Yesterday was my first Masters Swim class (at the Y – they call it “Swim Fit”). I was very nervous being the “new kid” – but I spoke with the Aquatics Director as well as the swim teacher / coach – and they both said I would be fine. (The Director even mentioned I would probably be bored with lessons – so try the class).
I jumped in for open lap swimming 30 minutes before Swim Class and proceeded to warm up. It felt good to be back in the water. I haven’t gone swimming since shortly after the wedding (almost 2 months ago). I noticed a few things:
1. I truly enjoy swimming – it is very relaxing and easy to zone out
2. I need a new nylon/spandex swim cap. Since cutting my hair, my old cap is stretched out and too big. That made me giggle, actually.
3. I was probably the youngest one in my class
So I went onward, took the class. The cool thing was, there were only about 7-9 of us in the class. Our instructor had a few custom lessons for a few of us (including me) since I told her I didn’t know breast stroke, back stroke – let alone butterfly. She did teach me breast stroke and I worked on that for some time, I was impressed and shocked at how tired and breathless I was.
Today, my shoulders and upper chest muscles are sore. However, I feel much more confident in that technique. It felt good to use different muscles! (Except when my foot cramped….not cool) The instructor mentioned my back stroke wasn’t too far off the mark – so I was impressed that I just needed to work on the flutter kick.
Looking around the class, I wondered, “When would anyone actually WANT to use butterfly?? If I were stranded and needed to swim for survival – I sure as heck am NOT using the fly!” I also noticed a lot of heavy kicking… I rarely kick. My legs are usually fairly stationary and in the wetsuit on race day, they float to the top. I work hard on strengthening my “pull” – and this class will remind me to use the legs, at least for new exercise.
I did join the local YMCA after that class – it is well worth the monthly fee. So now M/W/F – I will be honing my swim technique and hopefully gaining endurance (my biggest hope).
Today Steve and I picked up my bib for tomorrow’s 10k. The runners will run around the West LA Veterans Hospital. The swag bag was pretty good for a small local run. Under Armour is a sponsor so our shirt is a black UA shirt as well as a nice wicking headband.
So tomorrow I will try out my latest gadget (I know, another one!) – my heart rate monitor that I scored on ebay. I tried it just lounging at home and it seems to work well thus far. Now I will be able to see how it works while I am actually exercising.
Lastly, I have to mention that Super Husband finished his Millennium Falcon. The monster Lego set is complete and he is proud. It weighs approximately 10 pounds…the instruction book was similar to our maps “Thomas Guides” – all 300 pages! Now we just need to find a spot for it to rest.
