Swimming... I have tried that before... It is exhausting and not fun especially when I'm fat and have moobs (aka man-boobs). However, I had several friends encourage me to try it again. They would tell me how relaxing it is, what a great work out it is, etc. I thought they were lunatics, but finally agreed to try when my friend Dr. Y told me that she would help me get in shape in exchange for some marketing advice, etc.Dr. Y is an OB/GYN and is exploring the possibility of opening a Women's Wellness Center here in Brenham. She and my mom are the same age (29 :-] ) and she told me that she would go swim with me for the first 2 weeks to show me some water exercises and help me to plan out a workout routine. I thought that this was a very generous offer, so I agreed.
Last week was our first week at the pool. This lady can swim and she is TOUGH. She does have 3 sons of her own, but I was not expecting the intensity. After the first day of swimming I was sore and a bit frustrated. I swam two 25's and then had to run (in the water) because I was tired and WAY out of breath. The second day was easier, but still a lot of half laps. The thought of swimming two WHOLE laps was overwhelming to say the least.
I was sharing my frustrations with a tri-athelete friend of mine, Lee. He told me that there was this swimming video that I HAD to watch. A video? Was he serious? I mean my doctor back in Houston would make me watch a video on eating healthy whenever my weight got too high. The video was somewhat informative, but felt like detention. I learned more about how ridiculous the 90's were than about nutrition.
However, I watched the video this Monday afternoon and it changed EVERYTHING! I went and swam for an hour today. I did laps the ENTIRE 1st 20 minute block! No walking, no stopping! I then did my water aerobics for 20 minutes, then I swam for another 20 minutes! It was amazing! I loved swimming today! I was totally relaxed and my heart was pounding for almost an hour!
In just the past 2 weeks I am already feeling better and my clothes are feeling better. I love swimming! So, to the current champion and record holder. Look out! :-)
Here's how I felt after today's workout:
Questions for friends who swim:
1. How do you get water out of your ears?
2. Do those little shammy towels really work?
3. Do those little speedo shorts make that big of a difference?
4. If I shave my head, do I still need a skull cap?
Here's to hoping for change!
3 comments:
Good for you!
1. hasn't ever really been an issue.
2. always used the typical bath towel
3. I train in regular shorts and race in triathlon shorts which are skin tight. I can feel the difference on race day but it is not significant.
4. I don't wear the cap... even in races. But shaving your head is always a good idea regardless of the reason.
That is awesome. Glad the video helped.
1. Turn your head to the side and shake it. At least that helps me.
2. Agree with Matt. Always use a towel.
3. I train in a speedo that looks like cycling shorts without the shammy. Can tell a difference. I have known people who would put on regular shorts during a workout to add resistance for a few laps.
4. I wear a cap and it makes a difference. Shaving would probably do the same thing.
Awesome pictures :]
I'm so glad you had a swimming breakthrough! That's great that you're feeling better and actually enjoying yourself.
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