9/23 - Swimming and WLC Day 8

Woke up feeling a bit stiff after Primal Pairs but not hurting too bad.  I fell asleep pretty early – got home about 7pm and showered and as soon as I laid down I knew I wasn’t getting back up even as Sharon was trying to convince me otherwise (and even as my head was trying to convince me otherwise) – it wasn’t going to happen.  I was texting before I fell asleep and remember waking up to read a message and woke up with some thoughts of swimming and early morning but it was a bit foggy.  I checked the messages and realized at about 8:30am that I did in fact get a text from Vini late the night before with talk of swimming at 10:30am.  I recalled that when I initially read it – half awake the night before – I thought that 10:30 would be far too early and there was no way but since I was asleep well before 9pm I was wide awake early and decided that a swim would be good to get the soreness out of my muscles and complete my workout for the WLC.

I got organized to ride my bike up to Terry Tyzack (beyond North Perth) and half way there I realized that I had forgotten of all things my swim cap and googles. I thought about turning around (and giving up on the swim all together) but I kept going figuring that maybe Shonelle would have her spare pair. 

It was a good morning for the swim (albeit a little chilly initially getting in).  Tim kindly shared one of Shonelle’s spare pair of googles with me – and by shared I mean mostly just let me wear them which I greatly appreciated as I tend to get a little bit more panicked when my head is in the water and I can’t open my eyes. 

We did some 50m lengths – 4 each practicing things that Coach Shonelle would specifically give us to work on.  I was to practice just breathing on my left this time (as last time, oh so long ago, I only got through breathing on my right) but without the flutter board to rest my right arm on I just kept getting confused and swimming with both arms.  I think on the first lap I tried to just breath on my left but it quickly (quickly-er?) got my heart rate up as I was breathing too often when it was just one side.  On the way back I started to work on bi-lateral breathing though I didn’t know it at the time, it was just what felt more natural.  It went well too for most of the session except when I would get winded – after about 25m and then it would fall apart and I wouldn’t get big breaths when I needed to and would have to stop. 

We did a few relays – one partner (or in my case two partners – Tim and Jack) swam to the middle of the pool and back (25m each way) while the other rested – we were supposed to do 5 each but I only managed 4 which was exhausting enough (remember my tired shoulders).  I can tell I’m getting better now though because on these sets off of the wall I could do 25m with bi-lateral breathing without stopping though like I mentioned, once I get winded (about 25m continuous) it gets hard but I just need to keep working on it.  Definitely major improvements though – like I’m actually swimming with my head in the water now!  Anything’s possible, clearly.  Especially with Shonelle coaching.  Big thanks!

We then practiced flip turns which was fun and funny.  We all seemed to enjoy it while filling our heads with water (breath out through your nose on the turn).  We partnered up (and I had Shonelle – total win!) for some relays – we did two, both from 15m out from the wall.  The first was one down and back each and the second was two.  I was okay with the first one though on the second I think my feet missed the wall which through me off a bit – it gets hard to do the turns when you’re trying to also figure out breathing – when to get the last breath in and then do the turn – lots ot think about.  Anyway, it was a fun end of the session and I was thoroughly exhausted and I still had to bike home. 

It was a good ride – afte the crappy weather at the end of last week it was good to be out in the sunshine but after I got home I knew my shoulders had had enough.  A brief 30 minute nap (which I forced myself to get up from) and it was a walk into Freo for market goodness and Sunday afternoon coffee and cooking.

My ride...

 WLC Day 9

Today was a good day after the sugary-ness of Saturday night.  I grabbed some goodies at the market and made a good supply of food for the week including:

-pulled pork (in the slow cooker)

-applesauce

-baked sweet potato

-baked brussel sprouts

-cucumber and carrot salad

-pickles (or my attempt at pickles, we’ll see how they turn out in a few weeks)

This along with leftovers in my fridge will get me through the week as will the food co-op with Brenda and Angie on Tuesday – they’ll be getting pulled pork (with paleo bbq sauce that I’ll make tonight) and baked sweet potato and brussel sprouts with a side of carrot/cucumber salad (with bean sprouts and coriander – possibly).