moving without too much excertion. It was all supposed to be pretty easy, stretched out and long. But not everyone could do it and with so many people in one lane, it was hard to stay on the :5/10 rest. It was more like :20-25 for me. But everyone seemed happy that they had swam 1250m at the end!
And after practice I got some pictures from Reiko. I took pictures of the pictures because I hadn't bothered with many photos yesterday. I posted those below in the meet posting.
富山県マスターズ水泳短水路大会2007
Toyama Masters Short Course Swim Meet 2007
Before meeting the team behind the Kurobe City Hospital at 6:45AM, I ate rice and nattou, packed a few snacks and checked my bag again to make sure I had my goggles and cap. At the hospital we paid up, 2900Y to swim two events plus a relay and lunch. And then I climbed in a car and zoned out for 40 minutes as we drove to the pool. I got the required, "Where are you from in America?", "Where's that?", "My daughter went to American once." conversation and then everyone stopped talking. I was absolutely fine with that because I hate talking to people before 8AM.
As soon as we got to the pool, claimed our prime real estate in the bleachers right above the 25meter bulk head, I changed into 3 suits and got in for a warm up. Even with three pools, and 7-8 lanes for swimming, it is hard to do more than a 50 without having to stop and wait for someone to get out of the way. But I managed to get in a 950m warm-up.
900m
2x start + 25m
About 30minutes after opening ceremony and the start of the meet I headed back down for another 200 warm-up. Luckily or not, my races were almost back to back. So I didn't have to wait around a lot in-between. First up...the 100 breast! There was only two heats of women. I was in the second or younger heat. And yet again, I was seated next to a super fast woman from Uozu, the next town over. But I just realized who she is. She is at the pool on Monday nights privately coaching two sisters before the Masters team starts. I've chatted with her a few times, not realizing that she is my archenemy in breaststroke! Ha ha ha, well, it doesn't really matter cause she kicked my ass again!! I think she finished a full 6 seconds before me. And she holds the record in my age group and hers. I didn't swim a great race. My turns kinda sucked, I'm not sure I did a full underwater pull. And my last 50 I got super tight and slowed way down. Also after watching the video twice at the dinner party...I was told my pull is all off and I don't tuck my head enough (or at all). But even with those flaws I managed to get first in my age group. Although I'm not sure if there was anyone else swimming! :)
A teammate blow drying his hair in the stands.
Again, I jumped in the cool down/warm-up pool, swam another 2-300m and got out for the next event. The 100m IM is more of a fun event....or it's supposed to be! I have signed up for it the last few meets because it's something different I haven't done before. This time around, my goggles slipped. It wasn't horrible, but they started filling up with water during my fly, luckily it was only 25m. During back they were able to drain a little and I was able to turn my head enough to squeeze them back on with my arm during its rotation. Of course my back was the slowest and I was really far behind. But during the breast I was able to pick up speed and catch up to the woman next to me and we turned at the wall at the exact same time (video clip). This got us both going for the last 25, my competitive edge kicked in and my only goal was to out touch her. I did! But watching the video makes it look like I was just enjoying a lazy swim through the pool. My arms are barely moving. I really need to work on arm turnover. So, I survived the goggles and came in first in my age group again. I'm guessing the girl I out touched was also my age group, so maybe I really did get first in that one!
Lunch Time!! Well, I hate to eat too much, but I had almost two hours before the next race. So I scarfed a few white bread sandwhiches from a convienence store. So healthy, I know! But that's what they had for our lunch. Either that or a rice ball or a Japanese bento. And I just can't do Japanese food in that situation. The last thing I want to taste in my mouth is fish or soy sauce as I'm diving into the water! San Tache has arrived just at the end of my breast event, but caught the IM. We hung out in the bleachers and watched the meet for awhile until I went back down for a final warm-up.
My last Masters event in Japan with the Kurobe Masters Swim Club was a 200 Medley Relay. I swam 50 breast. I wasn't really paying attention to how far ahead our fly swimmer was of the pack, but I was the first one in the water, and I was the first breast swimmer to touch. We finished first in the only heat! But we didn't break the record which was set last year by a team with San Tache on it! Bummer!!
The 200 Medley Relay Team: Yoshiko (fly), Me (breast), Ueyama (back), Takamatsu (free)
So, all in all, I placed first in all my events! That's a lifetime personal best for me! I've never gotten first in anything! But, since I've started practicing with the Masters team my times have gotten worse!! I was much slower this year than I was last year! That's a bad sign.
At the dinner we had a mini-awards ceremony. Everyone was super excited that I got first in all my events (as was I) and the Club President asked if I got an PR's. I honestly didn't know. But looking back on my times...they are some of my worst!! Depressing! But I guess given the practices it's not super surprising. I might be better off to swim in my own lane on Monday nights and do a real workout. But I have less than 2 months left. I might as well keep swimming with them. And hope that the next team I join in the next country I live in pushes me more!
Hairdryer man and I pose with my 1st Place Awards.
Reiko-chan is so super cute!!
A photo of a photo that Reiko took at the dinner!
Overall Results:
Total: ~2000m, all freakin' day!
100m Breast 1:35.75
100m IM 1:31.21
200m IM relay 2:19.66 (I think my split was a 43 or 46?)
As soon as we got to the pool, claimed our prime real estate in the bleachers right above the 25meter bulk head, I changed into 3 suits and got in for a warm up. Even with three pools, and 7-8 lanes for swimming, it is hard to do more than a 50 without having to stop and wait for someone to get out of the way. But I managed to get in a 950m warm-up.
900m
2x start + 25m
About 30minutes after opening ceremony and the start of the meet I headed back down for another 200 warm-up. Luckily or not, my races were almost back to back. So I didn't have to wait around a lot in-between. First up...the 100 breast! There was only two heats of women. I was in the second or younger heat. And yet again, I was seated next to a super fast woman from Uozu, the next town over. But I just realized who she is. She is at the pool on Monday nights privately coaching two sisters before the Masters team starts. I've chatted with her a few times, not realizing that she is my archenemy in breaststroke! Ha ha ha, well, it doesn't really matter cause she kicked my ass again!! I think she finished a full 6 seconds before me. And she holds the record in my age group and hers. I didn't swim a great race. My turns kinda sucked, I'm not sure I did a full underwater pull. And my last 50 I got super tight and slowed way down. Also after watching the video twice at the dinner party...I was told my pull is all off and I don't tuck my head enough (or at all). But even with those flaws I managed to get first in my age group. Although I'm not sure if there was anyone else swimming! :)
A teammate blow drying his hair in the stands.Again, I jumped in the cool down/warm-up pool, swam another 2-300m and got out for the next event. The 100m IM is more of a fun event....or it's supposed to be! I have signed up for it the last few meets because it's something different I haven't done before. This time around, my goggles slipped. It wasn't horrible, but they started filling up with water during my fly, luckily it was only 25m. During back they were able to drain a little and I was able to turn my head enough to squeeze them back on with my arm during its rotation. Of course my back was the slowest and I was really far behind. But during the breast I was able to pick up speed and catch up to the woman next to me and we turned at the wall at the exact same time (video clip). This got us both going for the last 25, my competitive edge kicked in and my only goal was to out touch her. I did! But watching the video makes it look like I was just enjoying a lazy swim through the pool. My arms are barely moving. I really need to work on arm turnover. So, I survived the goggles and came in first in my age group again. I'm guessing the girl I out touched was also my age group, so maybe I really did get first in that one!
Lunch Time!! Well, I hate to eat too much, but I had almost two hours before the next race. So I scarfed a few white bread sandwhiches from a convienence store. So healthy, I know! But that's what they had for our lunch. Either that or a rice ball or a Japanese bento. And I just can't do Japanese food in that situation. The last thing I want to taste in my mouth is fish or soy sauce as I'm diving into the water! San Tache has arrived just at the end of my breast event, but caught the IM. We hung out in the bleachers and watched the meet for awhile until I went back down for a final warm-up.
My last Masters event in Japan with the Kurobe Masters Swim Club was a 200 Medley Relay. I swam 50 breast. I wasn't really paying attention to how far ahead our fly swimmer was of the pack, but I was the first one in the water, and I was the first breast swimmer to touch. We finished first in the only heat! But we didn't break the record which was set last year by a team with San Tache on it! Bummer!!
The 200 Medley Relay Team: Yoshiko (fly), Me (breast), Ueyama (back), Takamatsu (free)So, all in all, I placed first in all my events! That's a lifetime personal best for me! I've never gotten first in anything! But, since I've started practicing with the Masters team my times have gotten worse!! I was much slower this year than I was last year! That's a bad sign.
At the dinner we had a mini-awards ceremony. Everyone was super excited that I got first in all my events (as was I) and the Club President asked if I got an PR's. I honestly didn't know. But looking back on my times...they are some of my worst!! Depressing! But I guess given the practices it's not super surprising. I might be better off to swim in my own lane on Monday nights and do a real workout. But I have less than 2 months left. I might as well keep swimming with them. And hope that the next team I join in the next country I live in pushes me more!
Hairdryer man and I pose with my 1st Place Awards. 
Reiko-chan is so super cute!!
A photo of a photo that Reiko took at the dinner!Overall Results:
Total: ~2000m, all freakin' day!
100m Breast 1:35.75
100m IM 1:31.21
200m IM relay 2:19.66 (I think my split was a 43 or 46?)
(I'll try to post a few pics and maybe some video soon)
Saturday, June 02, 2007
1500m
200s
100brst
100bk
4x25 fly drills
200k w/brd fr/brst
200k w/0 brd fr/brst
300p
2x50 25 sprint brst/25 ez
200s
The last swim before the meet tomorrow. There has been no tapering because there was no real training. So I decided to step it up today and wear 6 suits! I felt like I was wearing body armour! At least tomorrow it'll feel like I'm tapered. Which reminds me...I gotta shave tonight.
100brst
100bk
4x25 fly drills
200k w/brd fr/brst
200k w/0 brd fr/brst
300p
2x50 25 sprint brst/25 ez
200s
The last swim before the meet tomorrow. There has been no tapering because there was no real training. So I decided to step it up today and wear 6 suits! I felt like I was wearing body armour! At least tomorrow it'll feel like I'm tapered. Which reminds me...I gotta shave tonight.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
2000m
700s
400p
300k
3x100 IM
100scull
200s
Total: 2000m 1hr.
Made it to the pool between school and a private lesson. It's not much fun to swim with a stuffed up nose and a sore throat. I think the guy in the lane next to me was laughing cause I had snot hanging from my nose while swimming breaststroke. The pool's chemicals must be off with all the snot I keep blowing into the pool. It's gross, I know...but what can I do?? I'm hoping to get to the pool tomorrow and Saturday as well. At least to stretch our and keep my muscles moving before Sunday!!
400p
300k
3x100 IM
100scull
200s
Total: 2000m 1hr.
Made it to the pool between school and a private lesson. It's not much fun to swim with a stuffed up nose and a sore throat. I think the guy in the lane next to me was laughing cause I had snot hanging from my nose while swimming breaststroke. The pool's chemicals must be off with all the snot I keep blowing into the pool. It's gross, I know...but what can I do?? I'm hoping to get to the pool tomorrow and Saturday as well. At least to stretch our and keep my muscles moving before Sunday!!
Monday, May 28, 2007
KMSC 1550m
500s
100k
300p
4x50 medium-fast pace
Time Practice
50 Brst 46.08
100 Brst 1.41.03
100 IM 1.36.55
200s
Total: 1550m 1hr. 10min.
Yikes, my last Masters meet is this coming weekend. I am not prepared at all. But tonight we had time practice so at least I got to practice to swimming each of them. And I did them all kinda back to back. They didn't feel particularly strong, but hopefully on Sunday it'll be better. Wearing one suite and shaving down should help! I hope!
Sunday....I have to be at the hospital to meet the team before 645. Ugh!!!
100k
300p
4x50 medium-fast pace
Time Practice
50 Brst 46.08
100 Brst 1.41.03
100 IM 1.36.55
200s
Total: 1550m 1hr. 10min.
Yikes, my last Masters meet is this coming weekend. I am not prepared at all. But tonight we had time practice so at least I got to practice to swimming each of them. And I did them all kinda back to back. They didn't feel particularly strong, but hopefully on Sunday it'll be better. Wearing one suite and shaving down should help! I hope!
Sunday....I have to be at the hospital to meet the team before 645. Ugh!!!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Kurobe Road Race
Today was the 24th Kurobe Jimmy Carter Road Race. I ran in it two years ago. But this year I got asked to volunteer! Yippee!! It was a great job! I biked to the race, meet up with some of the Masters Swim Team members and stood on the sidelines and cheered. I got to sport the volunteers' blue hat, a bright yellow jacket while holding a red and white flag in case there was traffic that needed directing. I got to direct one car across the course between runners coming in one direction and the lead police car coming in the other. It was an exciting moment. Actually, the best part was seeing the shock on people's faces as the ran by and realized a foreigner was cheering for them. Lots of people nodded, waved, responded, and one guy even shouted out in English "thank you!"
Kurobe Marathon May 2005
Kurobe Marathon May 2005
The Nifty Volunteer Outfit
San Tache rockin' the 10KAnd then after a long tea ceremony and lunch...I biked home.
In total 26km today! But Ms. San Tache is the real super star. She biked, ran, and then biked again!
Holy Moly!
In total 26km today! But Ms. San Tache is the real super star. She biked, ran, and then biked again!
Holy Moly!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
1500m
500s
200k
500p
100brst
200s
Tonight was a struggle. I was out in the sun all day and my allergies are at their worst. i need to go to bed. unfortunately, the pool will be closed all weekend cause of the marathon on Sunday. So my next swim won't be till Monday! Bummer.
But I've been on my bike everyday this week!! It feels great!
200k
500p
100brst
200s
Tonight was a struggle. I was out in the sun all day and my allergies are at their worst. i need to go to bed. unfortunately, the pool will be closed all weekend cause of the marathon on Sunday. So my next swim won't be till Monday! Bummer.
But I've been on my bike everyday this week!! It feels great!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Unazuki Ride
It's been beautiful this week, trying to bike as much as possible to as many places as possible! I rode up to Unazuki to check out the boxes that arrived for shipping my crap to the UK with a friend. We were both a bit worried they wouldn't be big enough....not an issue!! They are massive! I just wish I could pack my bike in one of the boxes!! That would be ideal!
Anyway, about 20km today.
Anyway, about 20km today.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
1800m
700s
300p
4x25 fly on 1:00
4x25 bk on :45
4x25 brst on :45
4x25 fr on :30
100k
100scull
200s
Total: 1800m 45 min
Barely had time to get to the pool today, but went for it and was able to fit in 1800m. Not too bad. I tried to swim hard on the 25s. Feeling stronger, but not feeling fast. Not much time left. I missed the 'dash' and starts practice last night cause I was teaching. So next week is IT! Someday I want to take a serious start camp. I need to finally learn how to do starts well. It's embarrassing!
300p
4x25 fly on 1:00
4x25 bk on :45
4x25 brst on :45
4x25 fr on :30
100k
100scull
200s
Total: 1800m 45 min
Barely had time to get to the pool today, but went for it and was able to fit in 1800m. Not too bad. I tried to swim hard on the 25s. Feeling stronger, but not feeling fast. Not much time left. I missed the 'dash' and starts practice last night cause I was teaching. So next week is IT! Someday I want to take a serious start camp. I need to finally learn how to do starts well. It's embarrassing!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
3700m
1000s
400k
600p
4x3x100 IM/Brst/Free (2:30/2:15/2:15/2:05)
200k
100scull
200s
I got to the pool with no plan as usual other than to try for more than 3000m. Just getting in felt great and I was feeling strong so I stretched out my warm-up a bit longer than usual. Since I'll be swimming IM/Brst in two weeks I knew I had to do something along those lines, hence the 12x100s. I was sharing a lane but he was pretty consistent and I could pass him pretty easily within 25m. The IM to Brst transition was always tight regardless of my interval, but I made each one. All the others were fine. I was still feeling good and had a bit more time so I did a bit more kick and scull. Today was the kinda of day where I could have done even more if I'd had the time. Felt great and I felt strong! Let's hope I can maintain that for the meet in two weeks! If nothing else, swimming with only one suit vs four, should be a piece of cake!!!
400k
600p
4x3x100 IM/Brst/Free (2:30/2:15/2:15/2:05)
200k
100scull
200s
I got to the pool with no plan as usual other than to try for more than 3000m. Just getting in felt great and I was feeling strong so I stretched out my warm-up a bit longer than usual. Since I'll be swimming IM/Brst in two weeks I knew I had to do something along those lines, hence the 12x100s. I was sharing a lane but he was pretty consistent and I could pass him pretty easily within 25m. The IM to Brst transition was always tight regardless of my interval, but I made each one. All the others were fine. I was still feeling good and had a bit more time so I did a bit more kick and scull. Today was the kinda of day where I could have done even more if I'd had the time. Felt great and I felt strong! Let's hope I can maintain that for the meet in two weeks! If nothing else, swimming with only one suit vs four, should be a piece of cake!!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Kanazawa Castle Relay Marathon
Sunday marked my second Kanazawa Relay Marathon. Two years ago I ran on a team and managed to run about 8km or 4 laps. This time around we had bigger teams, thank goodness. I only had to run two laps, or about 4km. And that was plenty enough for me!! My time was exactly 10:51 for each 1.9km lap. I'm a little stiff and sore today after the run. And feeling no need to ever run again! Swimming and biking...those are my sports!
KMSC 1650m
350s
8x50 k
2x50 scull
6x50 25 r arm/25 l arm
6x50 brth every 3/5/7/3/5/7
200 cool down
Total: 1650m 1hr.
Wow, it was like a real workout tonight. I showed up late, so I barely got a warm-up in. But as soon as the clock struck 7:40 we were off the wall and doing 50s. I wasn't watching the interval, but we were leaving on an interval. Wow! That's a first! And everyone was almost making it. We only lapped two people by the end of the kick set. Impressive. The drill set was kinda boring, but again, we stayed on time. And the breath control set was fine. We swam more than we've ever swam before and we kept our heart rate up. Of course everyone was complaining and saying the two young swimmers were the only ones enjoying it. And it's probably true. The young coach was actually swimming tonight and I was right behind her. We were enjoying it!!
I got asked to help volunteer at the upcoming road race. Not to run...to help with traffic control!! Sweet!! So anyway, I had to exchange digits with a woman after practice...the woman who is always looking me up and down and calling me sexy. So tonight in the locker room, we are exchanging numbers and she announces my birthday. Ehh?? How did she know that? She said she's in love with me. And then I asked if she knew my address and she said not yet, but when she finds it she'll send me love letters! Whoa!! This is funny for a few reasons...1) Japanese people rarely joke about gay relationships 2) rarely does anyone joke like that with me because of the language barrier 3) she seems just slightly serious and I love it but 4) I know she's not serious at all!! Man, oh man, if and when this country starts coming out...it's gonna be wild!
8x50 k
2x50 scull
6x50 25 r arm/25 l arm
6x50 brth every 3/5/7/3/5/7
200 cool down
Total: 1650m 1hr.
Wow, it was like a real workout tonight. I showed up late, so I barely got a warm-up in. But as soon as the clock struck 7:40 we were off the wall and doing 50s. I wasn't watching the interval, but we were leaving on an interval. Wow! That's a first! And everyone was almost making it. We only lapped two people by the end of the kick set. Impressive. The drill set was kinda boring, but again, we stayed on time. And the breath control set was fine. We swam more than we've ever swam before and we kept our heart rate up. Of course everyone was complaining and saying the two young swimmers were the only ones enjoying it. And it's probably true. The young coach was actually swimming tonight and I was right behind her. We were enjoying it!!
I got asked to help volunteer at the upcoming road race. Not to run...to help with traffic control!! Sweet!! So anyway, I had to exchange digits with a woman after practice...the woman who is always looking me up and down and calling me sexy. So tonight in the locker room, we are exchanging numbers and she announces my birthday. Ehh?? How did she know that? She said she's in love with me. And then I asked if she knew my address and she said not yet, but when she finds it she'll send me love letters! Whoa!! This is funny for a few reasons...1) Japanese people rarely joke about gay relationships 2) rarely does anyone joke like that with me because of the language barrier 3) she seems just slightly serious and I love it but 4) I know she's not serious at all!! Man, oh man, if and when this country starts coming out...it's gonna be wild!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
2300m
500s
100bk
200brst
4x25fly
300k
4x100 brst on 2:05 and 50fr on 1:00
400p
100s
It's a rainy cold day today. I'm glad I decided to take my computer to work and drove instead of biking. I would have been really wet riding home! Instead I just went to the pool and got wet. San Tache showed up a few minutes later. So we gabbed and swam! I was still feeling really full from lunch--dry curry, butter rice, ham sesame salad, fried squid, egg seaweed soup, apple jelly (like jello) and milk! It was huge! And then I started having a sneezing attack--damn allergy season! But it was an okay workout....Sunday is the big run! ;(
100bk
200brst
4x25fly
300k
4x100 brst on 2:05 and 50fr on 1:00
400p
100s
It's a rainy cold day today. I'm glad I decided to take my computer to work and drove instead of biking. I would have been really wet riding home! Instead I just went to the pool and got wet. San Tache showed up a few minutes later. So we gabbed and swam! I was still feeling really full from lunch--dry curry, butter rice, ham sesame salad, fried squid, egg seaweed soup, apple jelly (like jello) and milk! It was huge! And then I started having a sneezing attack--damn allergy season! But it was an okay workout....Sunday is the big run! ;(
Monday, May 07, 2007
KMSC 1875m
500s/500p
2x4x50 IM order 75%
4x50 IM order 1/2dash 1/2 easy, stopping at the wall if needed
3x25 sprint relay starts
200s
Total: 1875m 1hr. 15min.
The schedule this month is labeled as 'speedo' month. And it isn't referring to the swim brand. So tonights workout was much faster paced than usual, but after every mini-set, everyone stared at each other and said, "Well, what do you want to do next?" I tried to stay out of it tonight. Seriously people...shouldn't someone be in charge of setting the workout before the workout? And I was told during the 50 IM order set that my butterfly kick was anything but smooth--more like uncontrollable and extremely jerky in her reenactment of it for me. Thanks, it's nice to get some honest feedback, I guess.
I finally got a video tonight. I think it's from last summer's session. Should be interesting to watch!
2x4x50 IM order 75%
4x50 IM order 1/2dash 1/2 easy, stopping at the wall if needed
3x25 sprint relay starts
200s
Total: 1875m 1hr. 15min.
The schedule this month is labeled as 'speedo' month. And it isn't referring to the swim brand. So tonights workout was much faster paced than usual, but after every mini-set, everyone stared at each other and said, "Well, what do you want to do next?" I tried to stay out of it tonight. Seriously people...shouldn't someone be in charge of setting the workout before the workout? And I was told during the 50 IM order set that my butterfly kick was anything but smooth--more like uncontrollable and extremely jerky in her reenactment of it for me. Thanks, it's nice to get some honest feedback, I guess.
I finally got a video tonight. I think it's from last summer's session. Should be interesting to watch!
Friday, May 04, 2007
24km & 1600m
Bike to Ducks 4km
Bike to pool 10km
500s
200brst
200bk
4x25fly on 1:00
100brst
300k
200s
Bike home 10km
Total: 24km bike, 1600m swim in 2.5 hrs
San Tache and I headed to the pool again today on our bikes! Another windy day, but it was nice and warm. Unfortunately, so was the water!! But felt good to be on the bike and in the pool two days in a row. My breaststroke is feeling stronger! I need to do some breaststroke sets in the next few weeks! And now it's time to pack the car for the flea market!! Eek!!
Bike to pool 10km
500s
200brst
200bk
4x25fly on 1:00
100brst
300k
200s
Bike home 10km
Total: 24km bike, 1600m swim in 2.5 hrs
San Tache and I headed to the pool again today on our bikes! Another windy day, but it was nice and warm. Unfortunately, so was the water!! But felt good to be on the bike and in the pool two days in a row. My breaststroke is feeling stronger! I need to do some breaststroke sets in the next few weeks! And now it's time to pack the car for the flea market!! Eek!!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
20km + 1050m
A beautiful sunny day....so San Tache and I got on our bikes and rode to the pool. Yippee!!
10km
500s
100brst
100bk
4x25fly
200p
50s
10km
Total: 20km bike & 1050m swim in 2 hours
It felt great to get in a double workout, even if the swim wasn't very long! And it was a beautiful day for a ride, although a little windy! I'm feeling the attempt at running in my legs today! If the weather holds out...maybe I'll attempt all three tomorrow! Maybe!
I got a comment on my 4 suits today from a masters swimmer. He leaned over from another lane and asked, "Are you wearing 2 suits?" I said "No, four!" He looked shocked and asked why. I said it was for training and it made swimming more difficult. And then we started talking about the upcoming meet in June!
10km
500s
100brst
100bk
4x25fly
200p
50s
10km
Total: 20km bike & 1050m swim in 2 hours
It felt great to get in a double workout, even if the swim wasn't very long! And it was a beautiful day for a ride, although a little windy! I'm feeling the attempt at running in my legs today! If the weather holds out...maybe I'll attempt all three tomorrow! Maybe!
I got a comment on my 4 suits today from a masters swimmer. He leaned over from another lane and asked, "Are you wearing 2 suits?" I said "No, four!" He looked shocked and asked why. I said it was for training and it made swimming more difficult. And then we started talking about the upcoming meet in June!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
an attempt
the pool is closed on Wednesday and it was cold and rainy today. so after the rain let up I decided to attempt a short run. the attempt was successful but it was very short!
i hate running! but need to do a little before that damn relay i signed up for on the 13th! what was i thinking?
total: ~10min 1km
i hate running! but need to do a little before that damn relay i signed up for on the 13th! what was i thinking?
total: ~10min 1km
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
3500m
700s
500p
300k brd
100k brst no brd
16x100 on 2:00 (#4,8,12,16 brst)
100k
200s
I'm loving vacation time! I went to the pool today with no plan other than to swim. I started the 100 set as 8x100, but after #8 I decided to keep going. And #12 didn't feel like a good stopping point either. It's not a great way to do a workout, but I felt good, so I kept swimming. Luckily, there was another serious swimmer in my lane. She was also swimming 100-200s so we kept out of each others way for the most part. Hurray! I'm hoping to make it to the pool Thurs/Fri too! Add in a few bike rides on top of that and maybe a run! Should be a good week!
Oh, and yesterday I went for a light hike around a lake...nice and flat, but it was at about 1500m. It felt great to be outside and it was so so beautiful!!!
500p
300k brd
100k brst no brd
16x100 on 2:00 (#4,8,12,16 brst)
100k
200s
I'm loving vacation time! I went to the pool today with no plan other than to swim. I started the 100 set as 8x100, but after #8 I decided to keep going. And #12 didn't feel like a good stopping point either. It's not a great way to do a workout, but I felt good, so I kept swimming. Luckily, there was another serious swimmer in my lane. She was also swimming 100-200s so we kept out of each others way for the most part. Hurray! I'm hoping to make it to the pool Thurs/Fri too! Add in a few bike rides on top of that and maybe a run! Should be a good week!
Oh, and yesterday I went for a light hike around a lake...nice and flat, but it was at about 1500m. It felt great to be outside and it was so so beautiful!!!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
2400m
700s
200brst
100bk
100fly drill
200k brst
200k fr
~400 lunges in the walking lane
200p
100s
Total: 2400m (including the walking) 1hr.
San Tache and I headed to the pool today. Originally, I was hoping to bike and go for a little mini-jog/run, but the weather is nasty and I woke up with a sore throat. So we just did the pool. I was feeling a bit tingly in my limbs and short of breath. We tried the walking lane today. I've never done it before. Not sure it is very effective, but let's see if I can feel the lunges tomorrow. I hope so!!
I have the next week OFF!!! My goal is to get to the pool a lot and hopefully by bike!! The next meet is just over a month away. And I signed up for a relay marathon in two weeks...i'm nutz!!
200brst
100bk
100fly drill
200k brst
200k fr
~400 lunges in the walking lane
200p
100s
Total: 2400m (including the walking) 1hr.
San Tache and I headed to the pool today. Originally, I was hoping to bike and go for a little mini-jog/run, but the weather is nasty and I woke up with a sore throat. So we just did the pool. I was feeling a bit tingly in my limbs and short of breath. We tried the walking lane today. I've never done it before. Not sure it is very effective, but let's see if I can feel the lunges tomorrow. I hope so!!
I have the next week OFF!!! My goal is to get to the pool a lot and hopefully by bike!! The next meet is just over a month away. And I signed up for a relay marathon in two weeks...i'm nutz!!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Congratulations Mad Ducks & Dogs
This is a little late, but a huge congrats to my college swim team for it's 9th & 6th straight Mid-West Conference Championship! When I joined the team in 1996, it has been a few years since the team had won and with a new coach, the team was still re-building and growing. I was there when the winning streak started and it was so exciting to watch and be apart of...even if I wasn't part of the scoring swimmers! I honestly believe that one of the reasons we were so successful was because our team-spirit was was contagious! It was a full-time job cheering for swimmers and divers. If you weren't warming-up or cooling down, you were at the end of the lane or at the side yelling for someone! And before every home meet, the team stands around the pool and leads everyone in pool hokey-pokey. The lyrics are almost the same, but adjusted a little: right foot, left foot, right hand, left hand, head, butt, and mad dog/duck (use your imagination).
I miss the team-spirit. I hope someday I'll be able to join a more competitive and team-spirited masters team. Hmm...I wonder if there are Masters teams in the Middle East?(I found these pics on the internet...thanks someone)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
1500m
500s
200k
300p
4x4x25 IM
200s
I've been so so tired all week! Struggled to get to the pool tonight...the only reason I did was to sign up for the Masters Meet in June. I'll be swimming the 100Brst and 100Medley. I gotta start really swimming!
200k
300p
4x4x25 IM
200s
I've been so so tired all week! Struggled to get to the pool tonight...the only reason I did was to sign up for the Masters Meet in June. I'll be swimming the 100Brst and 100Medley. I gotta start really swimming!
Friday, April 20, 2007
~1200m
I can't remember everything I did, but it was nice and relaxing after the long pull on Thursday! After the swim, a friend and I went to a hot spring and sat for about an hour! It was wonderful!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
2500m
500s
1000p
400k IM
4x100 IM
200s
Total 2500m 1hr.
Overall a good swim. The kids team was in the pool and took up4 lanes, leaving 2 lanes to ALL the lap swimmers. This looked to be a problem, but another Masters swimmer and I bullied most everyone out of the 'fast' lane. That was part of the reason I decided mid-swim to do a 1000p..."I'm not stopping for ANYTHING-MOVE OVER OR GET OUT!" Motivated to keep people out of my lane, I tried to keep a hearty pace tonight.
Have I mentioned that the entire kids swim team has matching practice suits?? And the their coaches/swim teachers who are all on the Masters team also wear matching suits (albeit different suits than their team suits or their team practice suits). Sometimes I think..."Wow, what a good idea, promote team spirit and also a sense of equality among everyone." And then my mind shifts to a scene: standing in front of a group of parents in North America and suggesting all their kids wear the same suit...and I bust up laughing! I can't imagine trying to get North American parents to go for something like that! And that's exactly the reason why I wear 4 suits instead of going out and buying a new suit that matches all the other Masters swimmers!
1000p
400k IM
4x100 IM
200s
Total 2500m 1hr.
Overall a good swim. The kids team was in the pool and took up4 lanes, leaving 2 lanes to ALL the lap swimmers. This looked to be a problem, but another Masters swimmer and I bullied most everyone out of the 'fast' lane. That was part of the reason I decided mid-swim to do a 1000p..."I'm not stopping for ANYTHING-MOVE OVER OR GET OUT!" Motivated to keep people out of my lane, I tried to keep a hearty pace tonight.
Have I mentioned that the entire kids swim team has matching practice suits?? And the their coaches/swim teachers who are all on the Masters team also wear matching suits (albeit different suits than their team suits or their team practice suits). Sometimes I think..."Wow, what a good idea, promote team spirit and also a sense of equality among everyone." And then my mind shifts to a scene: standing in front of a group of parents in North America and suggesting all their kids wear the same suit...and I bust up laughing! I can't imagine trying to get North American parents to go for something like that! And that's exactly the reason why I wear 4 suits instead of going out and buying a new suit that matches all the other Masters swimmers!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Biking & Yoga
Hurray, the bike has been out on the road everyday this week (minus today)! Not far and not long, but it has been out and about. It feels great to be back on it. I really really missed it! It's been a bit chilly, but feels great to ride in the fresh air. And traveling by bike inspires a different kind of life...I had a few extra minutes before I had to be somewhere...so I just rode to the beach! It was great! My goal: bike everyday from here till I find a new home for it unless the weather prevents it! Example: I tried to ride it Saturday but it was so windy I thought I might get flipped over, so I came home and did yoga. That felt great too...it's been awhile. I love the stretching. What's my problem sometimes? I just get down and out during the winter and forget that these things exist and stop doing things that make me feel good! Frick...I need to live in a warmer climate where I'm inspired to be out and about all the time.
Total Week km: 30km
Total Week km: 30km
Monday, April 09, 2007
KMSC 1600m
500s/300p
12x50 back drills/brst drills/free
200s
Total 1600m 70min
Another new sub coach tonight. I was just glad they didn't ask me...I wasn't in the mood. But she had me demo several of the drills. Glad I could help out! The big topic of tonight...my four suits!! I've upgraded. When I first started last year I was wearing two, then a few months back I upgraded to three, and since last week--I'm wearing 4 suits! One has knots in the straps because it was getting so baggy! Ha ha ha...lots of comments tonight!! When I first started swimming I didn't see ANYONE doubling up. They are all about high fashion swim wear! The practice in $150+ suits!! And almost all the women wear the half-leg suits! But recently I have noticed a few swimmers doubling! The little girl who trains alone every Monday night has started wearing two. And the woman who calls me 'sexy' and 'beauitful' in the locker room started wearing two. And I caught another Masters swimmer wearing two!! Hmmm?? I don't want to take responsibility for starting a trend, but one might wonder why they are starting to double up all of a sudden! The question is...will they follow the triple or quad suit trend????
I'm too cheap to buy new suits! I'm still wearing my racing suit from college. It would be about 7 years old now! Now, that's quality! I bought a few in Korea last year. I've worn one down to the threads, the other two I'm saving until these four really can't be worn any longer!!
12x50 back drills/brst drills/free
200s
Total 1600m 70min
Another new sub coach tonight. I was just glad they didn't ask me...I wasn't in the mood. But she had me demo several of the drills. Glad I could help out! The big topic of tonight...my four suits!! I've upgraded. When I first started last year I was wearing two, then a few months back I upgraded to three, and since last week--I'm wearing 4 suits! One has knots in the straps because it was getting so baggy! Ha ha ha...lots of comments tonight!! When I first started swimming I didn't see ANYONE doubling up. They are all about high fashion swim wear! The practice in $150+ suits!! And almost all the women wear the half-leg suits! But recently I have noticed a few swimmers doubling! The little girl who trains alone every Monday night has started wearing two. And the woman who calls me 'sexy' and 'beauitful' in the locker room started wearing two. And I caught another Masters swimmer wearing two!! Hmmm?? I don't want to take responsibility for starting a trend, but one might wonder why they are starting to double up all of a sudden! The question is...will they follow the triple or quad suit trend????
I'm too cheap to buy new suits! I'm still wearing my racing suit from college. It would be about 7 years old now! Now, that's quality! I bought a few in Korea last year. I've worn one down to the threads, the other two I'm saving until these four really can't be worn any longer!!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
1700m
500m
300k
400p
3x100IM
200s
Total 1700m 45min
San Tache and I headed to the pool together tonight! It was great! Just a nice slow swim! Thanks for getting me to the pool!
300k
400p
3x100IM
200s
Total 1700m 45min
San Tache and I headed to the pool together tonight! It was great! Just a nice slow swim! Thanks for getting me to the pool!
Monday, April 02, 2007
KMSC ~1500m
500s
200k
300p
200s
200s
3x30sec cord swim (on video)
Total: ~1500m 90min.
Small group tonight, apparently they are all scared of the video camera. It was set up differently than the last time. We wore a cord and there were two cameras, one recording from above, and one underwater. We did free, breast and fly for 30 sec. each. Free and breast were fine. But by the time I got to fly I was exhausted I ended up swimming backwards and then just gave up! Everyone was laughing...good times! No idea if I'll ever see the video...I never saw the last one! Hmm?
200k
300p
200s
200s
3x30sec cord swim (on video)
Total: ~1500m 90min.
Small group tonight, apparently they are all scared of the video camera. It was set up differently than the last time. We wore a cord and there were two cameras, one recording from above, and one underwater. We did free, breast and fly for 30 sec. each. Free and breast were fine. But by the time I got to fly I was exhausted I ended up swimming backwards and then just gave up! Everyone was laughing...good times! No idea if I'll ever see the video...I never saw the last one! Hmm?
Friday, March 30, 2007
2500m
1000s
500p
300k
4x100 IM on 2:10
100s
200s
Total: 2500m 1hr
Pool was slightly busy today. I got in a lane with a 10-12 year old boy because he was doing flip-turns-always a good sign! I gained on him in my first 500m, but he held solid the last 500m. A 1000m swim and I didn't pass him once!! Impressive!!! His dad/coach was sitting on the side watching. Then they went over and worked on flip-turns!! Sweet! But where are the formal swim lessons in this country? I haven't seen anything like American Saturday AM swim lessons here! Oh, I forgot...they are probably at school during the summer. Most elementary schools have a pool and the homeroom teacher is responsible for teaching swimming. Wow!
Decided to try a set on the clock. Nothing crazy, but I managed to hold to it, even though I was getting really tired! Slowly but surely I'll work back up to a real workout!!
500p
300k
4x100 IM on 2:10
100s
200s
Total: 2500m 1hr
Pool was slightly busy today. I got in a lane with a 10-12 year old boy because he was doing flip-turns-always a good sign! I gained on him in my first 500m, but he held solid the last 500m. A 1000m swim and I didn't pass him once!! Impressive!!! His dad/coach was sitting on the side watching. Then they went over and worked on flip-turns!! Sweet! But where are the formal swim lessons in this country? I haven't seen anything like American Saturday AM swim lessons here! Oh, I forgot...they are probably at school during the summer. Most elementary schools have a pool and the homeroom teacher is responsible for teaching swimming. Wow!
Decided to try a set on the clock. Nothing crazy, but I managed to hold to it, even though I was getting really tired! Slowly but surely I'll work back up to a real workout!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
KMSC 2100m
Warm-up
500s/300k
Sets
2x200p
8x75s 4&8 fast
100s
2 flip turns
Cool Down
200s
Total: 2100m 1hr. 20min.
Whoa...I'm surprising myself here! Three times in one week-amazing! And I had an epiphany tonight. I got to practice and was warming-up...no coach...another 100m...no coach...shit, do I have a workout?...another 100m...still no coach! Damn...they're gonna ask me! And they did! Sure enough, everyone stopped and said, "please!" So, I decided against doing any drill sets and try to actually accumulate some meterage tonight! And then it hit me, coaching swimming is just like my role as an English teacher in Japan. The Japanese teacher/coach does the drills, gives the students the structure, the building blocks-over and over and over again! I come into class or jump in the pool, and I get to make them use it! My job is to create an environment where they can put their skills to use. Give them sets that are doable but a challenge! So tonight we did 1100m...we have been doing 500m tops!!
And just like with teaching English, at first I copied what the Japanese teacher/coach was doing. And now, I have seen the light and try to approach the classroom/pool with an entirely different methodology!
Note: I've just written a 20+pg. paper for my MA about syllabus and methodology...so it's on my mind! Maybe not such a huge epiphany, because I've heard it all before about the Japanese style of teaching and coaching. But today I actually realized it!!
500s/300k
Sets
2x200p
8x75s 4&8 fast
100s
2 flip turns
Cool Down
200s
Total: 2100m 1hr. 20min.
Whoa...I'm surprising myself here! Three times in one week-amazing! And I had an epiphany tonight. I got to practice and was warming-up...no coach...another 100m...no coach...shit, do I have a workout?...another 100m...still no coach! Damn...they're gonna ask me! And they did! Sure enough, everyone stopped and said, "please!" So, I decided against doing any drill sets and try to actually accumulate some meterage tonight! And then it hit me, coaching swimming is just like my role as an English teacher in Japan. The Japanese teacher/coach does the drills, gives the students the structure, the building blocks-over and over and over again! I come into class or jump in the pool, and I get to make them use it! My job is to create an environment where they can put their skills to use. Give them sets that are doable but a challenge! So tonight we did 1100m...we have been doing 500m tops!!
And just like with teaching English, at first I copied what the Japanese teacher/coach was doing. And now, I have seen the light and try to approach the classroom/pool with an entirely different methodology!
Note: I've just written a 20+pg. paper for my MA about syllabus and methodology...so it's on my mind! Maybe not such a huge epiphany, because I've heard it all before about the Japanese style of teaching and coaching. But today I actually realized it!!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
2000m
600s
400p
400p
200k
200 brst k no brd
100s
200IM drill
100s
100scull
100s
Total: 50 min 2000m
Wow...two days in a row! That's almost a record! My arms were a bit stiff after yesterday's swim, but felt great to get in the water AGAIN! And the pool wasn't too crowded...although, as I was walking onto the deck and began the lane scan, a kind woman told me she was finished and I could have her lane. It was a trick! I jumped in and started my 600s. For 500m, she stayed at the one end and ducked under water to watch my turns! She recruited the lady in the next lane to do the same. I could see them practicing turns from the other end, but by the time I made it down to their end...they were positioned and ready to watch me again! Oh my! Seriously, people...who does that??
And there was a guy doing sets...on an interval in the lane next to me! He even had a workout on the deck that he was refering to! And he was fast! And he was cute...blue speedo shorts, blue swim cap. Haven't seen him before! But I hope I see him again! I gotta get to the pool more often!
And in other sports news...Hakuho and Asashoryu are tied for first place in the Spring Sumo Tournament in Osaka! Tomorrow is the last day and I think it will come to a play-off between the two. My two favorite Mongolians....wow! I can't wait! Read more about the tournament at Sumo Talk.
For a 2min sumo comedy routine, check out this video (taken by me) on Youtube.com
Asashoryu after his win! I touched his right bicep as he walked by! And almost fainted!
Me and Iwakiyama in October at an exhibition tournament!
~2000m
After a few weeks...I got back in the pool. Felt good to stretch out and move in the water. Nothing strenuous. I didn't even bother to really count. Just swam.
I think it looked something like this:
500s
200brst
200k
400p
200s
200brst
100scull
200s
Turns out I didn't have German Measels...duh! I got the MMR vaccine when I was little! In the end...no answers! But feeling better and as soon as the paper is in (1 wk) I have big plans for the pool!
Total: 1 hr. ~2000m
I think it looked something like this:
500s
200brst
200k
400p
200s
200brst
100scull
200s
Turns out I didn't have German Measels...duh! I got the MMR vaccine when I was little! In the end...no answers! But feeling better and as soon as the paper is in (1 wk) I have big plans for the pool!
Total: 1 hr. ~2000m
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Quarantine
Yikes, it has been almost 3 weeks since I last posted, but I've got good excuses! I swear!
I went snowboarding March 4th and got run over by San Tache on her board, so I skipped swim practice that following Monday because I was feeling bruised and it hurt to breathe. Luckily, I was just bruised, she actually cracked a rib!! Ouch! But the best part, I was filming it as it happened. You can view it on YouTube. It's rated PG-13 for inappropriate language, but make sure you have the volume turned up, it's pretty funny!!
Last week I skipped swim practice again because I'd spent the weekend in Tokyo and had felt kinda sick all weekend...mild fever, headache, backache, etc. But I just popped tylenol all weekend and I felt okay. So Monday I rested up and started in on my paper (DUE VERY SOON...I'm procrastinating). Tuesday I started feeling stiff all over...instant arthritis in my knees, feet, ankles, wrists?? Wow, it hurt!
And then Wednesday after school I headed to the doctor because my entire body was bright red, my joints really hurt and I had a fever...my teachers were concerned, and I was concerned. The doctor announced.....RUBELLA!! Or German Measles!
What?? Didn't I get a vaccination for that when I was little, and again before college? Could it really be rubella? Well, all the symptoms fit! So I stayed home Thursday and Friday. My joint pain is almost entirely gone as is the rash, but the mild fever still lingers. And my school called this morning to tell me I'm not allowed back at school until the blood test has been confirmed sometime Monday! Oh my!
But actually, it's a blessing in disguise! I'm stuck at home with nothing to do but finish this damn paper!
I'll be back in the pool in April!! I promise!
I went snowboarding March 4th and got run over by San Tache on her board, so I skipped swim practice that following Monday because I was feeling bruised and it hurt to breathe. Luckily, I was just bruised, she actually cracked a rib!! Ouch! But the best part, I was filming it as it happened. You can view it on YouTube. It's rated PG-13 for inappropriate language, but make sure you have the volume turned up, it's pretty funny!!
Last week I skipped swim practice again because I'd spent the weekend in Tokyo and had felt kinda sick all weekend...mild fever, headache, backache, etc. But I just popped tylenol all weekend and I felt okay. So Monday I rested up and started in on my paper (DUE VERY SOON...I'm procrastinating). Tuesday I started feeling stiff all over...instant arthritis in my knees, feet, ankles, wrists?? Wow, it hurt!
And then Wednesday after school I headed to the doctor because my entire body was bright red, my joints really hurt and I had a fever...my teachers were concerned, and I was concerned. The doctor announced.....RUBELLA!! Or German Measles!
What?? Didn't I get a vaccination for that when I was little, and again before college? Could it really be rubella? Well, all the symptoms fit! So I stayed home Thursday and Friday. My joint pain is almost entirely gone as is the rash, but the mild fever still lingers. And my school called this morning to tell me I'm not allowed back at school until the blood test has been confirmed sometime Monday! Oh my!
But actually, it's a blessing in disguise! I'm stuck at home with nothing to do but finish this damn paper!
I'll be back in the pool in April!! I promise!
Monday, February 26, 2007
1500m KMSC
500s/200k/300p
Set
10x50 free k/p drills
Total: 1500m 90min.
A really frustrating practice. Our normal female coach went to the slow lane, and another guy jumped in our lane to teach us! Blah! We spent 50 minutes on 10 50's! Boring! I was cold the whole time. So I didn't bother with a cool down...I needed to get in the shower and warm-up.
I wasn't impressed! Why do we bother with drills EVERY week? Shouldn't we work on some strength and endurance training?
Set
10x50 free k/p drills
Total: 1500m 90min.
A really frustrating practice. Our normal female coach went to the slow lane, and another guy jumped in our lane to teach us! Blah! We spent 50 minutes on 10 50's! Boring! I was cold the whole time. So I didn't bother with a cool down...I needed to get in the shower and warm-up.
I wasn't impressed! Why do we bother with drills EVERY week? Shouldn't we work on some strength and endurance training?
Saturday, February 24, 2007
2006 In Review
I've been meaning to do this for awhile! I don't swim nearly as much as I'd like to or think I could. But 2006 was a big year for me...I joined a Masters team and competed! A first since college. Since I've been keeping the blog and recording all my swims, I thought I would do a meter count. How many meters did I swim in 2006? I had no idea what to expect, but I'm pretty happy with it. Although, I could do MUCH MUCH better!
If I did the math right, the grand total of meters for 2006 is:
If I did the math right, the grand total of meters for 2006 is:
159,000m OR 159km
2100m
1000s
200fr k
200brst k
300p
2x100 IM
50s scull
150s
Total: 2100m 50 min.
A sanity swim. I had to get out of my apartment and move. It felt great tonight. I totally could have kept going, but had to get back to things at the apartment. But I felt solid and strong tonight. I haven't felt like that in ages. I also weighed myself...I'm losing weight? What? That's impossible!
200fr k
200brst k
300p
2x100 IM
50s scull
150s
Total: 2100m 50 min.
A sanity swim. I had to get out of my apartment and move. It felt great tonight. I totally could have kept going, but had to get back to things at the apartment. But I felt solid and strong tonight. I haven't felt like that in ages. I also weighed myself...I'm losing weight? What? That's impossible!
Monday, February 19, 2007
KMSC 1450m
Warm-up
500s
200k
Set
15x50 fr kick drills
No Cool Down
Total: 1hr. 15min. 1450m
Surprise surprise, it was crawl night! And all we did was kick drills. Good...because I need to strengthen my kick. Bad...because I hate kicking. But I managed to maintain my position in the lane. Nothing to unusual tonight. No cool down because a swimmer had photos from a dinner a few months back she wanted to give me. And once I'm outta the pool...there's no going back!
500s
200k
Set
15x50 fr kick drills
No Cool Down
Total: 1hr. 15min. 1450m
Surprise surprise, it was crawl night! And all we did was kick drills. Good...because I need to strengthen my kick. Bad...because I hate kicking. But I managed to maintain my position in the lane. Nothing to unusual tonight. No cool down because a swimmer had photos from a dinner a few months back she wanted to give me. And once I'm outta the pool...there's no going back!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
1600m
1000s
200p
200IM SLOW
200 random
Total: 1600m 45min
I've had this damn cold for weeks. So this weekend I decided I needed to take it easy...no going out, no parties, no snowboarding, no hanging out with friends...NOTHING. Except, Linea and I went for a swim tonight. We both needed out of our apartments and to stretch these muscles that haven't been used much lately!
It was a slow slow swim. But the water always feels good and hopefully it loosened up the gunk in my sinuses.
200p
200IM SLOW
200 random
Total: 1600m 45min
I've had this damn cold for weeks. So this weekend I decided I needed to take it easy...no going out, no parties, no snowboarding, no hanging out with friends...NOTHING. Except, Linea and I went for a swim tonight. We both needed out of our apartments and to stretch these muscles that haven't been used much lately!
It was a slow slow swim. But the water always feels good and hopefully it loosened up the gunk in my sinuses.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Blah
Last Monday was a national holiday so the pool was closed and there was no practice this week. It's for the best. Last weekend we went winter camping. We actually ended up in a cabin, but between the cold and the smoke from the fire, I woke up with a bad sore throat. That has turned into a mild cough, sinus infection, and a temperature that's been hovering at about 100F all week. I've had cold like symptoms off and on since early December. I'm sick of being sick! But I also haven't let msyelf slow down at all. So, I'm missing a BIG Vday party tonight to "rest." And I'm not going boarding this weekend, so I can "rest." But really "rest" just means study.
In an effort to rest and rejuvenate....I took a hot bath with grapefruit & ginger, boiled water with peppermint aromotheraphy, roasted a BULB of garlic and made a garlic sandwhich, and have been drinking lemon grass tea all night.
I really really want to get to the pool this weekend. But if the pressure in my right eye socket doesn't let up, wearing goggles will be a nightmare!
In an effort to rest and rejuvenate....I took a hot bath with grapefruit & ginger, boiled water with peppermint aromotheraphy, roasted a BULB of garlic and made a garlic sandwhich, and have been drinking lemon grass tea all night.
I really really want to get to the pool this weekend. But if the pressure in my right eye socket doesn't let up, wearing goggles will be a nightmare!
Monday, February 05, 2007
KMSC 1075m
Warm-up
75m
Sets
14x50 brst drill
4x25 start sprints
Cool Down
200m
Total: 1075m 1hr.10min.
I almost didn't go tonight. I'm tired and have a cold. So I left it up to the fairies (fortune cards). I randomly selected "body movement"--shit! I jumped in the car and got to the pool right before the workout started, about 30 minutes later than I normally get there. Hence the really short warm-up. But tonight was also breaststroke drill night--my fav!! Eek, tonight everyone was calling me "number 1." The coach realized I was going to fast on one of the drill sets so instead of using the board the real way, she had me hold it vertical in the water for resistence. It was a bit harder, but didn't really slow me down. Yeah for breaststroke!! I love it!
Anyway, no crazy comments from the older men tonight. BUT in the pool, I got "beautiful" in reference to my swim from one of my favorite ladies...no biggie until in the locker room she looked me up and down and said "steki" or great. I looked at her funny because there was nothing steki about what I was wearing--old cords and an old sweater. She responded with, "nice body." What?? Where did that come from?? She cracks me up. She's kinda cute too!! :)
75m
Sets
14x50 brst drill
4x25 start sprints
Cool Down
200m
Total: 1075m 1hr.10min.
I almost didn't go tonight. I'm tired and have a cold. So I left it up to the fairies (fortune cards). I randomly selected "body movement"--shit! I jumped in the car and got to the pool right before the workout started, about 30 minutes later than I normally get there. Hence the really short warm-up. But tonight was also breaststroke drill night--my fav!! Eek, tonight everyone was calling me "number 1." The coach realized I was going to fast on one of the drill sets so instead of using the board the real way, she had me hold it vertical in the water for resistence. It was a bit harder, but didn't really slow me down. Yeah for breaststroke!! I love it!
Anyway, no crazy comments from the older men tonight. BUT in the pool, I got "beautiful" in reference to my swim from one of my favorite ladies...no biggie until in the locker room she looked me up and down and said "steki" or great. I looked at her funny because there was nothing steki about what I was wearing--old cords and an old sweater. She responded with, "nice body." What?? Where did that come from?? She cracks me up. She's kinda cute too!! :)
Monday, January 29, 2007
KMSC 1550m
Warm-up
500s/300p/50k
Sets
10x50 back drills
Cool Down
200s
Total: 1550m 1hr.20min.
Eek, I hate back drill day. And I do it all wrong too...so the coach is always correcting me. Apparently my hand over reaches across my midline. And no matter how hard I try not to, I still do it. Oh well. I hate back!
No crazy comments from the men today. But an older lady in the locker room just started chatting me up, going on and on about how nervous she was to go to practice. Or at least that's what I was pretending she was saying. I actually couldn't understand a word of what she was saying. And then another women randomly stopped me in the pool and commented that she could be as old as my mother and indeed she's right. She's as old as my mom. Glad we cleared that up.
Well, with my current schedule I just can't get to the pool more than once a week...well, I might be able to. Anyway, I board on Saturdays and swim on Mondays. And until the next paper gets done, that's all I'm really gonna hope for. But starting in April....I'm gonna try to make an effort to really train for the last Masters meet of my Japan Masters career. It's in June! That gives me two solid months.
500s/300p/50k
Sets
10x50 back drills
Cool Down
200s
Total: 1550m 1hr.20min.
Eek, I hate back drill day. And I do it all wrong too...so the coach is always correcting me. Apparently my hand over reaches across my midline. And no matter how hard I try not to, I still do it. Oh well. I hate back!
No crazy comments from the men today. But an older lady in the locker room just started chatting me up, going on and on about how nervous she was to go to practice. Or at least that's what I was pretending she was saying. I actually couldn't understand a word of what she was saying. And then another women randomly stopped me in the pool and commented that she could be as old as my mother and indeed she's right. She's as old as my mom. Glad we cleared that up.
Well, with my current schedule I just can't get to the pool more than once a week...well, I might be able to. Anyway, I board on Saturdays and swim on Mondays. And until the next paper gets done, that's all I'm really gonna hope for. But starting in April....I'm gonna try to make an effort to really train for the last Masters meet of my Japan Masters career. It's in June! That gives me two solid months.
Monday, January 22, 2007
KMSC 2050m
Warm-up:
500s/500p/300k
Set:
10x50 butterfly drill (7 kick only, 3 alt. arm)
50s fly
Cool Down
200s
Total: 2050m 1hr. 35min.
It's my first KMSC workout in months!!! And luckily I didn't have to coach tonight. But it kicked my %*#. My lane pushed me to the front for the first 50 of fly drill. But when I reached the wall, the woman behind me said I needed to go faster....dozo!! So she was in the lead the rest of the night. I struggled and made it, but just barely!
It turns out the next All Japan Masters meet is the March meet and tomorrow is the deadline. Oh well! And apparently last night they had a big New Years enkai...thanks for the invite! Oh well, especially after the two old guys both made comments about wanting to go out with me! Ick!! The quote of the night, "How can I touch you?" He meant to say, or at least I want to think he meant to say, "How do I get in touch with you?" I'm tried not to be irritated!
500s/500p/300k
Set:
10x50 butterfly drill (7 kick only, 3 alt. arm)
50s fly
Cool Down
200s
Total: 2050m 1hr. 35min.
It's my first KMSC workout in months!!! And luckily I didn't have to coach tonight. But it kicked my %*#. My lane pushed me to the front for the first 50 of fly drill. But when I reached the wall, the woman behind me said I needed to go faster....dozo!! So she was in the lead the rest of the night. I struggled and made it, but just barely!
It turns out the next All Japan Masters meet is the March meet and tomorrow is the deadline. Oh well! And apparently last night they had a big New Years enkai...thanks for the invite! Oh well, especially after the two old guys both made comments about wanting to go out with me! Ick!! The quote of the night, "How can I touch you?" He meant to say, or at least I want to think he meant to say, "How do I get in touch with you?" I'm tried not to be irritated!
Monday, January 15, 2007
1600m
It's been how long since I was in the pool?? I don't even want to think about it. I should have waited a few hours and gone to the Masters practice, but I was near the pool and I HATE making more trips than necessary. Just a quick 40 minute stretch out after a LONG LONG holiday and a day or boarding on Saturday! Man, my calves are sore!
500s
500k
500p
100s
Total: 1600 40 min.
The next Masters meet is in March, the weekend after my birthday. The one weekend I was thinking of going to Tokyo! Hmm? What to do? Stay and swim or go and enjoy Tokyo? That might be easier than I thought!!
500s
500k
500p
100s
Total: 1600 40 min.
The next Masters meet is in March, the weekend after my birthday. The one weekend I was thinking of going to Tokyo! Hmm? What to do? Stay and swim or go and enjoy Tokyo? That might be easier than I thought!!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Mt. Hood
January 1st, 2007
Angela, Evie, and Katherine drove up to Mt. Hood on New Year's Day to go snowboarding. We opted to go to Ski Bowl, a much cheaper option on the mountain. Unfortunately it is one of the lower elevation snow parks and it was pretty warm and we got some rain. But we heard rumors that Timberline was getting rain too....ha ha ha, fools!! They paid more and still got rained on!
Evie, Angela and I rented boards but Katherine opted for skis. After attempting to give a few lessons on the bunny hill, Katherine and I took off for the real lifts. But after our first run Angela and Evie were ready to try the ski lift too! They were awesome for first timers!! I was so impressed. We did two runs for their one run, but I consider that to be REALLY good for your first day up. I wasn't that good! Nice work ladies!!!
Angela, Evie, and Katherine drove up to Mt. Hood on New Year's Day to go snowboarding. We opted to go to Ski Bowl, a much cheaper option on the mountain. Unfortunately it is one of the lower elevation snow parks and it was pretty warm and we got some rain. But we heard rumors that Timberline was getting rain too....ha ha ha, fools!! They paid more and still got rained on!
Evie, Angela and I rented boards but Katherine opted for skis. After attempting to give a few lessons on the bunny hill, Katherine and I took off for the real lifts. But after our first run Angela and Evie were ready to try the ski lift too! They were awesome for first timers!! I was so impressed. We did two runs for their one run, but I consider that to be REALLY good for your first day up. I wasn't that good! Nice work ladies!!!
I felt the muscle ache the next few days! Felt great!
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