Many years ago, I used to swim competitively. And I mean... many. Like when I was 12 and 13 years old... you do the math.
In the mid 1990's, I swam for exercise. I also ran, worked out in the gym, and rode my horse as well as my bike and roller blading. Damn, I was in great shape then! I found the zone when running and loved it.... that runner's high was addictive.
Then Life took over... a crappy life that saw bad relationships, stress, overeating... and getting away from all the exercising. So I was no longer in great shape and no longer finding that natural high.
Well, over the past year and a half, my life has been turning around and I have dropped about 35 pounds just through walking and kind of paying attention to what I eat. And I have kept it off.
But there is still a bit more to go. And I have been at a plateau for months now. I realize it is time to up the ante and expend a bit more energy to shave off those last 15 or so pounds.
So I went and bought a pass for the local pool and swam laps today. I was in the pool for about 15 minutes, maybe a little bit longer. I managed to swim 20 laps, stopping at the end of each one to catch my breath and let my muscles recover a bit. Walking just does not prepare you for the total body workout of swimming!
But it felt good.... it felt very good.... to be back in the water, back at the repetitiveness of laps that I know will eventually lead to that natural high. And eventually I will be swimming 100 laps each time I dive in, which will be three times a week.... three times a week of endorphins pumping through my body, giving me a glow I know will shine right through to the world around me.
WOW!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl, you have fun and rock that pool.
Gotta say, your house is buzzin' here, the vibes are reelin' thousands of kilometres and it is inspiring.
Okay, I read through, I love the film of Zoe and kitty, poor kittycat, it was itching for that bunny.
I bet if Zoe had a clear run at the rabbit, she could smell it was there, old sharp eyes puss knew, but Zoe would soon smell it if it wasn't igloo time.
Got to share with you it's (weather oz) been in the 40's plus celsius....you and I are both doing laps in water, me in house dam, no heating necessary, you, I hope have heated water.
You have fun, give Zoe a cuddle, she is so sweet, and the cat is so cute, our dogs catch of rabbit next kill will be in their honor.
A tribute mate.
Pam2
God... I've been like a slug since Christmas... but you are right... I am off to seek endomorphs...
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I agree! Swimming is awesome exercise. I'm starting to get back into shape a bit ... s l o w l y !! ... by going to a local rec center with my son, and that routine includes swimming. I hadn't realized how much I missed it.
ReplyDelete*thinks*
ReplyDeletewhat a good idea ....
Thank you for your thoughtful comment on mine. Much appreciated.
That is a great idea! Swimming! It does work your whole body! I'm assuming it's a heated pool, or you're part of the polar bear swim club.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya about the runner's high. It's why I enjoy jogging so much. There's a point in physical activity where you achieve a zen like state, a great uplifting feeling.
Congratulations on your awesome and hard work!
Respect! You'll glow in the dark! :))
ReplyDeleteWow that's great! Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI really should do something. I've never reached that state though. To me that's always been propaganda dished out left and right by excercise nazis.
I felt the burn though and every second of it felt like kicking Jane Fonda or whoever Powell off the top of a very high building.
Wow! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to get back to running, but my body just doesn't seem ready for it yet. So, for now, it'll just be walking.
Keep us updated on your progress. I can use the motivatation / inspiration.
PamOz: Yes, the pool is heated, even if the outdoors is a subzero freezer. The only downside is I have to go back outside after swimming to get home....
ReplyDeleteAnd Zoë will appreciate the rabbit kill - she's never even come close to catching one herself. Not sure she would know what to do if she did! :-)
Scarlet: Endorphins are highly addictive.... gotta love 'em! Hope you get some too!
EC: Good for You! Gotta start somewhere and taking your son and participating yourself is great for you and a wonderful example for him.
Carnalis: It is a good idea... for anyone... so no matter what kind of exercise you get, just get some.
And you are most welcome... :-)
Eros: Thank you and yes, the pool is heated. You won't catch ME jumping into frigid waters willingly! Brrr!
I am eagerly anticipating the zen-like state... ;-)
Mago: As long as I am not radioactive, though!
Cyberpete: No need to burn... just work up to being well conditioned and the natural high will be there waiting for you. The burn is no longer the goal....
Anna: I lost the first 35 lbs walking... so you go girl! You've just had two whopping babies, so I can only imagine that running isn't in the books just yet. Perhaps I will do a weekly post about how things are going... to keep a record of it, and to give you a little push when you need it!
Wow, that's awesome. I envy you; I was never a great swimmer (although I love just playing around in water, like in the ocean), and I haven't really tried to swim laps since I was about 13... I know how good it is for you, for health and fitness, but I'm scared to start trying!!! I don't want to admit publically that I'm 25 and really can't swim. lol
ReplyDeleteSo best of luck with your weight loss; I'm sure you'll be looking like a supermodel if you do 100 laps 3 times a week!!!
Stace: All the kids in my family had to take swimming lessons, because my mum was afraid of the water and she didn't want any of us to be. My dad was a fish, so it wasn't a difficult thing to get us in the water. I am just glad I take after him and not her! It's a good skill to have, even if just for safety sake.
ReplyDeletePerhaps once your Bean comes along, the two of you can learn to be comfy in the water together.
If I ever get to supermodel form, I will be sure to post a pic here! I will be happy just trimming down a bit more and getting my heart fitter. Thanks!
Good for you! But swimming in winter -- brrr. I'm not good at the transitions! I need to swim more regularly as I do love it and have found that running is really starting to take a toll on my aging body. I did it twice this week but knee injuries, backstrain, etc., don't really make it worth it. And to think I did half marathons in my early 40s!
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