RSS
Friday, October 17, 2008
Just Keep Swimming
Johnathan and I went swimming yesterday, after having planned to do so for a time now, and never really getting around to it. I was really nervous at first, because I’d only seen the pool from a distance, and I still get really nervous going into situations that I’ve never been in, no matter how harmless. I guess I just don’t like to look inexperienecd. (Maybe I’ll get over that someday.) We got there far earlier than originally intended, but it was okay because I got to get used to the area while the kiddies had their swimming lessons and while the group in the aqua deep class did their exercises.
At 7:30, it was time for open lap swim. It wasn’t a very busy lap swim, for which I was very grateful, because it meant that Johnathan and I got our own lane. It’s been a while since I swam on a regular basis, so I admit to having some difficulty at the start. I had no rhythm, so I kept trying to inhale water. Trying to inhale while your face is in the water is just not a good idea no matter how you look at it. After a few lengths, I got a little better, and then it was like my muscles had a revelation. “I know how to do this!” Everything clicked. My rhythm came back and with it came some speed. The endorphines kicked in and I was ready to go for another hour or more.
Unfortunately, Johnathan didn’t fare quite as well. He’s never been much of a swimmer, and he therefore hasn’t got the practiced technique or the muscle memory for it. After about twenty minutes, he was feeling pretty sick. I think the combination of the chlorine, the poor lunch he had, and the unfamiliary athletic activity made it rough on him. I have faith that it will get better after a few times, though. Right now, though, he’s really sore. He woke up telling me that every muscle he has is sore. I feel pretty good, with only minor aches in my thighs, stomach and arms, but poor Johnathan… I remember daily doubles, when I felt like I was going to fall apart. I can just imagine how he feels, even with a relatively light workout as far as swimming workouts go.
I’m really looking forward to going back. We’re planning to get a three-month pass, and we’re planning to develop a regular weekly schedule so that we actually have physical activity in the wintertime. I’m really pleased about that. This is going to do us both a lot of good, and I know that my stress level will benefit from the exercise. We’re just started, and I’m really excited to continue. I’ve missed swimming. I didn’t realize until yesterday just how much.
Share
don’t want to ‘talk out of school’ – but have you guys tried magnesium for muscle recovery? Have a chat to a local naturopath to see whether it is appropriate for you, but I used to be in agony after exercise (so consequently didn’t do much of it!) until I discovered the role of Magnesium in helping the cells produce energy and burn up the pain-causing lactic acid. I used to find it hard to walk around the block – but now a 20km bicycle ride feels like ‘nothing’ – I can do it before breakfast. I use a powdered form (in Australia it is called Ultramuscleze, by Bioceuticals – am sure there’d be a US version) because it is absorbed faster. Half a teaspoon before exercise, half after, and – no pain! Wake up the next day feeling great. Good luck with your exercise program!
kyle @ yumoh — November 3, 2008 @ 6:14 pm