Hodgepodge.

Yesterday was Day 2 of swimming.  I got a full hour in the pool, only resting for a few seconds here and there.  I swam 30 laps (almost a full mile) and I did some sprints and side lunges to see how my leg felt in the pool.  Not too shabby. After that I changed and went to the awesome weight room.  I did a lot of upper body work and I can see SUCH a big difference in my muscle tone since about 6 months ago.

Next trip was a run to Sports Authority for a second swim suit. I realized if I'm swimming 5 days a week, I want my suit to dry out in between pool time...and I'm not wearing the same thing every day dangit. In wandering around I found that the JOBY GorillaPods were on sale, so I picked on up since I had JUST mentioned needing one yesterday. I also wandered around and found these amazing all natural protein brownies from Lenny & Larry's.  They are hands down the best protein bar type thing I have ever put in my mouth! I ate a Cookies & Cream brownie for my dinner. The package is TWO servings at 170kcals and 10gm protein per serving.  I naturally ate the whole package around 6pm yesterday and I was full the rest of the night. I also ordered a case as these will make a good on the road dinner for my heavy MWF nights in the pool/gym.

My most recent big purchase was a Canon EOS 60D. I found a SLAMMIN deal on the body, lens, battery, charger, neck strap, and cleaning kit. It's like it was made for me and calling to me, so I felt it was the right time to get it. Since I've already sold three of my photos and made some good money at the yard sale last week, I was financially able to afford it.  Besides, it's totally a tax write off for my small business, since I'm a professional photographer now, booya!

Lastly, I finally got some kiddos for Early Steps. Calling my first family tomorrow to set up an appointment.  I have to see him once a week for the next 6 weeks.  I have another kiddo that I'm just waiting on the paperwork to get started.  Lots of good things are in motion!

And We're Swimming....

Yesterday I joined Elmwood Fitness which is part of the Big O. I'm currently rockin the 2 week free pass. Once that is over, I'll only be paying $28/month for a pretty amazing fitness center.  Now, I say this...but it's only the actual center that is amazing. The front desk staff and the people who sign you up can take a leap off a mountain. If a gym is going to act like they're some elite badass gym, then you better staff it that way.  When I was all signed up and ready to swim the girl POINTED at the direction of the outdoor pool.  Not "let me walk you out there and show you the lockers" or "let me find someone who can give you a quick tour".  Instead I got just a "see those glass doors way at the end of the walk way? The pool is out there". RUDE. When I worked in the gym I would spend so much extra time in there helping out my clients, showing them exercises, guiding them around, talking to them. It's just the right thing to do.

So, by about 4:15  yesterday I finally got in the pool - found an open lap in one of the outdoor pools. Around 5pm I got kicked out by the youngsters attempting to learn to swim. Realizing you suck at something is a pretty humbling experience.  Instead of pitching a fit and giving up, I kept at it - I just didn't do the breast stroke again the rest of that session.  I opted for holding a boogie board thing to my chest and just working my lower body.  Back and forth, back and forth.  I did about 10 laps without stopping before my legs were on fire. I considered that a good first try and went home to do my land leg exercises.

With this first session of cardio since my running ban, I walked away with a clearer head. I have a lot going for me right now and this silly little snag shouldn't and won't hold me back. Sucking at swimming means I have focus.  I have something to improve. I will come out of this a better, well-rounded athlete. This was the forceful shove off the cliff to become better.

Rawr.

Banned

I haven't posted much lately because I've been pretty depressed.  Not in that "woe is me, the world is going to end" way, but in the way that only athletes seem to understand. I was told last Monday by my trainer and my doc that I'm banned from running - indefinitely. Now, while I'm not a Kenyan that's going to win a race or qualify for the Olympics any time soon, I do enjoy pushing myself on a run. I've been playing sports for as long as I can remember and being told I can't do something just isn't an option. So here I sit, confined to quad sets, straight leg raises and other BS exercises instead of out running the street in the amazing weather.  Why can't I ever get injured in the summer when it's hot as crap out??