Wednesday, July 28, 2010

So That's How You Do It!!

So after not really loving my swim last week, I was more than excited to get back into the pool yesterday. My real thoughts were how much worse could it be? So I got up at 5:30, prepped my hair (I am super fearful of green hair, already happened once this summer) and headed down to the pool. My gym partner bailed because her son hid her goggles, so I was flying solo. Luckily I ran into an acquaintance of mine (Bob) who is training to be some type of Iron Man coach (as well as compete in IMAZ)....more on that in a bit.

I set up far away from Bob, I know he has his own training to do, and he intimidates me with his master swimming abilities, so I make friends with old lady Terry who is sharing my lane with me and I go about my biznass.

First 2 laps suck! I mean I seriously could not get it together, after each length I had to take a minute at the wall to catch my breath. So, at this point I'm guessing I'm just going too fast so I slow my pace and soldier on...fortunately I got into a groove and didn't have to take too many breathing breaks. I decided to call it a day after my 16th (!!) lap, all ready to head out, then Bob calls me over. I was ready to go, but always the willing student I went, plus I was interested in his critique...

Apparently I hold my head all wrong, which is creating a huge drag (damn Irish head) and making me tired. We went over proper form, I swam 2 kick ass laps and was told that I was a natural!! Other than the way I hold my head and lead arm, I'm actually pretty good...who knew?!?!? I am now SUPER EXCITED for laps tomorrow!

On a running note, both today and Monday ran 3 at 6am then headed to the gym for weights with gym partner. 3 solid workouts with one more to go....dayum, I'm on a roll!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Swim Time

After months of writing, thinking and talking about swimming laps, I finally did it! And it sucked! Ok, maybe not sucked, but it's definitely not my first love (but really, what is?).

An acquaintance of mine who I have known for quite some time was telling me about the early morning swim at the Village pool, and after making plans with my gym partner we decided to give it a whirl. I have to say I was a little nervous, thinking that I would not be able to keep up, or understand how to share a lane, put my cap and goggles on correctly, you know the drill. I got there just at 6 (am!) and was pleasantly surprised by the crowd, some old guys, my most favorite yoga instructor (in a speedo) and some kids training for their lifeguard exam. Not too bad, better than a bunch of killer athletes, little did I know the old guys would smoke me, but that's another story!

I waited around for my partner, who was waiting for me in the parking lot and left (need to plan better), didn't see her and decided, it's now or never and jumped in.

My first lap was a little fast and I was out of breath, I pulled back the second and took a break at the wall. I managed 8 lengths and called it a day. I'm planning on going every Tue and Thurs and am excited to see how much I can improve before the end of the summer. I'm still fearful of sharing lanes and proper etiquette, but I'm sure I'll figure it out, or I'll just get run over by one of the old guys!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My Life as a Weightlifter?

I'm thinking I might need to change the title of my blog from "runner" to "weightlifter". I have really not ran at all, which is terrible, but I have been weight training, so a name change might be in order.

Life has been so sweet lately, lots of food, fun, friends, beach and spa! Went out to Gurneys in Montauk this past weekend for a bachelorette party, such a great time, I could seriously live there. I was bummed that I didn't brig my sneakers, would have been nice to get a run in along the path to the beach...next time! I love a good girls getaway and highly recommend Gurneys, although a bit pricey, it's totes worth it!

This weekend is more beach and I'm thinking the Arrow Women's 5k. I ran it last year in the oppressive heat and was sooooo disappointed by my time. I wanted to give up running after that race. It was a tough lesson for me to learn, that I although I had increased my distance, my speed went out the window. I may just run it to see where I come in, although I have a feeling I won't do so hot considering my running has been rather nonexistent!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Happy Belated 4th!

A July 4th pictorial!

So I ate a ton, beached it, hung poolside, went to the Yankee game, a few BBQ's, Zumba, a measly 2 mile run and had lots of fun....couldn't have asked for a better 5 days off!! Oh, and helped rescue a baby deer that was hit by a car (hit and run...how cruel!).