In the swim again...

I realize that this training blog is probably read mostly by runners. But since I'm training both for the Eugene Marathon 5K and a sprint triathlon, I thought I'd also write a bit about swimming and biking.

Getting back to swimming was, honestly, a little daunting. First of all, you need to find the right piece of water to splash around in. Secondly, its cold. Putting on a swim suit isn't easy when its 30 degrees outside. Finally, I'm worried I've lost all I gained after not swimming for a few months.

So that first morning I prepared myself to huff and puff my way through the first few laps. Stepping onto the wet cold cement deck in my Speedo, I thought, "What am I doing getting into a pool while its hailing outside? This doesn't look like fun." So again, I have to tell my brain to shut up, and just take the plunge.

As soon as I push off the wall and start my stroke, it all comes back to me. I remember that wonderful feeling of being submerged, cruising almost weightlessly along in the water, the rhythmic breathing and meditative quality of watching the bottom of the pool slip by.

I love swimming. And I can't believe I've waited all winter to get back in the pool. It feels so good, even the ache in my arms and shoulders is a reminder of why I like swimming. All the hard work of last year... learning to breath on both sides, figuring out how to move my whole body and not just my arms, and building my endurance... seems to be paying off.

I don't love the getting out of the pool part. Its still cold.