KMSC 1075m

Warm-up
75m

Sets
14x50 brst drill
4x25 start sprints

Cool Down
200m

Total: 1075m 1hr.10min.

I almost didn't go tonight. I'm tired and have a cold. So I left it up to the fairies (fortune cards). I randomly selected "body movement"--shit! I jumped in the car and got to the pool right before the workout started, about 30 minutes later than I normally get there. Hence the really short warm-up. But tonight was also breaststroke drill night--my fav!! Eek, tonight everyone was calling me "number 1." The coach realized I was going to fast on one of the drill sets so instead of using the board the real way, she had me hold it vertical in the water for resistence. It was a bit harder, but didn't really slow me down. Yeah for breaststroke!! I love it!

Anyway, no crazy comments from the older men tonight. BUT in the pool, I got "beautiful" in reference to my swim from one of my favorite ladies...no biggie until in the locker room she looked me up and down and said "steki" or great. I looked at her funny because there was nothing steki about what I was wearing--old cords and an old sweater. She responded with, "nice body." What?? Where did that come from?? She cracks me up. She's kinda cute too!! :)

KMSC 1550m

Warm-up
500s/300p/50k

Sets
10x50 back drills

Cool Down
200s

Total: 1550m 1hr.20min.

Eek, I hate back drill day. And I do it all wrong too...so the coach is always correcting me. Apparently my hand over reaches across my midline. And no matter how hard I try not to, I still do it. Oh well. I hate back!

No crazy comments from the men today. But an older lady in the locker room just started chatting me up, going on and on about how nervous she was to go to practice. Or at least that's what I was pretending she was saying. I actually couldn't understand a word of what she was saying. And then another women randomly stopped me in the pool and commented that she could be as old as my mother and indeed she's right. She's as old as my mom. Glad we cleared that up.

Well, with my current schedule I just can't get to the pool more than once a week...well, I might be able to. Anyway, I board on Saturdays and swim on Mondays. And until the next paper gets done, that's all I'm really gonna hope for. But starting in April....I'm gonna try to make an effort to really train for the last Masters meet of my Japan Masters career. It's in June! That gives me two solid months.

KMSC 2050m

Warm-up:
500s/500p/300k

Set:
10x50 butterfly drill (7 kick only, 3 alt. arm)
50s fly

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2050m 1hr. 35min.

It's my first KMSC workout in months!!! And luckily I didn't have to coach tonight. But it kicked my %*#. My lane pushed me to the front for the first 50 of fly drill. But when I reached the wall, the woman behind me said I needed to go faster....dozo!! So she was in the lead the rest of the night. I struggled and made it, but just barely!

It turns out the next All Japan Masters meet is the March meet and tomorrow is the deadline. Oh well! And apparently last night they had a big New Years enkai...thanks for the invite! Oh well, especially after the two old guys both made comments about wanting to go out with me! Ick!! The quote of the night, "How can I touch you?" He meant to say, or at least I want to think he meant to say, "How do I get in touch with you?" I'm tried not to be irritated!

1600m

It's been how long since I was in the pool?? I don't even want to think about it. I should have waited a few hours and gone to the Masters practice, but I was near the pool and I HATE making more trips than necessary. Just a quick 40 minute stretch out after a LONG LONG holiday and a day or boarding on Saturday! Man, my calves are sore!

500s
500k
500p
100s

Total: 1600 40 min.

The next Masters meet is in March, the weekend after my birthday. The one weekend I was thinking of going to Tokyo! Hmm? What to do? Stay and swim or go and enjoy Tokyo? That might be easier than I thought!!

Mt. Hood

January 1st, 2007

Angela, Evie, and Katherine drove up to Mt. Hood on New Year's Day to go snowboarding. We opted to go to Ski Bowl, a much cheaper option on the mountain. Unfortunately it is one of the lower elevation snow parks and it was pretty warm and we got some rain. But we heard rumors that Timberline was getting rain too....ha ha ha, fools!! They paid more and still got rained on!


Evie, Angela and I rented boards but Katherine opted for skis. After attempting to give a few lessons on the bunny hill, Katherine and I took off for the real lifts. But after our first run Angela and Evie were ready to try the ski lift too! They were awesome for first timers!! I was so impressed. We did two runs for their one run, but I consider that to be REALLY good for your first day up. I wasn't that good! Nice work ladies!!!

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

Holiday List

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!!
4. 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?
5. 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.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? It's all so good!!
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I love it if I can snowboard. I hate it if it makes getting to work a chore.
12. Can you ice skate? My first boyfriend tried to teach me, but I haven't tried it since.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? My dad's key lime pie.
16. 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.
17. What tops your tree? An angel.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving. I get embarrased to receive!
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night. I have several versions of it, I love it!
20. Candy canes? Not a huge fan.
21. Favorite Christmas movie? Muppet Christmas Carol and all the other traditional ones are good too!
22. What do you leave for Santa? Carrot juice

2400m

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

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

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

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).

2300m

Warm-up
500s/500p/200k

Sets
4x25 fly drill
4x25 fly s
200back
4x50 brst
4x50p fr on :50
50 front scull
50 back scull

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2300m 1hr.

I felt like I was going to spontaneously combust if I didn't get to the pool today. It's a gorgeous November day, and I got to the pool just as the sun was flooding it....beautiful!! Except everytime I took a breath the sun blinded me and then I saw red spots all over the pool bottom. Felt good to stretch after spending so much time in front of the computer. Hopefully I can get to the pool 2-3x a week before flying home for the holidays! And then....on to snowboarding season!

きときと 黒部 ２００６ 水泳記録会

Kito Kito Kurobe 2006 Swim Meet

This morning Linea and I jumped in the car by 8:30, picked up Kylie, and headed to the pool. We were able to get in a short warm-up before the opening ceremony and the races started. This year's group was much smaller. Most of the masters swimmers didn't swim this year. So, it was mostly just the kids swim club, a few Masters swimmers and us. We got through a 200IM, 100IM, 50s of each stroke, and 25s of each stroke within 2 hours! Lovely! In and out just in time for lunch at Unazuki Beer Garden (buffet style).

Last year I swam the 50 & 25 free, 50 breast and 25 fly. This year I swam 50 brest, 25 fly and 100IM.

50m breast 42.19 (last year same meet 42.98)
25m free 18.53 (last year same meet 18.70)
100IM 1:29.97 (April Toyama Masters meet 1:29.33)

I guess I'm pretty consistent, not much change! Now, if I only trained, think of the possibilities!

Total: ~1000m

I'm working on posting some videos of the meet...I'm gonna try using google instead of youtube.com! Stay tuned!

25m Butterfly

Here is a short video clip from my 25m Butterfly race today! I need to work on keeping my feet in the water! And breathing less. I should have only taken 1 breath in a 25.

25m Butterfly

LC 50m Freestyle

For some reason, blogger isn't letting me embed video anymore. Oh well. Here's the link to my 50m freestyle, the anchor on the 200 Medley Relay Co-ed team at the Toyama Masters Meet in October. We didn't break any records, but I think we got first in our heat and maybe second overall. And then I swam it again, a few minutes later! Ugh!

50m Free

LC 50m Freestyle #2

Yep, I swam two of these bad boys back to back. Hence, I'm a bit sluggish in this one. It burned! I felt like I was swimming through molasses.

50m Free #2

LC 100m Breaststroke

This is by far my favorite stroke, and maybe my favorite race. Although this was the first time I've swam it LC. And after those two 50 frees, I was really feeling the burn towards the end of this one. There are 1-2 other really fast female breaststrokers, I think in Uozu, two towns over. They are in the next age group, but hold most of the meet records. I still want to beat them (or come close)...that's my goal for next April!

100m Breaststroke




Thanks for all the video links Linea!!

2300m

Warm-up
500s/500p/200k

Set
200IM k (no brd)
200IM p
200IM drill
200IM s
100k

Cool Down
200

Total: 2300 1 hr.

Today began the 3 suit drag! All my suits are falling apart, so just gotta put more on. I'm gonna have to retire my team suits from college soon, although I really don't want to! They're at least 6 years old now. I have no idea how they've lasted so long, except that I didn't swim much between college and coming to Japan! Needless to say, I felt a bit weighted down. It was just a leisurely swim today. Just a little warm-up before the community meet on Sunday! I wonder what I should swim?

Oh...my awards from the LC Master's meet were on the white board at the pool waiting for me. There was a sign pointing to them and my name is on the awards, but it's all in Japanese, so it was good the KMSC coach was in the lobby when I walked in, or I probably would have walked right by them (and looked like an idiot).

The hip felt better tonight. I think I'll try seeing a chiropractor when I'm home next month. Maybe it's something a few adjustments can fix. If not, I'm slightly worried it might be another case of Avascular Necrosis, which I was diagnosed with in my right foot in 8th grade! I'm praying it's not that!!!

2050m

500s
500p
200k IM
200drill IM
3x100IM
300s
50scull

Total: 50 min 2050m

I have been sitting in front of a computer ALL day. I had to get out. I made it to the pool, an hour before it closed. Linea was already in and swimming. Wow, we have exciting lives...at the pool on a Saturday night. And our only post-pool planes...go home! But I'm not complaining!

Next Sunday is the community swim meet!

My right hip is really bothering me today. Usually it only hurts when I run. Today I could feel it during my entire swim! Eek!

KMSC 1400m

Warm-up
400s

Sets
5x50 free b-up (1st ez, 2nd last 13m fast, 3rd 25m fast, 4th 38m fast, 5th 50m fast)
7x50 free breathing drills (1st brth 3/strokes & count strokes, 2nd -2 strokes, 3rd brth 5/strokes same pace, 4th brth 7/strokes, 5th brth 9/strokes, 6th 25 no brth/25ez, 7th 25 no brth/25ez)
3x50 free stroke drills (1st armpit touch, 2nd exist splash, 3rd combo)
1x50 scull

Cool Down
200s

Total: 1400m 1hr. 10min.

Oh no, the coach wasn't there again tonight and they asked me to coach them. EEK! I need to start coming to the pool with a workout in my back pocket so I don't have to make it up on the fly (ha ha ha). Anyway, they seemed to enjoy it! And it's much different from stuff I've ever done with them when the coach is there. So hopefully it's helpful!

13km

It's Nov.5th and it's sunny, beautiful and WARM! Seriously, it's about 70 today. I went for a quick ride around town, cheered for my students running in the ekiden (relay race) and stopped by a friend's house to try on a backpack. Yep, I'm finally gonna do it. I need a proper backpack for travel, hiking, etc. Eek, I HATE making big purchases like that!

I wish I had time for more...but I've procrastinated long enough today!

Misc.

No time for much lately....I gotta get this damn paper done. But I can't sit for more than about 15 minutes at a time. So besides dancing in my apartment and random sets of sit-ups just cause I'm bored and antsy, I've tried to get a little in this week just to stay sane.

Yoga: about 1hr! I love stretching. And it helps my concentration (i hope). FOCUS! I need to focus!

A walk in the mountains: about 3 hours, nothing hard core, but got the heart rate up. Plus I got a good dose of fresh air and sunshine!

Bhangra Dancing: So much fun, I wish my DVD worked better. About 30 minutes.

KMSC 1450m

Warm-up
500s/200k

Sets
2x50 fly kick drill (1st w.brd on side, 2nd no brd)
1x50 fly pull drill
1x50 fly swim (breath every 3 strokes)

1x50 back kick drill (no brd)
1x50 back kick-take one pull every 10 sec
1x50 back kick-one pull ever 3 sec
1x50 back swim

2x50 brst kick (no brd)
1x50 brst drill-2 kicks, 1 pull
1x50 brst drill-3 strokes, 3 sec glide

1x50 dbl flip turn free

Cool Down
100s

Total: 1450m 1hr. 15min.

This is the first time I've been in the pool since the meet. EEK! I've been so busy. I took it easy in my warm-up and I also showed up late, so I didn't have time for much before they announced I was the coach for the evening! UGH! Talk about being put on the spot. Come up with a workout...NOW! I've learned to take it slow with them. They don't do intervals. Usually they work on one stroke a week, but I could tell they wanted something a little different. So we did a little bit of everything and I had them mostly doing drills. And we only used the board once. The board is fine sometimes, but swimmers are too dependent on it. And kicking without it is much more realistic and forces you to do more work. Ha ha ha! I'm not sure they liked it, but everyone thanked me and they learned a little English on the side too! Internationalization!

Toyama Masters Meet (long course)

With any luck I'll try to post some videos of my swims taken by the AMAZING linea!!

But in short...I didn't train and it wasn't my best day in the pool! I swam 3 events: 200Medley Relay (50 free), 50 free, & 100brst. The two 50f were back to back! Brutal! I got 50m cool down inbetween. Not enough to stop the lactic acid build-up.

50 free 35.27 (the 2nd one)
100 breast 136.54

I couldn't see the time clock from 50m away! So I was depending on Linea for my splits. Hopefully they will have the times posted at the pool this week. Not impressive times, but again, I didn't train. Now, if I had the time to train...think of what I could do!!

Total: ~1800m ALL DAY!

~2000m KMSC

Warm-up:
500s/500p/300k

KMSC Set:
4x50 back k drill
4x50 back k drill
4x25 back
10 starts

Cool Down
75

Total: ~2000m 2 hrs

We did all back today. Yuck! And the big LC meet is this Sunday and I'm not swimming back at all. So it wasn't helpful in the least! But we did some starts and relay starts at the end, which I always need help with. I really need to attend a start clinic. My starts really suck, especially considering I've been swimming for so long. Eeek!

22km

I biked to the pool and back. But no swimming today for three reasons: 1) my arms are sore 2) the pool is free today because of "Everbody Sports Day" and it was PACKED 3) I've gotta get some studying done!

I did walk around the flea market and bought 3 CDs, 3 shirts and a book for 70円. That was the best bargain EVER.

It was a windy day so heading home was a bit slow, especially over the river. And I had a mountain biker trying to keep up with me...his bike sucks, mine rocks! It meant I had to stop and wait a few times. But he made it!

Total: 22km 1hr.+

3050

Warm-up
500s/500p/500k

Sets
8x100 IM drill alt 25s :30 sec rest
2x100 IM s
300p

Cool Down
50scull 200s

Total: 3050s 1hr.15min

Two days in a row at the pool with Linea. WOW!! That's unheard of. And today we brought Kylie too. So, there were three gaijin in one lane. It was an amazing sight! The women next to us were sitting on the bottom of the lane watching us. And there were a few oblivious men who decided to jump in our lane with us but they only last 50m and then quickly got out!
It was great to do a set with people instead of on my own. It inspires me to swim a little faster and a little harder! I need more of that!

2750m

Warm-up
700s/500k/800p

Set
10x50 brst 1:10

Cool Down
200s 50scull

Total: 2750m 1hr.

Linea and I went to the pool TOGETHER tonight! Amazing! You'd think that neighbors could coordinate swimming together more often. But I can't remember the last time we went together. It was my first swim in a week. Pathetic, but with my schedule lately, it's so hard to get there. After a long day sitting on my butt in front of my computer in my p.j.'s it was good to get out of the house and into the pool. If for no other reason than I needed a shower! I did a nice long warm-up. And then focused on breaststroke. I think that's what I'm swimming in two weeks at the meet. Yikes! I'm not ready for this meet. Oh well. It's good experience! Or something like that!

Bhangra Dance Aerobics

I put in my Bhangra Dance Aerobics DVD when I got home. I did the beginners workout and I was just starting the advanced workout when the DVD froze up. Oh well! I got about 30 minutes in. And I did some sit-ups and push-ups afterwards. I hope I can get the DVD to work again. I forgot how fun it is!

Next....Linea's Yoga CD! Thanks!

Total: 40min.

Yoga

Save money....workout at home!

I watched my Yoga DVD again. I really do like it and it goes by quickly. But I can't do it too often or I'll get sick of it real fast. Hopefully I won't be so sore this time. The relaxation part of it was my favorite. I needed the mental break!

Total: 1hr

22km + 2250m

Biked to the pool

Warm-up:
600s/600p/200k/200k brst

Sets
4x100IM :30sec rest

Cool Down
200s 50 scull

Biked Home

Total: 22km 50 min & 2250m 1hr.

It felt good to be on my bike again. I rode it everyday to/from school this week, but I only had one long ride. And the pool felt amazing today, not too hot or too cold. But I think I drank too much of my amino sports drink before getting in because I started to cramp up in my abdomen. I kinda wanted to do more, but the cramping was slowing me down. After my first 600, the ladies in the lane next to me decided they HAD to tell me what a great swimmer I was. It's nice to get compliments, but after awhile, it's a bit much. They said they had been watching the old grandpa in the next lane over (who was trying to keep my pace) and thought he was a fast swimmer until I got in and then they realized that he might be fast, but his stroke wasn't very pretty. He splashes a lot. But apparently I have a nice gentle stroke with no splash. And they said I'm fast and have a beautiful stroke! Since I haven't seen myself swim in about 6 years, it's nice to know that others think I have a nice stroke.....but it's always a bit embarrasing and akward. Maybe more importantly....I understood all that in Japanese! But I still couldn't say a word back to them. Agh!

21km & poor

To school and back home again. It's my longest commute ride....up up up and then down down down.

And then even though I'd rather be biking, I had to pay to keep my car on the road today, a mere ~$1000US. The ups and downs of living in the middle of rice paddies....there are days when I need the car (to leave rice paddy land) and days when I can easily bike everywhere I need to go. Agh!!!

Total: 21km 50min. and $1000 poorer

KMSC 2300m

Warm-up
500s/300p/200k

MSC Sets:
100fr ez
3x50k fly-bk
2x50 r/l alt fly-bk
3x50k bk-brst
2x50 r/l alt bk-brst
3x50k brst-fr
2x50 r/l brst-fr
3x50 fly-bk/bk-brst/brst-fr
100IM

Cool Down
200

Total: 2300m 90min

We worked on IM turns and transitions tonight. Although I felt like mine got worse by the end of the night. It's hard to do a real turn in a lane with 10 people when everyone gets backed up and doesn't know how to space themselves. Agh. Anyway, at least we got in 1000m. Everyone was complaining, but I got excited and they all gave me evil looks and called me young. Oh well! The meet is in less than a month!

Dance Aerobics

I'm in hermit mode! I don't want to leave the house except to study, which I'm supposed to be doing now. Anyway....this morning I briefly considered going for a run in the sun....and then I woke up and realized that was a crazy dream. I put in an MTV Dance Aerobic video I stole from my school. It was 40 minutes of aerobics and 15 minutes of Tai Chi. Got my heart rate up, got me dancing in my apartment and I could enjoy my Sunday morning. Not the Sunday morning the Jehova's Witness people who knocked on my door yesterday would like me to be having....but a great one nonetheless. I miss my boot camp aerobics.

Total: 55minutes

A Failed Attempt

I had this feeling that the pool would be closed today. It's Saturday and it's usually open on Saturday. But I had a feeling today would be one of those unlucky days where I show up and it's a special holiday or a maintence week. But I ignored that feeling and picked up a friend that lives in the opposite direction and we were going to go for a swim....but, it was closed! Just like I thought. ANNOYING!! It turns out, today is a national holiday, but since it's on a Saturday I don't notice it. Usually it only really matters if it falls on a weekday. But not at the pool.

So we went to an onsen and relaxed for an hour instead.

I've been so sore this week from Mt. Hakusan I haven't done much besides stretching and biking to and from school.

Monday is swim practice!

Mt. Hakusan 2702m

I climbed Mt. Hakusan! And just escaped a typhoon!

10 hours
3000 meters up/down
14 km up/down

Read more on my other blog soon (as soon as blogger stops crashing!)

1000km young

Today my biked turned over 1000km and this is the exact spot it happened! I was riding near the beach inbetween some rice fields as the sun was setting. How romantic! Just me and my bike. It was a lovely moment. I decided to document it.

Unfortunately, my counter turns back to zero. Zannen! Now I just have to get my ass in gear and work towards my next 1000km. I'm not sure I'll be able to do that before snowboarding season. It might not happen until next spring! Let's see!

It only took me 3 1/2 months. I haven't broken any world records or anything. But it's 1000km I wouldn't have biked if I hadn't bought this bike. And it's saving me gas money! Hurray!

32km

Today was the sunny and warm--finally! It was beautiful compared to the last week--gray and rainy. So after biking to/from school, I decided to bike to the pool. Not for a swim, just to sign up for the Masters meet in October. It was too nice to be inside and plus, my pool allergy has gotten so bad, if I swim it pretty much incapacitates me for the rest of the day. It's really bad! So I have to plan my entire schedule around it. So, today I just biked! On the way there, I was able to maintain 25-30km/hr. Coming back was harder because I was going against the wind. I was at about 20km/hr. Felt good!

Oh...but my gear/pedal on the right side is clicking every time my right foot pushes down in the rotation. It's getting pretty annoying! I'm not exactly sure why or how--but it needs to be fixed!

Total: 32 km 1hr+

20km + Yoga

Biked to my mtn school and back today in the rain! Felt good, but got soaked.

After work I did the yoga DVD again. I was so SORE from Monday, but felt totally energized afterwards! So I did it again. The hour goes so quickly and I love the stretching! Felt great. Plus it has a mini-ab routine. I wasn't able to get as deep into the poses today cause I was still sore, but needed the stretch!

Total: 20km 50min. & Yoga 1hr.

Yoga

I needed to stretch out after biking and windsurfing this weekend. A friend gave me a yoga DVD months ago and I tried it for the first time today--not bad! I got in a good stretch, got my heart rate up and enjoyed the relaxation!

I also biked to and from school and shot hoops with my students, but nothing significant!

Total: ~ 1hr of yoga

Windsurfing

I had good intentions of biking to the beach but I slept in and it looked like rain. It was a good thing I didn't bike, as my new teacher called it a day (for me) it started POURING! And I mean POURING!!

I've NEVER windsurfed before. So it wasn't much of a workout. But I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow. I spent about an hour actually in the water on the board trying to get the windsail up. Learning balance especially with the waves and wind was a challenge. I managed to get the sail fully up once and sailed right into shore. Oh well! At least I got it up.

It was a lot of fun! I hope I can do it again. The guys I met today go almost year around. The best season is June-September when there is an East Wind. But they go in the winter too!!! Crazy.

32km

Can you count km if you do them drunk?? It was only the last 3-4 I did drunk. But I counted them in today's total anyway. But in acutuality I biked about 28km throughout the day. I had sports day today. But don't let that fool you....I didn't do any sports. Only my students do the sports and I sit on my ass and watch them. I did get to join in two of the events. The first was a PTA dice soccer ball relay game of sorts. I was first. But my team lost. That was at my small school in the mountains (that I biked too). Then I biked to my other JHS. At that school I got to dance in the obon odori...a folk dance at the end of the day with EVERYONE. I was only out on the field for maybe 30minutes. And I got burned!!! And then I biked home and biked back into town for the party afterward...that's where the beer came in!

Total: 32km 1hr+

35km

It was a beautiful day today. Blue skies, sunshine and a light breeze. So Linea and I got on our bikes after work and headed up to Unazuki. It's about 17km each way....up and then down. It's not a super hard climb up, just nice and gradual all the way. But on the way down we both clocked over 40km/hr without having to pedal. It's a little scary going that fast! There is one tunnel we have to go through, but luckily there is a pretty wide shoulder. It was getting dark so we didn't bother with stopping and exploring when we got there. Just drank some water and headed home. Felt good to do a longer ride. Although my back and neck was feeling it by the end.

Total: 35km 1hr. 40min.

4100m

Warm-up:
500s/400IM drill/400k/100IM ez

Sets:
6x100p on 1:45, breathing every 5
100ez
10x50 on 1:00 alt fr/brst
100ez
2x 4x25 fly 15 sec rest
4x25 bck 5 sec rest
4x25 brst 5 sec rest
4x25 fr 5 sec rest
3x100 IM
100scull

Cool Down
200s

Total: 4100m 1hr. 40min.

Wow, that felt great! That's my longest workout in MONTHS!!! I had the day off today, so I took the time and actually swam. The pull set was hard cause I was trying to get back into breathing every 5. I'm so lazy about it. So even though the interval wasn't that hard, it got my heart rate up. The other sets weren't hard, but I tried to keep rests minimal.

If only I had the time and energy to do this kind of workout several times a week!!

2100m

Warm-up
1000s/100k/200p/100k

Breast Set
2x50 k
3x50 drill k (push kick)
2x50 drill k (on side)
2x50 p
2x25 sprint w/start
(treading water with hands above water inbetween each 50)

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2100m 1hr. 40min.

Masters Practice: I made sure to get there early to get a good warm-up in before the "lesson" started, as they call it. It really is basically a swim lesson. It isn't aerobic and it isn't meant to be. It's only drill work. And the coach spends a lot of time teaching people how to swim. It's never bad to do drills--helps me get to know my body better in the water I guess. But with the meet less than 2 months away, I feel like we should be working on something else. Oh well. I led all the sets. And because there were about 16 people in our lane, there was A LOT of rest time. Hence, the coach suggested we tread water--BRILLANT idea!! At least it kept my heart rate up a little.

One swimmer asked me if we have breaststroke in Canada. 1) I'm the blonde from America. 2) Duh, of course!! I did't learn it yesterday. Swimming isn't unique to Japan. Oh my!

I gotta decide what I wanna swim in the meet by Sept 19th!!! Yikes!

2400m

Warm up
500s/500p/300k

Sets
10x50 on 1:00 last 2 brst
200p
4x50 IM order 25drill/25 swim

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2400m 50min.

I grabbed my two oldest nastiest suits today. It felt like I was swimming with a wool sweater on. But I guess that's a good thing. I wanted to get out quickly today. Just didn't feel like being in the water, oddly enough. And I was hungry. And I have a ton of other things to do. Hopefully I can start getting to the pool more regularly now!

The Last Day of Summer

~15km to the beach and back!

Yep, it was the last day of summer vacation. I sat at the beach all afternoon. Felt great!
Now I gotta get my butt in gear!

1700m

1000s
200k
400p
100s

Total: 1700m 45min.

After Fuji, I needed to stretch! I'm stiff and sore. And in no shape for a real workout of any kind. Plus I had the day off today, so I went in early to avoid the crowds. I got a lane to myself and swam nice and slow for about 45 minutes. Kicking was painful. Pushing off the walls was painful. Moving my legs at all hurt. But felt good to get things loosened up and moving again. Now I need to get back into a routine. The next big swim meet is in 2 months!!

Climbed Mt. Fuji

See my other blog for pics and more about climbing Mt. Fuji.

Total: 2942m (ascent & descent) in 15 hours

21km + 1500m

11km
500s
200k
5x100IM :10rest
200s
100k
11km

Repeat of my workout last weekend! The pool closes early on Sunday, so I didn't have much time to swim. That was fine with me. I'm not sure I could have done much more. The heat is so intense. I've already bathed 6 times today. I'm keeping cool water in my bathtub and dunking myself when it gets too hot.

Oh, and my bike tires are low....so I was riding a bit slow today. I need to get them pumped back up so I can be speedy gonzales!

Linea...we got invited to dinner next Wednesday. The daughter living in America was at the pool today with her mom and I couldn't say no. I HOPE you can come!! August 30th at 6:30

21km + 1500m

1o.5 k bike
1500s
10.5k bike

One last workout before I sit on my ass for a week in Hiroshima! I waited until it cooled down a bit after 5pm. But that meant that I had limited daylight. So as soon as I got to the pool, I got in and swam 1500 without stopping. My heart rate was already up a bit, so it was easy to just get in and go. I didn't feel nearly as sluggish as yesterday! I would have liked to do a bit more, but the sun was going down. And on my way to the pool I lost my water bottle....so I had to retrace my path on the way back. Found it!

Total: 21k bike & 1500s 2 hours door to door

Tai Chi & 2100m

Warm-up:
600s/400k/100s

Sets:
6x100 on 2:15 (IM, Fr, Brst)
100scull
100IM k

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2100 1 hr.

This morning I spent 2 hours with about 30 teachers from my district learning Tai Chi. Given that all the instruction was in Japanese, I probably missed a few key points about the art/excercise form. But I was able to follow the movements. We did a lot of stretching and practiced a routine that lasted a few minutes. Moving that slow doesn't really appeal to me, but I see how it could be meditative and relaxing

After skipping out early on work again, I headed to the pool to cool off. Seriously, this heat is ridiculous! It's probably a combo of the tatemon festival, my long pull set on monday, biking in the heat and tai chi....but I felt so sluggish today. I could barely get through my warm-up. It felt good to cool off though. Probably my last swim for a week (or two), but I hope not!!!

~25 km

Cycling Errands: I didn't ride hard and fast, but I rode in the heat, all day long. I rode to school in the morning and then did a 15 km ride in the heat of the day to pick up my most recent glass blowing project. And then cycled to my private lesson. It was about 35C. I just barely have time to get to the pool some days, biking is a great alternative! Yeah!

Oh no, next week I'm off to a week long seminar. Not sure what excercise I'm gonna get. I think I'll bring my Bollywood Aerobics DVD and my computer...I might be limited to a little bollywood dancing in my hotel room!

Total: 25km 90 min

3500m

1000s
500k
1500p
200s
100IM
200s

Total: 3500m 70min.

I just wanted to keep swimming tonight. No breaks. I stopped at the wall to adjust goggles and to grab the kickboard. Just needed a long long aerobic swim tonight. Felt good. Now I need to get back into a routine. Unfortunately, I just agreed to do sing with a choir that practices at the same time as the Masters Team. So, I'm gonna have to go to swim practice every other week until December. Oh well, singing might help with my breathe control!

30 km

It's saturday morning, I couldn't sleep past 6am-damn! So after discovering my 2nd fridge (for baking purposes) was leaking, I started the de-thaw process and woke up enough to go for a bike ride. It's gonna be 34C today--earlier the better!! I rode up along the river towards the red bridge. Just before the bridge I met up with two other bikers, much more pro looking than my yoga pants and uniqlo quick dry shirt. But they slowed way down so I had to pass them, just in time for a massive hill. I didn't want to turn back and I didn't want to stop....so I pedaled ahead and it kicked my ass. But I made it up and never saw them again. I rode back on the other side of the river. And back along Route 8. I feel so good after morning exercise...but convincing myself to actually do it when I'm still sleepy is next to impossible!

Total: 30 km 90min

Hokkaido Adventures

Last week in Hokkaido: Rafting! Canyoning! Biking! Floating in a Lake!

The Bike was the biggest workout of the week! We biked 57km around Rishiri Island off the Northern most point of Hokkaido in just under 4 hours. The first 15km sucked because we were riding into the wind and through a seagull nesting area, but there were dead bird carcasses EVERYWHERE. It was very eerie! And the official bike trail ended after 20km. So then we were on the roads with traffic, but it was much easier going from then on. The last 10-15km was hard on my ass, literally!! It HURT! I need biking underwear! Seriously!

Luckily there were no accidents, just fun pictures! Amy (below) started her across Japan bike ride from Wakkanai last week. She should be somewhere near Sapporo by now.

Rafting on the Mukawa was the most fun we had all week!! The water wasn't super high, but the river was pretty technical. And our guide, Pat, is a rafting guru....lots of first descents, runs multiple rafting companies around the world, and lots of crazy stories of close calls! But a great guide. He made sure to flip us a few times. We also did a day of canyoning. It wasn't technical at all. I was hoping for a bit more. But it involved water and was outside...so I was a happy camper!

Our last two days were spent on a lake near Sapporo. We attempted a few hikes but a typhoon several years ago had ruined the trails! Boo hoo!! Instead of intense heart pounding adrenaline induced activity we just sat on the beach and enjoyed the sun and reading! Never a bad option!

2000m

Cool Down
600s/600p/200k
8x25 fly
8x25 brst
200s

Total: 2000m 50min

Just got back from Hokkaido on Tuesday night. If I hadn't left school two hours early, I would have never made it to the pool today. But with temps over 30C, I needed to cool down!
It wasn't much of a workout because I didn't have much time. But got me in, got me wet, and got me cool!

2300m

Warm-up:
700s/500p/200k/100s

Set
6x100 25 fly/50brst/25fr 2:15

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2300 1 hr. 10 min.

It's been awhile since my last swim. And last night was a late night out. I got to bed at 5am. So I was a bit sluggish and exhausted, but the water felt great. I was in no mood to socialize (not unusual when I'm at the pool), but that doesn't seem to stop others from trying. Today I met a Peruvian and a Brazilian. We had to communicate in Japanese. Their Japanese is of course amazing. They wanted my cell phone information to get together sometime...but the pool isn't a convienent place to exchange that information. And when I saw them outside they didn't say anything about it, plus the Peruvian was with his wife. Hmm?

I'm off for vacation tomorrow right after school. We have a day of rafting planned and hopefully will find time for some hiking and biking!! More on that to come!

Disney Sea

....my workouts have been pathetic this last week!!!! Shit!

I was in Tokyo & Nagoya for 4 days and my weekdays are booked solid with extra classes before I leave for vacation next week.

Last Saturday I went to Tokyo Disney Sea. I walked around the park from 9am-7pm. Does that count for anything? Probably not considering I ate a cheeseburger and ice cream. Oh well.

I'm gonna try to make it in for a swim Friday night!

3300m

Warm-up/Free Swim
2500m s/k/p

Sets
8x50 alt ez/bd-up
100ez
8x25 brst 3ez/4th fast

Cool Down
100s

Total: 3300m 90min

I haven't been to a Master's workout in about a month for a variety of reasons. Anyway, I know I'm never really missing much, but it's a pre-paid pool time slot. Tonight I was the first one in the pool at 7pm. I thought I would be swimming alone tonight, but others finally showed up a bit after 7:30. Hence the reason for a long long warm-up of a variety of swim/pull/kick. At 8pm I finally asked if we were going to do any sets tonight. That got me into trouble. In response I got...oh please teach us, be our teacher tonight. Oh no!! So, I got my lane to do the above sets. It was so hard for them. We didn't even do it on an interval. I just waited until almost everyone got back to the wall. They were dying. But after the first set, we had 10 minutes left so they asked for more. I think I lost a few people in the process. They got out or moved to the slow lane. Oh well. They will probably be thrilled that I won't be coming to practice again for about a month.

10 km

It's been a SLOW workout week....read my other blog for the details. But on Monday I was in a bike accident which prevented me from swimming/biking most of the week. I'm totally fine, but just taking it easy.

Yesterday, JP, Linea and I, headed into the mountains for the day. I'd heard of Toga before, but had never been. It is up in the mountains down a long winding narrow road. It's hard to believe they can get in or out during the winter. We found this amazing Tibetan Buddhist Nepalese Meditation center there. Again, I'd heard of it, but had no idea what it really was or what to expect. We arrived just in time to watch Nepalese dancing. We also toured their meditation halls and viewed the gorgeous mandalas. And we ate an amazing meal of dahl bhat, Tibetan bread, momos, and chai! Delicious Nepalese food in the mountains of RURAL Japan--strange!

Next we found a hike! We weren't exactly sure how long it would be or where it would take us...except up! Round-trip it was almost 4 hours and about 10km. We hiked to the top of a mountain (~1600m) and if it has been clear, we should have been able to see the entire range. Unfortunately it was cloudy (we were in the clouds) and we didn't see much of anything! But it was an amazing hike! Lots of lush green, butterflies, bees the size of small birds, wild flowers, and only 2 other hikers on the trail!

My knee is a bit bruised after my accident, but I took it slow and it feels okay today!

Total: 10km 3hr. 45 min.

4000m

Warm-up
500s/400p/200k

Sets
4x50 fr 1:00
4x50 brst 1:10
4x50 bk 1:20
4x50 fly 1:30 (drill)
200k
2x100 fr 2:00
4x100 brst 2:00
8x25 fly :45
400p
4x50 IM
200k
4x25 IM

Cool Down
200s

Total: 4000m 1hr. 35min.

It was windy and cloudy today...a perfect afternoon for a swim in an indoor pool. I usually don't plan ahead and bring a workout, today was no exception. I made it up as I went along, and once I got 2000 down, I was ready to go! It felt good to do a longer workout!! The last time I did 4000m was in March, pathetic! I need to do this more often. It's usually a time issue.

The swim felt good. Fly was a little sluggish but I pushed through. My right shoulder was started to get sore by the end. My forearms were burning a bit during breast-I love it!

The lane was a little crowded, but everyone was pretty friendly today. Sometimes I get annoyed that I know so many people at the pool and so many people recognize me, as one of the two blondes that swims there. But other times it's a reminder that I've established a bit of a life for myself here. Today I waved and/or said hi to at least 3-4 people, not counting the lifeguards! Baby steps.

500 km and counting

Today my bike turned 500km! It's only one month old, I'm pretty impressed with it and myself! I know I'm not setting records, but I've gone from 0km/month to 500km/month!
And saving big on gas!!

I love my bike!

3000m

Warm-up:
600s/600p/450k/50s

Sets:
4x100 on 1:30 alt sprint 1st/2nd/3rd/4th 25
8x25 IM order :40-50
4x100 IM
100k

Cool Down:
200s

Total: 3000m 1hr. 15min.

I wasn't excited about the sprint set, it was Linea's idea! But afterward I wanted to keep going. So we did a few more sets. Nothing super crazy, but it kept our heart rates up and kept the attention of the guys in the lanes next to ours.

Getting over that initial warm-up hump is the hardest. If I can do 1500-2000m warm-up, I can usually do more. If I'm lazy and quit before that, I can barely finish 2000m.

Now Linea and I need to get serious and get our butts in gear!!!

29km

I sat in my apartment working ALL day. Finally, at 5pm Linea and I dusted off our bike helmets and headed to the beach. Yesterday I was at Linea's birthday bbq at the beach from 2pm-10pm. Lots of fun, lots of food, lots of fireworks. But we left a big mess. Linea and the others did a fabulous job of cleaning, but we thought we better make sure in the light of day....oddly enough there had been a beach clean-up this morning so whatever we missed was picked up and tossed by someone!

There and back, plus a side-trip to find the Brazilian bbq party, we did 29km today in about 90 minutes.....nothing strenuous!

It was pretty cool today, and overcast.

Total: 29km 90min.

25 km

Cycling/Biking is a great sport because you can run errands and get excercise. I love multi-tasking and saving time/resources/money. So today I rode to and from school and went to Kurobe to pay for my SUMO tickets! Hurray! I've been wanting to go to sumo for awhile. I can't wait!

But I think the rainy season might be starting. It was sprinkling on and off on my ride. It's grey and cloudy. Looks like Portland weather--depressing. But great for studying!

Total: 25 km 40 min.

2350m

Warm-up
500s/400p/450k

Set
8x100 pull/IM alt

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2350m 1hr.

Linea and I headed to the pool right after school. I opted out of biking because my schedule is tight on Tuesdays. It's been about 2 weeks since I've been in the water since the pool was closed last week. It was nice to stretch out after all the biking! Although I didn't notice any improvement in my kicking! Hmmm? Aren't my legs getting stronger?

Apato Feva

I've essentially locked myself in my apartment this weekend to work on the paper. Yuck! But it has to be done. I worked all morning, heard the 12noon bell and hopped on the bike for a cruise downtown to run some errands. Then I worked until 7pm. I finished coding my last interview and I was stir crazy...and going crazy. I jumped up from my computer and decided to run. I grabbed the MP3 player and ran out the door. Okay, it's almost not even worth blogging about...it only lasted 10min. But it's the longest run I've done since last July. I was running slow, more of a light jog. But even then, it's the legs that kill me. I either get a pain in my right hip. Or today, I could feel pain from my arches up to mid-calf on the inside of my legs. What is that??

Okay...it is time for new shoes. But I'm too cheap to buy them unless I know they'll help. The major benefit of running, once you have the shoes, it's free! And you can do it anywhere anytime.

Regardless, I have to run on the PTA relay team again next month. I was the first leg of the team last year and came in last behind all my students! Pathetic!!

Once upon a time, I ran a marathon. I haven't a clue how to get my body back to that again. I'm not sure it's possible!

Back to the paper!

Beach Cruisin'

I didn't have any classes today, I didn't ride my bike to work because I brought my computer in and I made chocolate chip cookies with some students....all in all it was a lazy chocolate day! So, after work Linea and I cruised down to the beach and up along the "boardwalk," if you can call it that. I wasn't in the mood for much, but I had to get my blood movin' and I haven't missed a day biking yet, today wasn't going to be the first. At our turn around point there was this cute little old grandpa sitting out about 15 feet from the shore in a rubber raft. He was wearing the cone hat that's so typical of rice farmers in Asia. He was so cute. We tried to get a picture with Linea's camera, but he moved out of view of the setting sun just as I went to take a picture! Zannen!

Total: 40 min. 15km

P.S. I posted the frog picture below! Check it out!!

Too Early!

Linea and I were up again and on the road by 6am. It was another ride up towards the mountains and back by 7am. If I wasn't meeting someone at 6am, there would have been NO WAY I would have gotten out of bed. I think I was grumpy about it for the first 30 minutes of the ride. Sorry Linea!

We managed to get a little further today. In 55 minutes we did 20km. Plus I rode to school, although that barely counts its so close.

Total: 1hr. 24 km

I want to do it again, but maybe not tomorrow!

Early AM ride

The alarm went off at 5:40. I'm not used to that. I usually get up at 6:50. But the sun was up and it looked like a beautiful day. So I made it out of bed and got me and my bike down to the parking lot. Linea and I took off at 6am. We rode towards the mountains and up the Kurobe River for about 30 minutes before heading back. It was a bit windy and chilly, but a clear sunny beautiful morning! No traffice, just a few farmers picking vegetables and checking the level of water in their rice paddies. I think we startled more than a few of them.

Going up we mainted a steady 20km/hr. On the way back down we averaged 28km/hr.

Total: 50min 18km (broke 300km on the speedometer today)

42 km

This afternoon Amy, Linea and I got on our bikes and followed the coast up into Niigata. We had a few detours around rivers and little harbors. But it was a beautiful ride up the coast. It's so fun to see the little fishing shacks, community gardens, and old traditional houses that dot the coast. We even saw some Russians or maybe they were British in speedos after their swim. We saw a skinned rat littering the sidewalk. Amy caught a frog on her rim somehow. It was dead when we found it. And we ran into a cloud of allergy inducing pollen. My eyes got red and swollen and were unbearably itchy. Amy started getting a similar reaction. Luckily, I had an anti-allergy pill in my bag. And once we got back on the road it was fine. On the way back into town we stopped picked up some salad fixings, pasta and sauce. And we ate another huge meal followed by endless desserts from last nights feast!!

Good times on the bike!

When's the next ride ladies??

Wet'n Wild

This is a picture of the pool building. The pool is under the big dome to the right. I've been meaning to take a picture of the inside, but haven't gotten to it yet. It's pretty impressive for a rural pool. I think there are 8 lanes! That's bigger than my college pool. Two lanes are always dedicated to walkers. And there is almost always some team or another practicing in at least one of the lanes. But luckily, there is NEVER open swim. It is always a lap pool. They have a little baby pool for the kids. But kids don't really do recreation swim like they do in the states.

Today Linea and I decided to brave the rain and bike to the pool! We were drenched by the time we got there, but what did it matter, we were getting in the pool. We just did a warm-up. It was getting dark and we didn't want to bike back on wet dark streets! The bike ride is exactly 10k each direction. About 30 minutes each way. Luckily, the rain had stopped by the time we got out. Wearing wet clothes home wasn't much fun!

Swim:
700s
8x25 fly 1:00
400k (fr/brst)
200s

Swim Total: 1500m 40min.
Bike Total: 20km 1hr.

I've had my bike for 13 days, I've ridden every day. I've clocked 200km!

Funami Chu

I was up an extra hour early to get to work on time by bike today! Wow, that sucked! But there was no yawning when I got to school, only sweating!

Round-trip: 21km 1 hr!

My legs and knees are starting to react to this new sport. I may need to take a day off this weekend, but then again, I'm lovin' it so much...maybe NOT!

2000m +bike

Warm-up:
500s/300k

Sets:
800RIM (linea style)
2x100IM

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2000m 1hr

Plus 13km on the bike today. I felt it in my legs a little bit after school today. I've ridden my bike for 10 straight days! As long as the weather is good, I plan to bike to my mountain school tomorrow. I think I'll give myself 40minutes to get there. It usually takes 20minutes by car.

Three Masters swimmers were at the pool tonight. They all commented on the video and watching my "kirei" strokes! I'm so glad I wasn't there for the viewing! But they said I could borrow it and watch it. Hurray! I tried coaching two of them in breastroke pull tonight, but with the language barrier, there is only so much demonstration you can do.

My chlorine allergy combined with hayfever is out of hand! I was sneezing under water tonight. And it's gotten to the point where it's just the constant nasal drip...drip, drip, drip! All the time!

Kurobe roundtrip

I biked to work & then to Kurobe with Linea to book our ferry tickets to Hokkaido! Round trip=24km.

Yep, it's happening. Amy, Linea & I are taking our bikes on the ferry to Hokkaido for 5 days at the end of July! Well, Amy's staying! But Linea & I have to come back. Zannen! We just need to figure out a few logistics, like getting three bikes on Bertie, and we will be ready to go.

So, it's Monday night and the Masters team is in the water as I type this. But because I already biked to Kurobe once today and I didn't want to bike back after dark, I decided to skip out on practice. Plus.....the paper is calling my name!

Back to work!

Unazuki by bike

Wow! It was a beautiful day with a beautiful bike! I love my new bike!

Today was my first ride without a big back-pack carrying either lots of books or clothes. It was amazing! Having a good bike and nothing on your back makes all the difference in the world. I thought I'd do about 20k, but after getting to the red bridge at the base of Unazuki, I decided to do the whole thing! I'm not sure what the difference in elevation is between Nyuzen and Unazuki, but it's a steady climb for about 16km. I braved a tunnel going up and riding on the side of a mountain looking at the river a few hundred feet below coming down. On that down slop my back brake decided to freeze up. That was a little scary. I think it needs adjusting.

Oh, and I like my new Polar Bottle. It does keep water cool for the duration of the ride. It doesn't heat up and taste like bathwater by the end. Well, it's still June. Maybe in August it will. But maybe in August, I won't be able to ride my bike at 3pm either! It was light out at 4:45 this morning...gonna have to start getting up early and biking!

I was able to maintain mid-upper 20km/hr. And I got a few bursts of up to 38km/hr! There are some great roads for riding along the Kurobe River! Which just makes me want to get an intertube or small raft and go down it. I think it's manageable. I think we should try it! Our next adventure!

Who wants to ride to Unazuki with me?? I want to go again!

Total: 35km 1hr. 45min.

Bike'n Swim'n Bike

10km bike to the pool
~1000m swim
10km bike home

Total: 21k 3 hours

Today was video day. So I did about a 700warm-up, 4x25 IM to tape our starts, 3xturns, 100 cool down. The team is off to Himi on a bus so they can start drinking early!! They're crazy! Anyway, they are going to watch the video tonight before/after/while they drink! I can only imagine the requests for freeze frames to make fun of people and criticize! I'm kinda glad I'm not going! But I hope I get to see the video one of these days. They had an underwater camera going for the turns!

The bike rides felt good! 30 minutes there and back again! I'm still figuring out gears and shifting. But this area is great because it's so flat!

Warm-up

500s/500p/200k/50ez

Total: 1250m 25min.

Yep, that's it! It was a long week, and a LONG friday! I barely made it to the pool at all. This was my first week of biking everyday. My schools aren't that far...but I managed to accumulate 60km! Yahoo. My goal is to bike to the pool tomorrow! Yikes!

Time to sleep!

2700m

Warm-up:
1000s/500p/200k

KMSC Set:
4x4x25 IM order
4 turns
7x50 double turns starting from the middle, fast from the flags (IM turns & stroke-stroke)

Cool Down:
200

Total: 2700m 1hr. 35min.

The coach wasn't here tonight. So the 2nd in command told the fast lane to swim 25's kirei, or beautiful! On Saturday they are bringing in a video camera, so we were supposed to practice for the camera! Then we did turns. I initiated the double turns. I'm not sure the others appreciated it, but I enjoyed!

The team is taking a weekend trip to Himi this weekend after the video inservice. Just for fun and drinking. I opted out. I have to study. And I'm not sure I want to get drunk with them if I'm the only gaijin. It could be dangerous.

Giant OCR 3

I've been thinking about buying a bike for awhile. My friend is doing a bike ride across Japan and my other friend is training for triatholons. And, well, I need to start cross-training! Swimming just isn't enough. And I don't really like running. I've done it, I can do it if I have to. But I don't like to! And it hurts my body. It's not my thing. So, I'm converting to biking. My goal is to be a communter biker! And swim in addition! Yeah!

The last straw: I went to the pool today and it was closed. Why? Tomorrow is the road race. So they closed the pool for the weekend. What?? Why?? I decided I needed an alternative! I bought a bike!

Let's go biking!!

3500m

Warm-up:
600s/150k/500p/150k

Sets
16x50 IM order drill, pull, kick, swim :05-10 rest
2x100 IM
4x200p breathing every 5
100 scull

Cool Down
200s

Total: 3500m 1hr. 35min.

It felt great to get in after a day of being in the sun. I needed the water to cool the burn, literally! The lanes were full, but I was able to swim with masters swimmers and all went well.
I tried to do a pull set breathing every 5, but I often forget or have a mini panic. I need to get over that.

I wish there was an outdoor pool I could practice at!!! It's light from 5am-7pm, so much potential outdoor time! But no outdoor pools! ;(

2300m

Warm-up
600s/400p/100k

Sets
4x 5x50 IM order

• 2x50k drill
• 2x50p drill
• 1x50s

Cool Down

200s

Total: 2300 1 hr. 20 min

Masters practice tonight. I've been pushed up to the head of the faster lane (of two). So far so good. Almost the same practice as last week, but the drills are good. We did some strange breast drill pulls tonight. And then a very odd free pull drill. I really didn't see the point in that one because everyone was screwing it up and it was so akward I don't know what good it's doing.

Yippee! 3 days in a row!

2450m

Warm-up
600s/400p (brth every 5)/200k

Sets
10x50 100IM order on 1:10
200k IM
250p fast
100k

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2450m 1 hr.

Every lane had at least 2 swimmers in it this afternoon. A bit surprising considering it is a beautiful sunny day!! I seem to be cursed with picking lane buddies that like to cut me off. Today's lane buddy swam on the wrong side of the lane. So I kept having to guess where to go and hope I didn't crash into her. Luckily she spent most of the time standing at the wall, so it wasn't too bad!

As for the workout, I had high hopes of getting to 4000 today. But I got so hungry after my warm-up I could barely handle it! I guess I forgot to eat protein this morning! Whoops! But I'll be back in the pool tomorrow for Masters practice.

3000m

Warm-up
1000s/300k

Sets
5x100 IM :20 rest
10x50p :55
16x25s 100IM order :30-40
100k

Cool Down
200s

Total: 3000m 1hr. 15min

Except for the guy that jumped in the lane with me and started kicking as I was coming into a turn....it was a great swim! I'm pretty sure he hates me and I don't really like him either. We've shared a lane before and he always leaves the wall just as I'm coming into a turn. And then he won't let me pass him. And if I'm behind him, he won't move over when he turns, so he turns into me. We almost had a serious run in today. And if either of us are at the wall when the other comes in for a turn, we both do an extra big splash....as if to say, "fuck off, this is my lane." But just to keep it civil, I greeted him as I was getting out of the pool. And he got a huge grin and returned the greeting. So maybe we can be friends. But I'd prefer not to swim with him again.

3300m

Warm-up
600s/400k IM/100d IM

Sets
1500p on 23:30 (which probably means I didn't actually do 1500)
100k
4x25 fly 1:00
2x50 back
4x25 brst :45
4x25 free :30

Cool Down
200s

Total: 3300m 1hr. 20min.

It's amazing how much you can get done if you aren't resting all the time! The 1500 pull was a challenge today because my shoulders were sore from yesterday after the two week hiatus. But I pulled through (ha ha ha). Anyway, I started it breathing every 5 but of course that didn't last long. It usually doesn't. And I highly doubt I actually did 1500m on that time, but I was swimming hard. I can't count worth crap. I need a counter! There were some kids practicing next to me and they were kicking faster than I was pulling! That's motivation to go faster! So I swam in and finished it hard! Felt good to do a real swim today!

2600m

Warm-up
600s/400p/200k/200IM drill

Sets
5x50 fly drills
5x50 back drills
5x50 brst drills
3x75 fly/back/brst
25 ez fr

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2600m 1hr. 40min.

It felt good to be back in the water after a 2 week hiatus (family visit & travel). Tonight was a Masters practice, but I was able to get in early and do a proper warm-up. And they started our sets a bit earlier too, so the fast lane was able to finish 1000m. Finally! It's the most meterage I've done in awhile...felt good!! But I have to say, I was watching the kids team in the next two lanes practice and I was envious! They were swimming longer sets on timed intervals. I feel like I've just joined adult swim lessons! Drills aren't bad, I just need to get my butt in gear and get back to the pool on a more regular basis so I can supplement the drill workouts. Maybe tomorrow??

KMSC Practice

Warm-up
500s

Sets
12x50 drills fly/back

Cool Down
200s

Total: 1300m 1hr

I got to the pool late today and didn't have time for my usual 1000m+ warm-up. Anyway, we did more drills today. Mostly back. Yuck!! I hate back. But it's good to practice. The only reason I hate it is because it's my weakest stroke...so I need more practice!
If I have time inbetween cleaning and studying, I'll try to get to the pool tomorrow. But that's a big MAYBE. It looks like I'll have a 2 week yasumi!

Asobimasita

500s/200k IM/100IM/150s

I saw two of my elementary students as I was buying my ticket for the pool. Usually my students at that age are pretty shy. But these two girls found me in my lane and said hi. Then a few minutes later I saw them running around on deck. I realized after about 100m that they were trying to meet me at one end but didn't know where I was gonna stop. Finally I looked up and they asked if I'd go play with them. I said--5min! So they were back in 3 min running around again trying to wave me down! When kids are that eager, you just can't say no!! So I swam less than 1000m today, but I spent a good 30 min in the kiddie pool playing Marco-Polo and doing acrobatic swimming. When I finally asked how long they were staying they got the idea that we should go and play outside in the playground. So, we changed and off we went to the playground--firepoles, swings, see-saws, balance beams, etc. And then it started raining and their dad came to collect them!

I had big hopes of getting two big swims in this weekend, but with cleaning and preparing for the parental visit--it didn't happen!! By the time I got to the pool today it was more out of desperate need to shower than swim! So, I got what I needed! And I got to be 8 again!

1750m

Warm-up:
500s/400p/100k

Sets:
8x50 fly drill
100 fly drill
50 s

Cool Down
200s

Total: 1750 1hr. 15 min.

Tonight was Masters Practice. I'm still negotiating exactly how I fit in this group. And trying to figure out what the dynamics of the practice are. And they are trying to figure out how I fit in as well. When practice first started, they divided the two lanes 1)training lane 2)free swim. I heard people comment that I didn't need training because I was too good. And they told me to go in the free swim lane. But if I'm gonna be on a team and go to practice I don't want to swim alone. And that is how it got divided. Me in one lane with 2-3 men and 20+ swimmers in the other lane! Okay, that was stupid. So, I jumped in the "training lane" and joined their kick set. And within minutes, the other lane had joined the set as well. Which only confirmed my fear that they were trying to accomodate me. Anyway, after the other lane turned into a training lane as well, I jumped back over there...as it is the fast lane. But after a few sets, I got pushed to the front of the line. "Wakai" goes first apparently! I'm curious to see how lane dynamics develop. Each team and each lane group has it's own dynamics. Now I've been thrown into the mix....how will they react to me? and me to them?

Tonight we had a semi-practice. We did some drills, but not on time. It was just to practice technique. It was good practice and got my heart rate up. But I could have gotten in A LOT more meters if I was swimming alone. But as long as I get to the pool 2-3x a week for more long distance swims, Monday night practice will be good for stroke and technique work.

2000+m

Warm-up:
500s/500k/200IM drill

Sets:
a shit load of 50's
3min swim

Cool Down:
25s

Ha ha ha! It was my first official "masters" practice. I paid up and I finally swam in the same lane with them. But being the day after the meet, it was a "free practice." Fine by me! So we just swam 50's if we felt like it. I'm glad I went to stretch out. But I do hope we have real practices and real sets most of the time!

Japan Masters Swim Meet

Hurray! I swam in my first Masters swim meet on Sunday! I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Well, I knew it would be overwelming. I knew I would be self-concious. And I knew it would be exhuasting. And I was right about all of those things. But it was also a lot of fun! And I think I've found my level of competition! Finally!

The diversity of people was absolutely enthralling--endless people watching! There were over 1000 swimmers aged 18-100 from Hokkaido to Kyushu! In a Japanese sort of way there were people of all shapes and sizes, but I still stuck out like a sore thumb. Japanese women don't have chests, hips or thighs. I have all three. The blonde hair didn't help either, but luckily that was under a swim cap most of the day. I also wasn't sporting one of the trendy suits! I'm a cheap skate. And really, the only thing that is going to make me go faster is more practice, not a cool looking suit!

As with most competitions, I was really nervous about where I would fit. Would I be the slowest? Would I be in the middle? I've never been the fastest at anything, so that wasn't really an option in my head. I was just hoping I would be able to compete, that is, actually race at the same level as others in my heat!

There was a lot of pre-race confusion about who was swimming what, when the event was, where we were supposed to go, etc. But after a few moments of panic we all figured it out and I got ready for my first race...100 Breast. I was glad it was my first because in my head it was my most important. Breast is my event. I wanted to put all my energy into this race. But I haven't really been training or sprinting much. During the actual swim, the first 50 felt great, but the last 50 was a struggle. I was feeling the lactic acid burn and not feeling like I could move much at all. My first 25, I was pretty even with the woman in the next lane. But after the 50, she pulled ahead and finished about 3 seconds ahead of me. I was bummed, but it was good to have someone next to me to motivate me to go a little faster and push myself. In the end I got first in my age group (ha ha ha, I was the only one in my age group swimming that event). But I also got second in the entire event! I was the youngest swimmer. The woman who beat me is from Uozu....I wonder if she will be my competition in the 50 brst in October?

The 100IM and 25free in the 100Medley Relay were fun to swim. But I didn't give them my all. I swam the IM to try something different. I would swim it again, but it's something I excel at!

Seriously, it was a great day...but a huge thanks to Linea for being my partner in crime. Could not have, probably, would not have done this without her. It is so much easier to do something NEW--new group of people, foreign language, new event, new rules, etc. when you have someone else to work it out with you. When we could, we cheered for each other on the sidelines. Our new team mates were always there to give us a "gambatte" or "otsakaresama" but hearing a deep English grunt calling out your name from the side can't be replaced! I needed it! Gokorosamadesita!

After the races, the bento, lots of Aquarius, a shower, hot cross buns, chocolate eggs, a lesson on Easter, a lesson on how to say our names, recording our times, strutting our stuff on deck, and lots of pictures with the old men....we made our way to a izikaya in Kurobe and gorged ourselves on fried food, sashimi and salad. The other swimmers were guzzling beer, but I felt drunk from exhaustion, I didn't need the beer! Linea and I ate our food, collected our medals, promised to join the team and headed home to bed! It was a 13-hour day! In your own culture that is one kind of exhaustion, but when you are trying to navigate another culture it adds another level of exhaustion. We both had headaches. Tanoshikatta, demo segoi tsukaretta!

In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I finally paid my dues and joined the team tonight! I'm already planning what I want to swim in the next meet in October. And I think I'll be much more inspired to train for it now that I know what to expect.

Times:

100m Brst 1'31"81 (gold medal)
100m IM 1'29"33 (bronze medal)
100 Medley Relay 1'10 (didn't get splits)

I'm not sure how accurate this website does yard-meter conversions. For fun, I wanted to know how I compared to my college times. So, if I had swam in a yard pool, this would have been my times:

100yd Brst 1'22"26
100yd IM isn't listed as an option! ha ha ha

The brst time, is only a second off from my conference time in college! Wow!!! I had no idea. Maybe if I train a little more, I can actually get a personal best in my 100 brst. That would be awesome. Too bad I can't swim it for another year!

College Times

My college coach, the best coach ever, sent me my times from my senior year in college! Tomorrow I'm swimming the 100IM, 100Brst and 25fr (medley relay). In college I only swam in yards, so the times will be different in that respect. Oh, and I only swam the IM once and that was at the start of the season just to have a time! And I haven't really been training! But, here are my college times as a little incentive/reference point for tomorrow! Yikes!

1999-2000

100Y Brst 1:20.03-1:26.08
100Y IM 1:21
50Y Free 28:83-29:92

Yikes!! I don't think I'll be anywhere close to those times. That was my best season!!

Gambattemasu!

~1600m

Warm-up:
500s/500p/200k

Sets:
200 IM drill
10 turns

Cool Down:
200s

Total: ~1600m 1hr.

Linea and I headed to the pool early to beat the crowds. I managed to swim a leisurely warm-up, do some drills and we practiced turns!! Yeah! I need to keep my tighter. My brst-free doesn't feel fast. My brst turns feel pretty good though. But that's what I did in college. But in a different pool, you never know what to expect. A turn in one pool can be so different in another pool. If the height or texture of the wall is different it throws me off. Also, if the pool is deep vs. shallow---it's like swimming a totally different race! The water feels different. I've ONLY trained in a shallow pool. And I think tomorrow we might be swimming in a deep pool. I'm still stuffed up and full of mucus! Yuck!

Tomorrow is going to be an adventure!

2000m

Warm-up:
500s/500p/100k/200IM drill

Sets:
100 brst fast
100 IM fast
4x25 free sprint
4x25 IM sprint

Coold Down
300s

Total: 2000m 50 min.

I've been sick all week. I have a cough. So swimming is a little strained, but since the big meet is on Sunday, I had to get something in! And since I'm in "taper" mode there is no point in pushing it! ha ha ha!! As if I've really been training! Oh well. I'm gonna jump in the pool tomorrow for a warm-up and maybe a few 25 sprints. Gotta take it easy.

2200m

Warm-up:
500s/500p/200k/200IM drill

Sets:
7x100 IM/brst/free
10 starts Relay/Free/Brst/Fly

Cool Down
Standing and talking on deck about the upcoming swim meet!

Total: 2200m 1hr. 40min

Linea--did you know there will be about 1000 people from all over Japan attending this swim meet? Oh my!! I thought it was just Toyama! Yikes, what have we gotten ourselves into.

2000m

Warm-up:
500s/4oop/200k/200IM drill/100s

Sets:
4x50 sprint/ IM order 1:00 rest
8x25 sprint/IM order by 50 :15 rest/1:00min after first 100

Cool Down:
200s

Total: 2000m 1 hour

Linea and I did the sprint set together! It kicked my ass. Swimming with someone else always make me swim harder and pushes me faster! I need to practice some 100brst and non-stop 100IM's to get ready for next Sunday! Oh why did I sign up for 100's??

2400m

500s

1500p

100k

200IM drill

100s

And then I got hungry!

Total: 2400m 50min

I'm not sure why but my arms were really tired today--before the 1500p. But I went ahead and did a long pull swim. Swimming as a hangover cure is never really very productive. But with any luck I'll make it early tomorrow morning for another swim before the big D.

3300m

Warm-up:
700s/200k/200IMdrill

Sets:
5x 200p/100s (IM/brst alt)
100k
8x25 sprint IM order 1:00
200k

Cool Down:
200s

Total: 3300m 1hr. 20 min.

2700m

Warm-up
500s/300k/400p/100s

Sets:
10x100 IM :30-45 rest
100s
4x25 relay starts (fly, brst, fr, brst)

Cool Down
200s

Total: 2700m 1hr. 40min

IM focus: turns! I need to make sure my transitions are smooth. I've never competed in IM before, and I don't swim back or fly....so I used the 1000m of IM to practice. The last IM I went 85% and finished 1:45.

After that set, I practiced relay starts with the Masters team. Linea and I are both in a relay. I'm swimming as anchor-free! They are only 100m, so each persons swims a 25! I used to swim 4x100free....so a 25 feels SO SHORT. But I'm not complaining! My starts suck! My googles keep falling off, so some major adjustments need to happen before the 16th. They will be practicing next Monday night as well! I can't miss it!

1700m Warm-up

600s
400k
300p
200IM drill
200s

Total: 1700m 40 min

Today was a success because I left my apartment in the rain, after a night of drinking and after being away for 2 weeks and actually made it to the pool! That was todays accomplishment! I haven't been in the water for 2 weeks, although I have been hiking and doing lots of WALKING! So it counts for something, but I did feel pretty sluggish today. Although it was fun to try out one of my new suits and my new googles. Yeah! My googles make a different noise when I swim...something to get used to. I have to get serious now....2 weeks until the swim meet. Oh shit!