The parents convinced me to go to their water aerobics class tonight. While they were jogging, I swam laps in the deep end, width way across 6 lanes--better than the length of the NYC pool, but still no lap pool. And I was dodging people with those floating belts on who were just hanging out. I sculled faster than they moved. Anyway....the water is 87F, so even if I had wanted to swim at a good pace, it was impossibly warm in there! But I think the most shocking 'reverse culture shock' moment was being in the changing room after the water aerobics class! OMG! Americans are HUGE! And it's disgusting! I don't think I have EVER showered with women that large before and I've never had to see what I saw. And I never want to. I was shocked! I NEVER saw anything like it in my three years of swimming and visiting public baths in Japan. And even in the UK I didn't notice that level of obesity. This country is out of control.
Total: 45min maybe 1000+m
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
NYC Swim
Total: 30 min
I'm in NYC this week visiting family and being totally spoiled! I love this city, I wanna live in this city but how anyone affords it is beyond me! Anyway, my cousin took me to her gym in the Upper East side yesterday. The gym is amazing--6 floors of equipment, gyms, a climbing wall, fitness rooms, pool, sauna, spa, etc. Luckily it was member appreciation week and yesterday happened to be 'bring a guest for free day'. Otherwise it would have cost $40 to get in! My cousin didn't tell me that until AFTER the swim! Can you imagine, $40 for a one time visit to a gym? Ridiculous! And it wasn't an olympic size pool. It was about 10-15m in length and only the width of about 3 lap lanes. But we swam (with lots of flip turns) for about 30 minutes. The best part...my cousin has a waterproff case for her iPod and let me try it out. So very very cool!! If I had the smaller iPod, it would be a fun investment. And it works really well. I recommend it for all you swimmers out there!!
Ok, time to take the dog for a walk, pack the bags and fly home!!
I'm in NYC this week visiting family and being totally spoiled! I love this city, I wanna live in this city but how anyone affords it is beyond me! Anyway, my cousin took me to her gym in the Upper East side yesterday. The gym is amazing--6 floors of equipment, gyms, a climbing wall, fitness rooms, pool, sauna, spa, etc. Luckily it was member appreciation week and yesterday happened to be 'bring a guest for free day'. Otherwise it would have cost $40 to get in! My cousin didn't tell me that until AFTER the swim! Can you imagine, $40 for a one time visit to a gym? Ridiculous! And it wasn't an olympic size pool. It was about 10-15m in length and only the width of about 3 lap lanes. But we swam (with lots of flip turns) for about 30 minutes. The best part...my cousin has a waterproff case for her iPod and let me try it out. So very very cool!! If I had the smaller iPod, it would be a fun investment. And it works really well. I recommend it for all you swimmers out there!!
Ok, time to take the dog for a walk, pack the bags and fly home!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
600m
600m
Total: 600m
Price per person: $5.16
Today has been a crazy day finishing my packing, printing, returning things, shipping things, donating things, meeting people, saying good-bye, etc. But I managed to find 20 minutes to jump in and jump out and shower! So...there it is. I made it to the pool 31 times in 4 months. And now it is time to say good-bye to the Birmingham pool and to B
Total: 600m
Price per person: $5.16
Today has been a crazy day finishing my packing, printing, returning things, shipping things, donating things, meeting people, saying good-bye, etc. But I managed to find 20 minutes to jump in and jump out and shower! So...there it is. I made it to the pool 31 times in 4 months. And now it is time to say good-bye to the Birmingham pool and to B
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
1300m
500s
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1300m 30min
Price per swim: $5.33
I submitted my last modular assessment today! Hurray! That means I just have the dissertation and I'm done--easier said then done! After handing it in I jumped in the pool before heading to the pub with my classmates. So whatever good I did to my body by swimming for 30min was totally negated after eating a plate of greasy fish n' chips! But I won't get the good stuff at home so I have to live it up my last days in the UK! Tomorrow will be my last day at the pool for who knows how long! Sad!
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1300m 30min
Price per swim: $5.33
I submitted my last modular assessment today! Hurray! That means I just have the dissertation and I'm done--easier said then done! After handing it in I jumped in the pool before heading to the pub with my classmates. So whatever good I did to my body by swimming for 30min was totally negated after eating a plate of greasy fish n' chips! But I won't get the good stuff at home so I have to live it up my last days in the UK! Tomorrow will be my last day at the pool for who knows how long! Sad!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
1100m
500s
400p
100k
100s
Total: 1100 20+min
Price per swim: $5.51
It was a bit quieter today! Thank goodness. I had to share a lane with a recreation backstroker for a few minutes and then I had the lane to myself. When I got in, she was swimming in the normal circular pattern, not the reverse of the fast lane that really threw me off when I first got here. It felt so good to be swimming in the right direction again. My turns felt great and had so much more power. I was flying through them. Except for one...I hesitated a bit coming into the wall, lost my momentum and didn't tuck into the turn like I normally do...wacked my right foot on the wall. Ouch! Hurts the ego more than anything. Hope the lifeguard didn't see it. Kept on swimming but there seems to be a little bruise forming! Oh well!
Hope to get in another swim Saturday or Sunday! And then Monday and Tuesday as well. Flying back to the states on Wednesday. Bye bye Birmingham!
400p
100k
100s
Total: 1100 20+min
Price per swim: $5.51
It was a bit quieter today! Thank goodness. I had to share a lane with a recreation backstroker for a few minutes and then I had the lane to myself. When I got in, she was swimming in the normal circular pattern, not the reverse of the fast lane that really threw me off when I first got here. It felt so good to be swimming in the right direction again. My turns felt great and had so much more power. I was flying through them. Except for one...I hesitated a bit coming into the wall, lost my momentum and didn't tuck into the turn like I normally do...wacked my right foot on the wall. Ouch! Hurts the ego more than anything. Hope the lifeguard didn't see it. Kept on swimming but there seems to be a little bruise forming! Oh well!
Hope to get in another swim Saturday or Sunday! And then Monday and Tuesday as well. Flying back to the states on Wednesday. Bye bye Birmingham!
1500m
500s
600p
200k
200s
Total: 1500m 25 min
Price per swim: $5.71
The crowds are back! Blah! I was passing another swim every 50m, which meant I had to keep up a pretty quick pace...except of course when I got behind someone and had to wait until the turn to pass them. But no one ever stops at the wall and lets you pass them...oh no! You just gotta swim hard and fast!
600p
200k
200s
Total: 1500m 25 min
Price per swim: $5.71
The crowds are back! Blah! I was passing another swim every 50m, which meant I had to keep up a pretty quick pace...except of course when I got behind someone and had to wait until the turn to pass them. But no one ever stops at the wall and lets you pass them...oh no! You just gotta swim hard and fast!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
1400m
700s
400p
100k
200s
Total: 1400m 25min
Price per swim: $5.92
Saturday mornings at the pool are great! I had the lane to myself almost the entire time. But I didn't have much time so I made it quick. It is also hard to feel very motivated to swim in such a crappy pool with swimmers who don't inspire you. If everyone else is doing hard sets, swimming on intervals, etc. it is much easier to feel motivated and inspired to do it yourself. But this is a total leisure pool and the fact that I do flip turns and swim for more than a 50 is a shock to most people. Only about 10 days left in Birmingham before I go home. I'll need to check out the membership rates of the pool across the street from my parent's house. If I remember correctly it is much too hot for lap swimming! But I'll have to try it at least once. I need to do something physical when I get back to the great U S of A!
400p
100k
200s
Total: 1400m 25min
Price per swim: $5.92
Saturday mornings at the pool are great! I had the lane to myself almost the entire time. But I didn't have much time so I made it quick. It is also hard to feel very motivated to swim in such a crappy pool with swimmers who don't inspire you. If everyone else is doing hard sets, swimming on intervals, etc. it is much easier to feel motivated and inspired to do it yourself. But this is a total leisure pool and the fact that I do flip turns and swim for more than a 50 is a shock to most people. Only about 10 days left in Birmingham before I go home. I'll need to check out the membership rates of the pool across the street from my parent's house. If I remember correctly it is much too hot for lap swimming! But I'll have to try it at least once. I need to do something physical when I get back to the great U S of A!
Friday, April 18, 2008
1300m
500s
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1300m 25min
Price per swim: $6.40
Pretty faced paced today. There was another moderately speedy swimmer in the lane but I had to pass him during my 500 swim and pull after about 150m. He didn't seem to like that, but he also wasn't stopping at the wall to let me pass. So I had to kick it up a few notches to get by him in 25m. So the 4th 25 of each 500 was a sprint. And I had to maintain a pretty quick pace for the next 50m to gain enough on him to make sure he wasn't dragging off me. Lots to do, so made today a quick one. But it felt great to get in and stretch out my arms--feeling a bit tight! Back to the paper!
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1300m 25min
Price per swim: $6.40
Pretty faced paced today. There was another moderately speedy swimmer in the lane but I had to pass him during my 500 swim and pull after about 150m. He didn't seem to like that, but he also wasn't stopping at the wall to let me pass. So I had to kick it up a few notches to get by him in 25m. So the 4th 25 of each 500 was a sprint. And I had to maintain a pretty quick pace for the next 50m to gain enough on him to make sure he wasn't dragging off me. Lots to do, so made today a quick one. But it felt great to get in and stretch out my arms--feeling a bit tight! Back to the paper!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
2400m
500s
500p
200k fr
200k brst
6x100 IM (fly drill)
200p
100k
100s
Total: 2400m 55min
I got up and went directly to the pool this morning. With the bus and stopping to get groceries, it still turns into an entire morning out, but it was well worth it. There was almost nobody in the pool and the sun was shining! And I got my first compliment from an older man who I was sharing the lane with. He said he was trying to get tips from me everytime I lapped him and asked if I swam competitively because I swim so well. Cute! But after spending so long in the pool today, my chlorine allergies are in full swing...can't stop the sneezing!
500p
200k fr
200k brst
6x100 IM (fly drill)
200p
100k
100s
Total: 2400m 55min
I got up and went directly to the pool this morning. With the bus and stopping to get groceries, it still turns into an entire morning out, but it was well worth it. There was almost nobody in the pool and the sun was shining! And I got my first compliment from an older man who I was sharing the lane with. He said he was trying to get tips from me everytime I lapped him and asked if I swam competitively because I swim so well. Cute! But after spending so long in the pool today, my chlorine allergies are in full swing...can't stop the sneezing!
Friday, April 11, 2008
1800m
1000s
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1800m 45min
I ate not long before I got in the pool, so I didn't want to do anything too fast. I swam long and strong for my warm-up 1000m. Felt good to stretch out and enjoy the laps! I'm loving going to the pool during the 'easter holidays' because it is MUCH less crowded! Hopefully I'll get to the pool a few more times next week inbetween the reading and writing!
As of today, I've been to the pool 23 times since coming to Birmingham. That means I've paid about $7/swim. Not great considering the pool sucks, but it has been a great stress-reliever! And if it wasn't for the shingles, I would have been in the pool a lot more! I missed an entire month! Bummer!
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1800m 45min
I ate not long before I got in the pool, so I didn't want to do anything too fast. I swam long and strong for my warm-up 1000m. Felt good to stretch out and enjoy the laps! I'm loving going to the pool during the 'easter holidays' because it is MUCH less crowded! Hopefully I'll get to the pool a few more times next week inbetween the reading and writing!
As of today, I've been to the pool 23 times since coming to Birmingham. That means I've paid about $7/swim. Not great considering the pool sucks, but it has been a great stress-reliever! And if it wasn't for the shingles, I would have been in the pool a lot more! I missed an entire month! Bummer!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
2200m
500s
500p
300k
7x100 IM (fly-drill) 15 sec. rest
100k
100s
Total: 2200m 50min
I turned in my 5th assessment (out of 6) and headed straight for the pool. It felt GREAT! It wasn't overcrowded and I could stretch out! And I actually got in a semi-real set! Felt so so good to keep going! Hopefully I can get a few more of these kinds of swims in soon! After the swim....enjoyed a HUGE Chinese meal!
500p
300k
7x100 IM (fly-drill) 15 sec. rest
100k
100s
Total: 2200m 50min
I turned in my 5th assessment (out of 6) and headed straight for the pool. It felt GREAT! It wasn't overcrowded and I could stretch out! And I actually got in a semi-real set! Felt so so good to keep going! Hopefully I can get a few more of these kinds of swims in soon! After the swim....enjoyed a HUGE Chinese meal!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
1300m
500s
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1300m 30 min.
In and out! The pool was almost empty today! Fabulous! Wanted to catch the bus and get back to get work done. Haven't gotten any 'work' done but have managed to get some errands and chores done. Can't sit still in front of the computer...probably should have swam longer, especially after all the tasty bratwurst and beer that was consumed this weekend in Hamburg!
Oh...and last Wednesday I jumped in for 15minutes, about 700m. Barely worth mentioning, but really needed to feel the heart moving!
500p
200k
100s
Total: 1300m 30 min.
In and out! The pool was almost empty today! Fabulous! Wanted to catch the bus and get back to get work done. Haven't gotten any 'work' done but have managed to get some errands and chores done. Can't sit still in front of the computer...probably should have swam longer, especially after all the tasty bratwurst and beer that was consumed this weekend in Hamburg!
Oh...and last Wednesday I jumped in for 15minutes, about 700m. Barely worth mentioning, but really needed to feel the heart moving!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
1200
500s
500p
200k
Total: 1200 30min
In and out really quick! Too much to do before I leave for Germany on Thursday. And there won't be any swimming in Germany...just beer and brats!! :)
500p
200k
Total: 1200 30min
In and out really quick! Too much to do before I leave for Germany on Thursday. And there won't be any swimming in Germany...just beer and brats!! :)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
1600m
500s
100brst
500p
300k
200s (25fr, 100brst, 25fr)
Total: 1600m 45min.
A crowded evening at the pool. My arms are a a little sore from Monday, but not much else to say.
100brst
500p
300k
200s (25fr, 100brst, 25fr)
Total: 1600m 45min.
A crowded evening at the pool. My arms are a a little sore from Monday, but not much else to say.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
1200m
500s
400p
200k
100s
Total: 1200m 30min
Nothing wild and crazy but after a forced 1 month respite I'm back in the water. Same old same old in terms of crappy lane etiquette. The big challenge now will be forcing myself to take the bus to get to campus to use the pool because now I have NO classes and NO reason to go to the main campus!
400p
200k
100s
Total: 1200m 30min
Nothing wild and crazy but after a forced 1 month respite I'm back in the water. Same old same old in terms of crappy lane etiquette. The big challenge now will be forcing myself to take the bus to get to campus to use the pool because now I have NO classes and NO reason to go to the main campus!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Coming soon
I'm feeling it. A swim will be coming soon. I am feeling much much better. I'm not nearly as exhausted as I was and have been. But the rash is STILL visible so technically it might still be contagious. The only downside is the next week is SUPER busy with academic stuff and might prohibit a pool visit. But I'll be back in soon! I NEED to be back in soon!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A Case of Shingles--blah!
Gross! It's been confirmed by a doctor. I have shingles. I had my suspicions and had checked the internet for symptoms--looked like it might be shingles, but I was hopeful I was mis-diagnosing it. All the doctor did was quickly glance at the rash and confirm it is SHINGLES. Yuck!!
So far it seems to be a mild case and hopefully it will stay that way. I've started taking anti-virals to reduce the growth of the virus, but it doesn't stop it. I just hope and pray I don't get those nasty boils that seem inevitable! I guess this rules out the pool for at least a week or two...until the rash has almost entirely disappeared. I'm so totally bummed about that!
Just when I was looking forward to getting back in the pool after last week's study hiatus...I get a highly contagious skin disease! Just my luck!
So far it seems to be a mild case and hopefully it will stay that way. I've started taking anti-virals to reduce the growth of the virus, but it doesn't stop it. I just hope and pray I don't get those nasty boils that seem inevitable! I guess this rules out the pool for at least a week or two...until the rash has almost entirely disappeared. I'm so totally bummed about that!
Just when I was looking forward to getting back in the pool after last week's study hiatus...I get a highly contagious skin disease! Just my luck!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Something Nasty
Over the weekend I contracted some nasty red bumpy itchy but painful rash on my right side under my breast and armpit wrapping around to my back. Not sure what it is or how to care for it but I think it's best to avoid dirty locker rooms and chlorinated bath water for awhile. Hope to be back in the pool in a few days.
Friday, February 15, 2008
1400m
500s
300p
200k
200s
100brst
100s
Total: 1400m 35min
This is my first visit to the pool this week. I have a good excuse. It is reading week and I've been studying at the library close to my house to avoid the bus commute. But today I took a midday break and went to the main campus and jumped in the water. This week I decided to shave my winter coat...first time in always feels great with a fresh shave! I'm going to London tomorrow for a weekend of drinking and debauchery! Be back in the pool on Monday or Tuesday!
300p
200k
200s
100brst
100s
Total: 1400m 35min
This is my first visit to the pool this week. I have a good excuse. It is reading week and I've been studying at the library close to my house to avoid the bus commute. But today I took a midday break and went to the main campus and jumped in the water. This week I decided to shave my winter coat...first time in always feels great with a fresh shave! I'm going to London tomorrow for a weekend of drinking and debauchery! Be back in the pool on Monday or Tuesday!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
2200m
1000s
500p
300k 25fr/25brst
100brst
100bk
4x25fly drill
100s
Total: 2200m 48min
Week Total: 7200m
I made it--Day 5! Yahoo! I don't think that has happened since I was in college. And it's the most meterage since Japan! I'm moving up in life! The pool was pretty quiet this afternoon so it was easy to stay longer and do more. The guys I was swimming with were all pretty polite too! A nice change of pace!
I don't think I've showered at home all week--I've got that chlorine perfume going on. I should bottle it and market it to swimmers. Too bad it makes me sneeze!
500p
300k 25fr/25brst
100brst
100bk
4x25fly drill
100s
Total: 2200m 48min
Week Total: 7200m
I made it--Day 5! Yahoo! I don't think that has happened since I was in college. And it's the most meterage since Japan! I'm moving up in life! The pool was pretty quiet this afternoon so it was easy to stay longer and do more. The guys I was swimming with were all pretty polite too! A nice change of pace!
I don't think I've showered at home all week--I've got that chlorine perfume going on. I should bottle it and market it to swimmers. Too bad it makes me sneeze!
Friday, February 08, 2008
1100m
500s
500p
50k
50s
Total: 1100 23min
I KNOW!!! Lame!! But I was rushing to get to the bus. Not sure if I did the math correct, but I think I worked out that 1100m in 23min is the equivalent of doing 22x50s on the 1:02. Not exactly race pace! But that includes pulling, stopping at the wall for slow swimmers, doing a little breast stroke in a traffic jam and short breaks in-between. Hmm? I'll have to start paying more attention to that. See if I can't pick up the pace. Although I don't feel like I'm taking it easy. In fact, I feel like I'm pushing myself a lot. My heart is usually racing and I often feel very short of breath--lapsing into breathing every 1-2 at the walls instead of maintaining my every 3 pattern. And this is day 4 this week. I'm going tomorrow...make it 5!! Yahoo!!
500p
50k
50s
Total: 1100 23min
I KNOW!!! Lame!! But I was rushing to get to the bus. Not sure if I did the math correct, but I think I worked out that 1100m in 23min is the equivalent of doing 22x50s on the 1:02. Not exactly race pace! But that includes pulling, stopping at the wall for slow swimmers, doing a little breast stroke in a traffic jam and short breaks in-between. Hmm? I'll have to start paying more attention to that. See if I can't pick up the pace. Although I don't feel like I'm taking it easy. In fact, I feel like I'm pushing myself a lot. My heart is usually racing and I often feel very short of breath--lapsing into breathing every 1-2 at the walls instead of maintaining my every 3 pattern. And this is day 4 this week. I'm going tomorrow...make it 5!! Yahoo!!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
1500m
500s
500p
200k
200s (25brst/25bk)
100s
Total: 1500 40min
Long day today and I went swimming at the end--not much energy or motivation, but got in anyway. Nothing much to report minus a run-in a the wall in my last 100m. The swimmer in front of me pulled into the wall on the left side, she didn't attempt to even move to the middle as if she was turning and continuing. So I moved to the middle to pass her and as she turned to push off she ran into me. I apologized and said I thought she was stopping. Not sure if she was pissed or not. I kept going after my quick apology. Awareness of what's happening around you is central in lap swimming. People need to be on constant look-out for other people. It doesn't seem to be an innate skill.
500p
200k
200s (25brst/25bk)
100s
Total: 1500 40min
Long day today and I went swimming at the end--not much energy or motivation, but got in anyway. Nothing much to report minus a run-in a the wall in my last 100m. The swimmer in front of me pulled into the wall on the left side, she didn't attempt to even move to the middle as if she was turning and continuing. So I moved to the middle to pass her and as she turned to push off she ran into me. I apologized and said I thought she was stopping. Not sure if she was pissed or not. I kept going after my quick apology. Awareness of what's happening around you is central in lap swimming. People need to be on constant look-out for other people. It doesn't seem to be an innate skill.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
1500m
500s
5x100p
200k w/brd
100k no brd
100brst
100s
Total: 1500 35min
Another busy lunch hour. My arms were a bit tired from yesterday. The water felt thick and a bit like swimming in honey! I don't know if people are getting to know me or if today was an unusual day, but everyone was very polite. People were pulling over, letting others pass, moving at the wall so others could do flip-turns, and even turning back to see how close the next person is in line. It was a huge improvement over some days!!
5x100p
200k w/brd
100k no brd
100brst
100s
Total: 1500 35min
Another busy lunch hour. My arms were a bit tired from yesterday. The water felt thick and a bit like swimming in honey! I don't know if people are getting to know me or if today was an unusual day, but everyone was very polite. People were pulling over, letting others pass, moving at the wall so others could do flip-turns, and even turning back to see how close the next person is in line. It was a huge improvement over some days!!
2000m
800s
600p
300k
100brst
200s
Total: 2000m 50min
Yowzers! I made it to 2000m after 7 months--about time! Feels good to be back 'in it'. The pool was pretty quiet this afternoon, perfect for swimming long. I needed to stretch out and do some aerobic swimming after the quiet weekend! Plus it is monday...so there is potential to swim 5 days this week. Now, that would amazing--haven't done that since college! Hmm...let's see, it's still early in the week!
600p
300k
100brst
200s
Total: 2000m 50min
Yowzers! I made it to 2000m after 7 months--about time! Feels good to be back 'in it'. The pool was pretty quiet this afternoon, perfect for swimming long. I needed to stretch out and do some aerobic swimming after the quiet weekend! Plus it is monday...so there is potential to swim 5 days this week. Now, that would amazing--haven't done that since college! Hmm...let's see, it's still early in the week!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
1600m
500s
500p
200k
3x100IM
100s
Total: 1600m 40min
Even though I had just eaten lunch (thai curry with rice) I was still hungry and felt the hunger pains throughout my swim. There were a few flailing swimmers in the one lane, so I was constantly trying to swim around them, or trying to be polite and swim behind them until the wall. It is a constant battle between swimming at speed and being polite. The forecast predicts snow this weekend, I don't buy it. But either way, probably will avoid campus if at all possible. So it'll be Monday before I get back to the pool.
500p
200k
3x100IM
100s
Total: 1600m 40min
Even though I had just eaten lunch (thai curry with rice) I was still hungry and felt the hunger pains throughout my swim. There were a few flailing swimmers in the one lane, so I was constantly trying to swim around them, or trying to be polite and swim behind them until the wall. It is a constant battle between swimming at speed and being polite. The forecast predicts snow this weekend, I don't buy it. But either way, probably will avoid campus if at all possible. So it'll be Monday before I get back to the pool.
Friday, February 01, 2008
1600m
500s
300p
300k fast
100brst
3x100 IM drill
100s
Total: 1600m 40min
I had a little friendly competition in the pool today. While I was kicking another guy was kicking too. We were both going as fast as we could to try and stay pack with each other. He ended up passing me and got about 1/2 length ahead because I let other people pass. But it was fun to have someone pushing me like that. I don't think he liked the fact that my brst kick was so fast! Seemed to piss him off! A little friendly non-verbal competition is always fun!
I won't go into all the ettiquete problems there were tonight! Oh my!
300p
300k fast
100brst
3x100 IM drill
100s
Total: 1600m 40min
I had a little friendly competition in the pool today. While I was kicking another guy was kicking too. We were both going as fast as we could to try and stay pack with each other. He ended up passing me and got about 1/2 length ahead because I let other people pass. But it was fun to have someone pushing me like that. I don't think he liked the fact that my brst kick was so fast! Seemed to piss him off! A little friendly non-verbal competition is always fun!
I won't go into all the ettiquete problems there were tonight! Oh my!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
1100m
400s
400p
200k
100s
Total: 1100m
Ok...I know. It was a pathetic excuse for a swim. But I was exhausted (no explanation) and in the midst of cramps. So...it was a slow lazy day. But I got in and stretched out a bit. This might be a slow going week.
400p
200k
100s
Total: 1100m
Ok...I know. It was a pathetic excuse for a swim. But I was exhausted (no explanation) and in the midst of cramps. So...it was a slow lazy day. But I got in and stretched out a bit. This might be a slow going week.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
1700m
1000s
300p
200k
100brst
100s
Total: 1700m 45+min
I'm breaking records left and right...4 days in a row! Have I ever? Wow, I should go tomorrow just to make it 5 days in a row. I ALMOST bailed on the swim today. I had a presentation this morning and went for my first fish 'n chips lunch on-campus with some women from my department. I was feeling tired and sluggish to say the least. And really looking forward to starting my quiet Friday night at home watching a free library DVD! But I pushed on. I wasn't hopeful because I went to the 'general' swim. But there was only 1 other man in the lane the entire time I was swimming. It was fabulous--my best day in the pool since I joined. So, I just kept swimming and swimming, hence the 1000m. Felt great to just keep going without anyone in my way, without having to pass people, and without having to 'eye' people at the end of the lane to move on over. It was lovely! And to top it all off...I walked home, several kilometers uphill in the windy cold. Walking was purely motivated by my desire to find the Asian Grocery store. Success--instant miso tofu soup, udon noodles and tofu! Fabulous!
A good day! And a successful 4 days at the pool!
300p
200k
100brst
100s
Total: 1700m 45+min
I'm breaking records left and right...4 days in a row! Have I ever? Wow, I should go tomorrow just to make it 5 days in a row. I ALMOST bailed on the swim today. I had a presentation this morning and went for my first fish 'n chips lunch on-campus with some women from my department. I was feeling tired and sluggish to say the least. And really looking forward to starting my quiet Friday night at home watching a free library DVD! But I pushed on. I wasn't hopeful because I went to the 'general' swim. But there was only 1 other man in the lane the entire time I was swimming. It was fabulous--my best day in the pool since I joined. So, I just kept swimming and swimming, hence the 1000m. Felt great to just keep going without anyone in my way, without having to pass people, and without having to 'eye' people at the end of the lane to move on over. It was lovely! And to top it all off...I walked home, several kilometers uphill in the windy cold. Walking was purely motivated by my desire to find the Asian Grocery store. Success--instant miso tofu soup, udon noodles and tofu! Fabulous!
A good day! And a successful 4 days at the pool!
Friday, January 25, 2008
1600m
500s
400p
200k fr/brst alt
200brst
100k fly
100k brst
100s
Total: 1600m 45min
Three days in a row--I'm on a roll! Yahoo! I'm on campus late tonight and tried the evening swim. Much better than the lunch swim. There are a few more serious swimmers, one guy was lapping us all and even did a few 25m sprints. But I think he was swimming in boxer shorts! Ha ha ha! With so many people in the lane, I find I swim faster and harder. I rest a lot less because there are so many people waiting around at the wall....no need for akwardness and I don't feel like being social. I still can barely understand what anyone says around these parts! English-English feels more foreign than Japanese or Tamil! It does feel good to be back in the water again. Although I doubt I'm going to be doing any sets like I was doing in Japan. The lap lane set-up just isn't conducive to swimming on the clock. This is going to be about endurance swimming--long and fast!
400p
200k fr/brst alt
200brst
100k fly
100k brst
100s
Total: 1600m 45min
Three days in a row--I'm on a roll! Yahoo! I'm on campus late tonight and tried the evening swim. Much better than the lunch swim. There are a few more serious swimmers, one guy was lapping us all and even did a few 25m sprints. But I think he was swimming in boxer shorts! Ha ha ha! With so many people in the lane, I find I swim faster and harder. I rest a lot less because there are so many people waiting around at the wall....no need for akwardness and I don't feel like being social. I still can barely understand what anyone says around these parts! English-English feels more foreign than Japanese or Tamil! It does feel good to be back in the water again. Although I doubt I'm going to be doing any sets like I was doing in Japan. The lap lane set-up just isn't conducive to swimming on the clock. This is going to be about endurance swimming--long and fast!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
1400m
500s
500p
200k
200s
Total: 1400m 40min
Jumped in quickly. Things do seem to be getting busier and busier. That's always a good thing. I hate sitting around. I tried a new technique today. When other swimmers were blocking the entire two lanes just standing at the wall, I would lift my head and stare at them as I came into the wall. They usually noticed and moved so I could do a flip-turn. One swimmer even aplogized. Not sure they 'got it'. But maybe I can leave my mark in the UK.
500p
200k
200s
Total: 1400m 40min
Jumped in quickly. Things do seem to be getting busier and busier. That's always a good thing. I hate sitting around. I tried a new technique today. When other swimmers were blocking the entire two lanes just standing at the wall, I would lift my head and stare at them as I came into the wall. They usually noticed and moved so I could do a flip-turn. One swimmer even aplogized. Not sure they 'got it'. But maybe I can leave my mark in the UK.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
1200m
700s
300p
100k
100s
Total: 1200m 25min
Short and sweet. In and out. I had a study group I had to get to. Swam hard and fast, lapped the girl in a bikini doing leisurely breaststroke several times! Yes, she was in the fast lane! Patience....I must learn patience!
300p
100k
100s
Total: 1200m 25min
Short and sweet. In and out. I had a study group I had to get to. Swam hard and fast, lapped the girl in a bikini doing leisurely breaststroke several times! Yes, she was in the fast lane! Patience....I must learn patience!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
1200m
500s
300k
200brst
200s
Total: 1200m 30min
Frustration again today! I hadn't experienced 'general' swim before, but it was the most convenient time slot today. Essentially, it is the same as lap swim except they only keep one of the lap lanes in the pool! This creates an open water like atmosphere that makes it virtually impossible to kick without choking on waves of water! And those of us who opted to swim in the 'lap lane' were mostly swimming laps. But there was lots of resting at the wall, no flip-turns, and very little speed. The most irritating thing (today)...people who don't move to the sides of the lanes so others can do flip-turns, or at least do a touch turn. They were all lined up there (two lanes worth) without an inch of wall space. So I just kept swimming into the wall, did a touch turn between two people and pushed off....but someone else pushed off at the same time! Agh...who are these people?? Seriously, there should be a class in lap swimming etiquette. I think San Tache and I need to teach it! Maybe even write a book on it!
300k
200brst
200s
Total: 1200m 30min
Frustration again today! I hadn't experienced 'general' swim before, but it was the most convenient time slot today. Essentially, it is the same as lap swim except they only keep one of the lap lanes in the pool! This creates an open water like atmosphere that makes it virtually impossible to kick without choking on waves of water! And those of us who opted to swim in the 'lap lane' were mostly swimming laps. But there was lots of resting at the wall, no flip-turns, and very little speed. The most irritating thing (today)...people who don't move to the sides of the lanes so others can do flip-turns, or at least do a touch turn. They were all lined up there (two lanes worth) without an inch of wall space. So I just kept swimming into the wall, did a touch turn between two people and pushed off....but someone else pushed off at the same time! Agh...who are these people?? Seriously, there should be a class in lap swimming etiquette. I think San Tache and I need to teach it! Maybe even write a book on it!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
August 2007-December 2007 Interim
After leaving Japan and the Kurobe Masters team I wasn't totally lazy for 5 months. I tried to stay active while I was traveling, although I had days of just sitting on trains, buses or in jeeps. When I wasn't sitting around I did some pretty cool things, (I must admit):
Great Baikal Trail: camping and trail building in Siberia near Lake Baikal for two weeks, hiked 3-5km into camp with LOTS of gear: tents, sleeping bag, tools and food! Built a bridge and 67m of NEW trail.
Leo Hostel "Secret" Great Wall Tour: hiked 2-3 hours up to and around the great wall in an area that has NOT been rebuilt. It was a tough trail and you really had to watch your step! But beautiful views!
Annapurna Circuit: trekked 18 days around the Annapurna Mtn. range in Nepal. It was about 300km and took us from about 800m to 5416m over the Thoroung La pass.
Annapurna Base Camp: trekked 7 days up to Annapurna and Machupuchre Base Camp and back.
Rafting & Canyoning at The Last Resort: 2 fabulous days of white water on the Bhote Kosi in Nepal. The second day was much more intense and unfortunately my mom fell out! We also tried canyoning which was lots of fun!!
Triund Trek: while staying in Dharamsala, India I did a lot of walking EVERYDAY. But one Saturday a student and I walked up to Triund, about 18km in 6 hours.
Lazy Swimming: and I did a few laps of luxury at Ideal Beach Resort in Mahabalipuram! Oh, I love that place!!
And now I'm walking all over campus in the UK! An exciting life continues in another country!
Great Baikal Trail: camping and trail building in Siberia near Lake Baikal for two weeks, hiked 3-5km into camp with LOTS of gear: tents, sleeping bag, tools and food! Built a bridge and 67m of NEW trail.
Leo Hostel "Secret" Great Wall Tour: hiked 2-3 hours up to and around the great wall in an area that has NOT been rebuilt. It was a tough trail and you really had to watch your step! But beautiful views!
Annapurna Circuit: trekked 18 days around the Annapurna Mtn. range in Nepal. It was about 300km and took us from about 800m to 5416m over the Thoroung La pass.
Annapurna Base Camp: trekked 7 days up to Annapurna and Machupuchre Base Camp and back.
Rafting & Canyoning at The Last Resort: 2 fabulous days of white water on the Bhote Kosi in Nepal. The second day was much more intense and unfortunately my mom fell out! We also tried canyoning which was lots of fun!!
Triund Trek: while staying in Dharamsala, India I did a lot of walking EVERYDAY. But one Saturday a student and I walked up to Triund, about 18km in 6 hours.
Lazy Swimming: and I did a few laps of luxury at Ideal Beach Resort in Mahabalipuram! Oh, I love that place!!
And now I'm walking all over campus in the UK! An exciting life continues in another country!
1500m
Two days in a row--I surprise even myself! My motivation is three-fold: 1) stay in shape 2) get back into swimming shape and 3) make the most of my year-long membership in 4 months! I paid about $160US for a year. So right now, I've spent $40 per swim! I hope to get that down to $3 per swim! That would mean getting to the pool at least 3x a week! So, that's my minimum goal...purely financial! Ha ha ha...gotta make the most of it!
Today felt good. I was swimming faster than the last few days. I'm sure my lane-mates didn't appreciate me passing them, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I don't have much sympathy for people who can't do continuous laps and swim in the fast lane! I wish there was a sign stating requirements for swimming in the fast lane. Some pools have that, but not this one!
3x400 s/p/p
200IM drill
100s
Total: 1500m 40 min
Today felt good. I was swimming faster than the last few days. I'm sure my lane-mates didn't appreciate me passing them, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I don't have much sympathy for people who can't do continuous laps and swim in the fast lane! I wish there was a sign stating requirements for swimming in the fast lane. Some pools have that, but not this one!
3x400 s/p/p
200IM drill
100s
Total: 1500m 40 min
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
1300m
On Tuesday's I don't have any lectures, which is great cause it gives me lots of time to read and get to the pool (in theory). But it's hard to stay motivated to get up and get to campus when there is nothing that I HAVE TO DO. I managed to make it to campus by about 10 this morning. I read for two hours and then went to the pool. Even though the lap swim hours are limited, it wasn't too crowded today. Agh, but I forgot my flip-flops and that always really grosses me out.
400s
300p
300k
200s
100s
Total: 1300m 30min
Slowly, slowly I'm trying to develop a routine and get back into swimming!
400s
300p
300k
200s
100s
Total: 1300m 30min
Slowly, slowly I'm trying to develop a routine and get back into swimming!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
1150m
Thursday and Friday's schedule prevented me from getting to the pool for lap swim between 12-2. But I got up dragged myself out of bed and walked 30 min in the cold and light drizzle to get in a few laps this morning. I was sore for about 2-3 days after my 500m on Wednesday--eeps! So, I'm taking it slow and stretching it out, warming up the muscles and not doing any too strenuous.
I bumped myself up to the fast lane again after 50m in the medium lane. Exciting news--there were three beefy ladies actually swimming in the fast lane! And they were considerate and knew passing rules! It was refreshing after the Japanese model--push off the lane just as a swimmer is coming into the wall! I think there are some serious swimmers, triatheletes, and club swimmers here despite the delapitaded looking facilities.
3x300 s/k/p
100brst
100s
50scull
Total: 1150m 30 min.
I bumped myself up to the fast lane again after 50m in the medium lane. Exciting news--there were three beefy ladies actually swimming in the fast lane! And they were considerate and knew passing rules! It was refreshing after the Japanese model--push off the lane just as a swimmer is coming into the wall! I think there are some serious swimmers, triatheletes, and club swimmers here despite the delapitaded looking facilities.
3x300 s/k/p
100brst
100s
50scull
Total: 1150m 30 min.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Back in the pool
I'm back in the water! Yahoo! I'm settling into my new home for the next four months--Birmingham, England. I've bought my 1-year membership to the University of Birmingham pool ($160US) because it was the best option. And now I have no excuse other than my very demanding studies (ha ha ha). So, I hope to be in the pool at least 3x a week! Today I went to check it out. I just did a quick 500m to stretch out after 6 months!! Luckily they do have a fast lane at this pool. And most of the swimmers in the fast lane belong there. However, even though they could have 6 lanes, they only have 3--annoying, but I guess it accommodates more people. I'm not sure why, but they swim clockwise, not counter-clockwise in the fast lane. It was messing up my flip turns! Not to mention the fact that you have to push off the wall diagonally anyway to get to the other side of the lane cause it's so frickin' big. And the pool smelled like men's cologne. What's up with that? I hope it's not a new type of chlorine. I'm so judgemental! I should just be happy with having access to a pool after such a long time. And I am! But it isn't the big 8-lane pool with super huge bright windows and heated floors that I was used to in Japan! Oh well...it's a pool with water! I'm in again! Hurray!
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