A Mad Duck

8700yds

2010-11-25T15:20:00.003+09:00

Monday 11/17 1400s
Wednesday 11/19 1400s
Friday 11/21 1400s
Sunday 11/23 1500s
Monday 11/24 1500s
Wednesday 11/26 1500s

Total: 8700yds

I'm not back in the habit of blogging about my swim workouts yet. I'm loving being back in the pool, feels SO good to be in the water again. My suits are about to fall apart so I bought a new one last night in the bargain bin, but accidentally grabbed a 28, the size I wore for meets in college. Ha! It's so tight I could barely move this morning. I need to stretch it out...chlorine work your magic.

Let me just add that American lap swimmers know lap lane etiquette! Thank GOD! And I haven't yet had to circle swim during free lap swim. Thank GOD! Buying a pass to the pool was a great investment!

Here is to a winter (December) of swimming and snowboarding!

1500yds

2010-11-15T05:21:00.001+09:00

Back in the pool, after how long? Much, much too long. That's not entirely true, I swam twice this summer in the Wilson HS pool, but considering its November now swimming outside is not an option. Lucky for me, there is a pool across the street from my house. I have no excuses and can't be lazy about swimming anymore. Today's slow but exhilarating workout:

200s
200p
200k
100s
8x50 p on :55
200 IM k drill
100 IM
100s

Total: 1500yds

It feels SO great to be back in the pool. I have been running almost everyday and I hate it. But swimming is so relaxing and meditative, it was a joy to be back in the water moving again. Tomorrow lap swim from 7-8am?

A Super-sized Country (1000m+)

2008-05-15T00:37:00.002+09:00

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

NYC Swim

2008-05-05T20:43:00.002+09:00

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!!

600m

2008-04-30T00:58:00.003+09:00

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

1300m

2008-04-29T01:59:00.004+09:00

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!

1100m

2008-04-24T20:06:00.003+09:00

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!

1500m

2008-04-24T20:03:00.002+09:00

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!

1400m

2008-04-20T02:29:00.004+09:00

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!

1300m

2008-04-18T22:29:00.003+09:00

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!

2400m

2008-04-15T21:24:00.001+09:00

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!

1800m

2008-04-11T22:34:00.004+09:00

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!

2200m

2008-04-06T02:33:00.003+09:00

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!

1300m

2008-04-02T01:35:00.002+09:00

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!

1200

2008-03-26T20:41:00.001+09:00

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!! :)

1600m

2008-03-20T03:50:00.001+09:00

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.

1200m

2008-03-18T00:06:00.002+09:00

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!

Coming soon

2008-03-06T01:33:00.003+09:00

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!

A Case of Shingles--blah!

2008-02-19T22:45:00.002+09:00

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!

Something Nasty

2008-02-18T23:25:00.002+09:00

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.

1400m

2008-02-15T00:33:00.002+09:00

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!

2200m

2008-02-09T02:50:00.000+09:00

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!

1100m

2008-02-08T05:50:00.000+09:00

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!!

1500m

2008-02-07T04:45:00.000+09:00

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.

1500m

2008-02-05T22:28:00.000+09:00

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!!

2000m

2008-02-05T00:30:00.000+09:00

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!

1600m

2008-02-02T01:52:00.000+09:00

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.

1600m

2008-02-01T06:45:00.000+09:00

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!

1100m

2008-01-30T01:43:00.000+09:00

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.

1700m

2008-01-26T03:01:00.000+09:00

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!

1600m

2008-01-25T03:28:00.000+09:00

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!

1400m

2008-01-24T01:34:00.001+09:00

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.

1200m

2008-01-23T22:06:00.000+09:00

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!

1200m

2008-01-20T00:35:00.000+09:00

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!

August 2007-December 2007 Interim

2008-01-17T00:47:00.000+09:00

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!

1500m

2008-01-17T00:36:00.000+09:00

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

1300m

2008-01-16T01:46:00.000+09:00

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!

1150m

2008-01-13T21:06:00.000+09:00

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.

Back in the pool

2008-01-10T01:02:00.000+09:00

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!

Good-bye KMSC

2007-07-18T20:45:00.001+09:00

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!!

KMSC 1700m

2007-07-09T22:14:00.000+09:00

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!

Biking Around Town

2007-07-08T22:11:00.000+09:00

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

KMSC 1950m

2007-07-02T23:00:00.000+09:00

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!

Another ridiculous run

2007-06-30T16:41:00.001+09:00

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.

A Quick Run

2007-06-28T23:33:00.000+09:00

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!!

1200m

2007-06-25T07:47:00.000+09:00

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.

Mt. Oitsurushiyama

2007-06-23T10:11:00.000+09:00

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

A Rainy Run

2007-06-21T20:17:00.000+09:00

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.

Cleaning Time

2007-06-20T22:52:00.000+09:00

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!

KMSC 2450m

2007-06-19T07:10:00.000+09:00

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!

~1000m with Erika

2007-06-10T19:12:00.000+09:00

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.

As she was leaving I said, “Let’s go swimming again.” She turned and beamed as she "Yes".

Today we went swimming together!

Mt. Oitsurushiyama

2007-06-09T19:25:00.000+09:00

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!

KMSC 2650m

2007-06-04T21:55:00.000+09:00

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.

富山県マスターズ水泳短水路大会2007

2007-06-04T17:07:00.000+09:00

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?)

(I'll try to post a few pics and maybe some video soon)

1500m

2007-06-02T18:02:00.000+09:00

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.

2000m

2007-05-31T21:51:00.000+09:00

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!!

KMSC 1550m

2007-05-28T22:48:00.000+09:00

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!!!

Kurobe Road Race

2007-05-27T18:52:00.001+09:00

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

The Nifty Volunteer Outfit

San Tache rockin' the 10K

And 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!

1500m

2007-05-24T21:42:00.001+09:00

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!

Unazuki Ride

2007-05-23T21:35:00.001+09:00

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.

1800m

2007-05-22T22:42:00.000+09:00

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!

3700m

2007-05-20T17:23:00.000+09:00

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!!!

Kanazawa Castle Relay Marathon

2007-05-14T21:47:00.000+09:00

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

2007-05-14T21:36:00.000+09:00

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!

2300m

2007-05-10T20:26:00.000+09:00

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! ;(

KMSC 1875m

2007-05-07T21:42:00.000+09:00

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!

24km & 1600m

2007-05-04T16:01:00.000+09:00

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!!

20km + 1050m

2007-05-03T14:32:00.000+09:00

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!

an attempt

2007-05-02T21:21:00.000+09:00

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

3500m

2007-05-01T17:34:00.000+09:00

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!!!

2400m

2007-04-28T15:28:00.000+09:00

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!!

Congratulations Mad Ducks & Dogs

2007-04-27T21:16:00.000+09:00

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)

1500m

2007-04-26T20:58:00.000+09:00

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!

~1200m

2007-04-20T21:04:00.000+09:00

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!

2500m

2007-04-19T20:51:00.000+09:00

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!

Biking & Yoga

2007-04-15T22:38:00.000+09:00

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

KMSC 1600m

2007-04-09T23:45:00.000+09:00

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!!

1700m

2007-04-05T21:50:00.000+09:00

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!

KMSC ~1500m

2007-04-02T22:25:00.000+09:00

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?

2500m

2007-03-30T17:55:00.000+09:00

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!!

KMSC 2100m

2007-03-26T21:18:00.000+09:00

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!!

2000m

2007-03-24T18:48:00.000+09:00

600s
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

2007-03-24T10:18:00.000+09:00

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

Quarantine

2007-03-17T13:59:00.000+09:00

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!

1500m KMSC

2007-02-26T22:55:00.000+09:00

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?

2006 In Review

2007-02-24T22:55:00.000+09:00

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:

159,000m OR 159km

2100m

2007-02-24T21:43:00.000+09:00

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!

KMSC 1450m

2007-02-19T21:30:00.000+09:00

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!

1600m

2007-02-17T20:21:00.000+09:00

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.

Blah

2007-02-16T20:34:00.000+09:00

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!

KMSC 1075m

2007-02-05T21:51:00.000+09:00

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!! :)

KMSC 1550m

2007-01-29T21:29:00.000+09:00

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.

KMSC 2050m

2007-01-22T23:42:00.000+09:00

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!

1600m

2007-01-15T18:33:00.000+09:00

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!!

Mt. Hood

2007-01-07T09:45:00.000+09:00

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!!!

I felt the muscle ache the next few days! Felt great!

Holiday List

2006-12-19T20:20:00.000+09:00

Well, this is it for a few weeks....I'm off to visit home for the holidays! I do hope to get a few swims in, but I doubt it will be anything significant. I'll probably mostly be eating. So in the spirit of the holidays and thanks to Joe, here is a holiday list.

Egg nog or hot chocolate? I prefer hot chocolate except at Christmas time too. I haven't actually had egg nog in two years. I do like buying a carton during the holidays. Yummmy....only 2 more days.
Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa's presents shouldn't be wrapped, he doesn't have time for wrapping!! And they are also on the fireplace, never under the tree. But anything I give is wrapped and under the tree.
Colored lights on tree/house or white? When I was a kid I loved the color, but now I prefer white. It looks so classy. And no more blinking lights!!
Do you hang mistletoe? Nope. And I've never been caught under any either. Too bad! I tried explaining mistletoe to my elementary school kids....totally didn't get it! It's so hard to explain. Why in the world do we do that?
When do you put your decorations up? When I was little I wanted to put them up as soon after Thanksgiving as possible. Now, I could care less. Maybe if I ever have kids then it will feel more exciting. But now it's just a lot of work for one day.
What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? It's all so good!!
Favorite holiday memory as a child? Wow, not sure I can answer that. There are so many great memories. But one year we hosted a Spanish exchange student and her whole family came for Christmas. I've never seen so many presents under the tree because there were over 20 people for dinner that year from 3 countries. It was amazing. Plus, her one older brother was really cute!
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? In 3rd grade Santa brought me a train set. But it was missing a piece so my mom pulled out the receipt and called the store. I caught her!
Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? It's a fight in our house every year. My mom opened all her gifts on Christmas Eve, but my dad opened on Christmas Day. My sister and I vote for Christmas Day too. That way you have all day to enjoy your gifts. But as a compromise we open one on Christmas Eve, it's always new winter pajamas. Usually a matching set for the girls. The year the Spanish family was visiting, my mom made all the girls matching flanner teddy bear pajamas! They were and still are so cute. But they were a tad bit big for all of us. I think I could wear them if I was having twins.
How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With lots of homemade decorations. The family gathers round and everyone puts one up and if there is special memory we talk about it.
Snow! Love it or dread it? I love it if I can snowboard. I hate it if it makes getting to work a chore.
Can you ice skate? My first boyfriend tried to teach me, but I haven't tried it since.
Do you remember your favorite gift? Eek, I don't remember gifts very well. I'm sure I could if I had too...but nothing springs to mind at the moment.
What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? This year being with my family because it's the first Christmas I'll be at home for since I came to Japan over two years ago.
What is your favorite holiday dessert? My dad's key lime pie.
What is your favorite holiday tradition? Eating homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning while sitting in our new pajamas opening presents and listening to the new CD that someone got in a stocking.
What tops your tree? An angel.
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving. I get embarrased to receive!
What is your favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night. I have several versions of it, I love it!
Candy canes? Not a huge fan.
Favorite Christmas movie? Muppet Christmas Carol and all the other traditional ones are good too!
What do you leave for Santa? Carrot juice

2400m

2006-12-15T22:41:00.000+09:00

500s
200k
500p
400 alt k/drill by 50's IM order
200k
4x100 IM
200s

Total: 2400m 1hr.

I've been sick off and on all week. And today my voice is really starting to go. But after baking cookies all day with my students I had to get to the pool and wash away the greasy goodness. I could feel it seeping into my skin! But because of the sickness, I was having problems breathing tonight. Pretty low energy swim....kinda felt like trying to swim through concrete. Regardless, it felt great to be in the water and moving a bit. It'll be nice to have some week nights back after this choir concert is over on Sunday. New Year's Resolution=pool at least 2x a week!!

A Little B-ball

2006-12-12T22:46:00.000+09:00

Ha ha ha....this is how desperate I'm getting. I have NO time to get to the pool. It's too cold to bike, well, okay, probably not, but I HATE being cold! And I'm seriously craving movement!

So today, I headed to the school gym after classes ended. It was great. I got invited to join a basketball game. Damn, I haven't played baskeball like that since junior high school. But let me clarify...I was playing with 4th & 5th grade boys. And they were amazing! The star on the court had his arm in a cast and was still making every shot and dribbling, passing, blocking, guarding, etc. like he was playing in the final four. I fell once and bruised my knee, almost sprained my ankle and got hit in the head with a ball and my glasses went flying (no damage). Ha ha ha...I'm getting old! But I did make a few good shots. And hopefully gained a bit of respect with those boys. They're a tough crowd. I think I'll be back next week!

40 minutes of cardio!! Great!!

A Dry Run

2006-12-10T18:14:00.000+09:00

I was up at 5:20am. In the car with my bagel and chai by 6:15. JP and I met at the designated IC at 7 and we were in Hakuba a few minutes before 8. And there was NO SNOW! Seriously...what?? All the reports said the ski parks were open and it was supposed to be snowing this morning. Okay...so we tried three parks and all three were open, but there wasn't snow within sight of the parking lot. Maybe somewhere near the top there was snow, but none from where we stood. Boarders and skiers were still going up, but when we asked what was open, they were packing a few hundred people into 1-2 short runs at the top. And they wanted us to pay 4500Y ($40US). I think not!

So we crawled back in our car, drove back down to sea level and enjoyed a lovely meal of mac & cheese while watching a few episodes of "The Wonder Years" under the kotatsu (heated table covered with a blanket).

At least I know where all my gear is, and did a run through. So when the real day actually comes, I'll be SOOOOO ready!!

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW

1700m

2006-12-09T21:16:00.000+09:00

700s
300k
500p
200s

Total: 1700m 40min.

Yep, I haven't been to the pool for almost two weeks...pathetic. But between choir practice, eikaiwas, studying, Christmas parties, packing and shopping, there has been NO TIME!! Today my big outing got cancelled, so I thought I'd make it to the pool with lots of time for a nice long workout. But all I could think about was all the things I have to do before I leave! Eek...so it was in and out and on to other things. But while I was in I had two under water lookers today. And one woman stopped me in the locker room to comment that I was as fast as the olympic swimmers. Ha ha ha....she obviously doesn't watch swimming!!!

And tomorrow....I'm gonna try out my new snowboard (a rental).