As you know, I am training for my 1st 70.3 half Ironman in October. Looking back on my sprint triathlon I did last May, the biggest challenge for me was the open water swim. I just didn't feel like natural in the water.
Which is funny. Because I am "the water girl". I could spend all day in the water. This was the case as a child, and I never really outgrew that.
I have a few friends who are on the Masters Swim team, and have brought me to a few workouts. The aquatic center is right by my house.....
And let me tell you about this Aquatic Center. It is the "Taj Mahal" of swimming pools. Our city spent big bucks to have the best aquatic center in the city (it's one of the best in the state). The water is perfect. Best part? -- surrounded by mountains!
Which is funny. Because I am "the water girl". I could spend all day in the water. This was the case as a child, and I never really outgrew that.
I have a few friends who are on the Masters Swim team, and have brought me to a few workouts. The aquatic center is right by my house.....
And let me tell you about this Aquatic Center. It is the "Taj Mahal" of swimming pools. Our city spent big bucks to have the best aquatic center in the city (it's one of the best in the state). The water is perfect. Best part? -- surrounded by mountains!
And it's only 4 miles from my house!
So after trying out a few practices, I am hooked! So Monday is my 1st official practice on the Oro Valley Masters' Team: "The Flying Fish".
It's Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 5am-6am. All interval training and drills with very knowledgeable coaches! It is unreal how much these swimming workouts get my heart rate up!
What's the best part?:
The workouts absolutely kick my a$$. However, I get out of that pool - and nothing hurts. There are no blisters on my feet or sore muscles. No overheating. No GI issues. I feel taller, stronger, and just so healthy after swim practice.
Another perk? (this is kind of dorky...)
I'm living a dream that I never got growing up. I was never a jock. Let me repeat. I was never a jock. I hated exercise - because sports made me feel like a slow, awkward, lame goat. But at Masters' swim - I'm not the slow one. And if I am the last to hit the wall? -- My coach just simply gives me advice on what to do next time. (instead of the approach of high school sports, where they humiliate you in front of the group or ignore you because you're not worth their energy)
It's an investment in my health - and I think it will make me a stronger runner!
My joints will thank me when I'm 50.
Comments
That pool is beautiful!