TO NAP OR TO SWIM

200 (100 crawl, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke)
100 crawl with zoomers
25 back with zoomers
25 fly with zoomers
50 breast stroke
100 crawl
=======
500 m (approx. 12 minutes)

Today I planned on swimming around 1pm. However when 1pm rolled around, I mainly wanted to roll over and take a nap. So I asked myself, "Do you want to swim or do you want to swim?" and forced myself to go swimming. As I went around finding my gear, wallet etc. it had become 1:11 pm before I started the car to go the pool.

I was in the water by 1:25 pm and could see that if I was going to be at my son's school at 2pm to pick him up for the dentist, that I probably couldn't swim the kilometer that I ususally swim. Got out of the water by 1:37pm was showered, dressed and in my car by 11:51pm and made it to my son's school with time to spare.

However I think taking a nap might have been a better decision.

CRAZY DAY

5 x 200 (100 crawl, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke)
=======
1000 m (approx. 25 minutes)

Had a crazy day running about attempting to replace my residence/work permit which was stolen along with my wallet (a couple of years ago).

It was great to get into the water and have a nice relaxing swim.

There was a woman in the lane next to me who was swimming when I arrived, and swimming when I left. Her swimming style indicated that she was probably partially paralized or had cerebal palsy or a similar handicap. Respect to her for chugging along with her own style and racking up the meters.

No toys this time - I had some problems with my back after my last swim, and don't want to risk anything. I really should see my physiotherapist.

BRAND NEW TOYS!!

5 x 200 (100 crawl, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke)
=======
1000 m (approx. 20 minutes)

I recently ordered a bunch of Finis training products and tried them out today.

My first 200m was a warm-up set.

Set 2 was using the Zoomer Z2 Fins. These are short stiff fins (for your feet - you'll understand why I write this in a moment) that are quite fun to use. You swim really fast and high in the water while using these. They give you power in both the upward and downward movement of your kick. I could see how you could get addicted to these babies. Afraid of a cramp, and just trying to be sensible, I only used them for 150 meters.

Set 3 was using the Forearm Fulcram. This is a tool of torture, that forces your arm into the proper position for your stroke. Normally if you're kind of tired, or just kind of wimpy, your hand will sometimes take the path of least resistance in the water rather than taking the path that will give the greatest propulsion and requiring the greatest effort. This training tool makes you use your full exertion on every stroke. A bit weird feeling around the wrist, but I think it might be good. I tried to use it for the breast stroke as well, but it was too painful - probably because it's designed for crawl only. ;)

Set 4 was using the Hydro Hip. This is a belt with two fins placed on your hips. It's used to encourage swimming on your side and making a faster and stronger hip snap as well as to time your stroke with your hip snap. Fun tool the fins make you snap your hips really fast. However with the power involved the belt started slipping while I was using it. Not sure if I should be wearing it higher or lower. I tightened it as much as I could. I'll be investigating their website for some tips on it's use.

Set 5 was without toys.

Unfortunately I didn't have a watch with me. My Baby G's solar powered battery isn't doing so well. One day the time was suddenly off by *hours*. I haven't reset the time yet, and am worried it's just going to give me more problems.

Great to be back in the water - it's been too long.