pc1/86/110-90
It's been 3 days since our swimming last Sunday but I still feel like my bod has been hit by a truck! There's so much soreness EVERYWHERE.
Must be the my poor old aging body unable to recover as quickly as before. Well, in fairness, I've been out of the pool for almost 3 weeks already.
And last Sunday was so enjoyable that I gave demos of my graceful Butterfly stroke here and there, every now and then. It was DH and the kids' first time to see it.
Toss the Kickboard
pc1/86/110-70
I brought the car and yup, I'm back at the pool today. Somehow, taking the service bus seemed a lot better. Maybe I've become so accustomed to it already - ya know, having your "own" driver with free time on the way to the office.
Anyway, I feel I could chuck kickboard soon. It's slowly becoming a crutch rather than an aid. I suppose it has served its purpose of helping me with the drills on left-side breathing.
And this is in aiding me to float more and not sink too much when I breath left.
I generally don't mind the kids that hang around the pool everytime I swim whether they're there for P.E. classses or whatnot. But the kids today were something else.
They were swearing and saying curse words like there's no tomorrow. I mean what's up with that? Even the girls do it. The shower water's cold, they swear.
The pool water's cold, they swear. Goodness. I wasn't raised that way and neither are my kids so it's simply disgusting to hear all that swearing.
Luckily my time at the pool is mostly underwater so I don't need to hear all that *&^%$#@! swearing.
I brought the car and yup, I'm back at the pool today. Somehow, taking the service bus seemed a lot better. Maybe I've become so accustomed to it already - ya know, having your "own" driver with free time on the way to the office.
Anyway, I feel I could chuck kickboard soon. It's slowly becoming a crutch rather than an aid. I suppose it has served its purpose of helping me with the drills on left-side breathing.
And this is in aiding me to float more and not sink too much when I breath left.
I generally don't mind the kids that hang around the pool everytime I swim whether they're there for P.E. classses or whatnot. But the kids today were something else.
They were swearing and saying curse words like there's no tomorrow. I mean what's up with that? Even the girls do it. The shower water's cold, they swear.
The pool water's cold, they swear. Goodness. I wasn't raised that way and neither are my kids so it's simply disgusting to hear all that swearing.
Luckily my time at the pool is mostly underwater so I don't need to hear all that *&^%$#@! swearing.
Bilateral breathing feels so much faster
pc1/90.5/80-110
After the 2 kickboard drills, which was about 70% of my session today, I breathed on the left using normal freestyle. And then I also breathed bilaterally.
Wow, I felt like I was going so much faster. Or was that the after effect of previously going so slow with the kickboard drills? At any rate, I thought I was riding high on the water.
It felt good. There were still some awkward left breaths but that will eventually go away after more of the drills.
I think I'll be bringing the trusty kickboard on the weeks to come. The white sealant on the kickboard has been holding up so far. Gosh I'm so excited.
It's that excitement one feels when one gets into a milestone in a journey. I think I'll be more confident and efficient once I'll do it naturally and flawlessly. Something more to feel proud of.
After the 2 kickboard drills, which was about 70% of my session today, I breathed on the left using normal freestyle. And then I also breathed bilaterally.
Wow, I felt like I was going so much faster. Or was that the after effect of previously going so slow with the kickboard drills? At any rate, I thought I was riding high on the water.
It felt good. There were still some awkward left breaths but that will eventually go away after more of the drills.
I think I'll be bringing the trusty kickboard on the weeks to come. The white sealant on the kickboard has been holding up so far. Gosh I'm so excited.
It's that excitement one feels when one gets into a milestone in a journey. I think I'll be more confident and efficient once I'll do it naturally and flawlessly. Something more to feel proud of.
Left Side Breathing
pc1/89/80-130
Today I started left-side breathing with drills I learned from the Korean swim videos. And for these initial 2 exercises, I used a kickboard.
The drills were very good. I didn't feel pain while doing the exercises. Even though the water was cool, the 6-beat kick kept my heart-rate and temp up.
Over the past weekends, I bought 3 books, used but very cheap. And I must say I'm learning a lot (techniques and factoids). The first book is Swim for the Health of It by Ernest Maglischo and Cathy Brennan.
And the second is Swim Swim: A Complete Handbook for Fitness Swimmers by Katherine Vaz and Chip Zempel. Both for Php70, dirt cheap, although Magishcho's books is more useful.
And just last weekend I bought for Php95 an old hard-bound book Exercising for Fitness by Time-Life publications. Nice. Thank God for BookSale and the mall by my doorstep.
Today I started left-side breathing with drills I learned from the Korean swim videos. And for these initial 2 exercises, I used a kickboard.
- Stationary left-side breathing with kickboard. The right arm holds the kickboard and is extended forward. The tip of the kickboard can touch the wall.
With the left arm at the side, breath in at the left side and exhale down. This is essentially stationary coz no stroking is done. The kicking is just to balance the body horizontally.
- Left-side stroking with kickboard. Hold the kickboard with both hands and push off. Stroke with the left arm only and breath to the left.
Be sure the left hand's thumb brushes the thigh on exit. This ensures the palm is facing inward. It may be tough at first because a 6-beat kick may be required to be balanced.
Upon reaching the "T" of the lane line, slow down and raise the kickboard so it doesn't slam onto the wall.
The drills were very good. I didn't feel pain while doing the exercises. Even though the water was cool, the 6-beat kick kept my heart-rate and temp up.
Over the past weekends, I bought 3 books, used but very cheap. And I must say I'm learning a lot (techniques and factoids). The first book is Swim for the Health of It by Ernest Maglischo and Cathy Brennan.
And the second is Swim Swim: A Complete Handbook for Fitness Swimmers by Katherine Vaz and Chip Zempel. Both for Php70, dirt cheap, although Magishcho's books is more useful.
And just last weekend I bought for Php95 an old hard-bound book Exercising for Fitness by Time-Life publications. Nice. Thank God for BookSale and the mall by my doorstep.
Fighting Depression
pc1/91/70-110
We have a relative who seems to be sinking in depression. He's a good man with a good family. Last Christmas day, he was quiet most of the time.
He wasn't gregarious before but he just wasn't his usual self. Before, we'd talk about the future: plans, careers, family. He is the godfather of my daughter.
We have a relative who seems to be sinking in depression. He's a good man with a good family. Last Christmas day, he was quiet most of the time.
He wasn't gregarious before but he just wasn't his usual self. Before, we'd talk about the future: plans, careers, family. He is the godfather of my daughter.
Whole Length Backstroke
pc1/91/80-100
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Renz: Mama, bakit po sila mayaman?
DH: Kasi masipag sila.
Renz: Tayo po, hindi?
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Sore Back
Yesterday:
pc1/88/90-100
I'm beginning to like more and more this backstroke thing. Today I did several - like maybe 6! Corz they're only very short (12.5m), but still it feels good that I want to do them over and over. I'm already anticipating some full lengths 25m. I used the new green shorts today. It feels constricting after being so accustomed to the short old ones. It felt like I was swimming in cycling shorts (jammers) again!
I'm still having fruit after the swim instead of a half-rice meal. So far it's been okay, although I still have this tendency to eat a little more at the 10:30am break. I had an interesting discussion with Anthony about timed activities. Apparently for him he gets "pushed" by timing himself on bike runs. I said I don't feel the same way. If I get off too much from previous fast times, it gets a little depressing feeling all those gains are lost. What "pushes" me is the varied activity/ strokes I have in swimming. I just make it as fun as possible without the "competitive, yeah-I'm-there" attitude. And so far, it has worked well for me. I'm still in it and I think that's where fun and consistency rather than competitiveness has its advantage for fitness.
Today:
I felt good today. I did like 10 backstrokes and my traps at midback are getting sore already. I think I better start using a marker of sort while I do the backstroke. I don't wanna scrape skin off my arms/hands hitting the concrete deck. I've been thinking of getting a new water bottle (Sandra's been using mine) that's either yellow or red in color for added visibility. I'd rather have a bright color rather than the gray slippers I've been using.
Last Friday I sent an email to Lolet telling her of my intention to join the ACT Toastmasters Club. It'll be my first time to formally join a club outside the company. I just lost patience waiting for our own club to renew memberships. Plus, the recent delayed evaluation (2 weeks after speech delivery!) appear to be a bad omen. My first meeting with the club will be Thursday this week. So, we'll see how that goes. See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
pc1/88/90-100
I'm beginning to like more and more this backstroke thing. Today I did several - like maybe 6! Corz they're only very short (12.5m), but still it feels good that I want to do them over and over. I'm already anticipating some full lengths 25m. I used the new green shorts today. It feels constricting after being so accustomed to the short old ones. It felt like I was swimming in cycling shorts (jammers) again!
I'm still having fruit after the swim instead of a half-rice meal. So far it's been okay, although I still have this tendency to eat a little more at the 10:30am break. I had an interesting discussion with Anthony about timed activities. Apparently for him he gets "pushed" by timing himself on bike runs. I said I don't feel the same way. If I get off too much from previous fast times, it gets a little depressing feeling all those gains are lost. What "pushes" me is the varied activity/ strokes I have in swimming. I just make it as fun as possible without the "competitive, yeah-I'm-there" attitude. And so far, it has worked well for me. I'm still in it and I think that's where fun and consistency rather than competitiveness has its advantage for fitness.
Today:
I felt good today. I did like 10 backstrokes and my traps at midback are getting sore already. I think I better start using a marker of sort while I do the backstroke. I don't wanna scrape skin off my arms/hands hitting the concrete deck. I've been thinking of getting a new water bottle (Sandra's been using mine) that's either yellow or red in color for added visibility. I'd rather have a bright color rather than the gray slippers I've been using.
Last Friday I sent an email to Lolet telling her of my intention to join the ACT Toastmasters Club. It'll be my first time to formally join a club outside the company. I just lost patience waiting for our own club to renew memberships. Plus, the recent delayed evaluation (2 weeks after speech delivery!) appear to be a bad omen. My first meeting with the club will be Thursday this week. So, we'll see how that goes. See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Coldest so far
PC1/8/8
I have to say that the water today is the co-co-ccccooooldest so far. It was so cold that it took 3 laps around just to warm up and tolerate the temp. By this time, even the pool staff probably wonder how I could go in and swim practically everyday with the cold weather. Well, I'm already losing weight so why stop now? I shaved before showering today.
I tried eggbeating while on my back. Other than it was faster than I thought, it also wasn't splashy. There was no bouncing unlike the previous inverted scissors. I think it is because in the previous inverted scissors, the legs kicked simultaneously and so when the recovered simultaneously, a BIGGER wave is moved/splashed back. I also did the transition of carrying on my right, transition to back, transition to left.
Another thing I tried today was just pumping my legs up and down like climbing a stair. My arms were pumping vertically too. It sounds and looked so simple. It's easy to do but can only do it with easy, relaxed and controlled breathing. This drill is a welcome break to the "foot-outside-the-knees-outside-the-hips" bending. I'll be using this as a mainstay so as not to overuse the knees.
I have to say that the water today is the co-co-ccccooooldest so far. It was so cold that it took 3 laps around just to warm up and tolerate the temp. By this time, even the pool staff probably wonder how I could go in and swim practically everyday with the cold weather. Well, I'm already losing weight so why stop now? I shaved before showering today.
I tried eggbeating while on my back. Other than it was faster than I thought, it also wasn't splashy. There was no bouncing unlike the previous inverted scissors. I think it is because in the previous inverted scissors, the legs kicked simultaneously and so when the recovered simultaneously, a BIGGER wave is moved/splashed back. I also did the transition of carrying on my right, transition to back, transition to left.
Another thing I tried today was just pumping my legs up and down like climbing a stair. My arms were pumping vertically too. It sounds and looked so simple. It's easy to do but can only do it with easy, relaxed and controlled breathing. This drill is a welcome break to the "foot-outside-the-knees-outside-the-hips" bending. I'll be using this as a mainstay so as not to overuse the knees.
First Swim 2007
pc1/9/0/0
Brrrr! The water today was freezing! But since I had this resolve to swim on the first working day of the year to start the year right, I jumped on in, even without the rashguard. The first few seconds were really tough. I did hubrst (heads-up breaststroke) very briskly for 2 laps. Another thing I noticed was the level was very low - lower than normal. That confined me to the deepend (which wasn't deep now) most of the time. I brushed the floor a couple of times too with the eggbeaters.
Since I've now started the year right with my swimming at least. Here are a few of my resolutions:
Brrrr! The water today was freezing! But since I had this resolve to swim on the first working day of the year to start the year right, I jumped on in, even without the rashguard. The first few seconds were really tough. I did hubrst (heads-up breaststroke) very briskly for 2 laps. Another thing I noticed was the level was very low - lower than normal. That confined me to the deepend (which wasn't deep now) most of the time. I brushed the floor a couple of times too with the eggbeaters.
Since I've now started the year right with my swimming at least. Here are a few of my resolutions:
- Swim everyday (or at least when I'm not sick or it isn't raining).
- Eat more veggies, less meat.
- No swim, no eats. If I don't swim, I don't have a rice breakfast.
- Half cup of rice everytime at the office.
- Follow the "After-6" diet - this time, everyday, even on weekends.
- Brush teeth at 6pm to get that "I'm-clean-no-more-food-for-me" feeling.
- Do knee exercises everyday to strengthen the knees.
- Do weights for bone density.
Singing Again
PC1/9/3/5
At Makati. Renz ripping out the wrapper from one of his presents.
Renz and Sandra in front of the tree.
All four in front of the tree.
Renz appears to be a host introducing a beauty contestant. No, actually both of them are singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".
At Makati. Renz ripping out the wrapper from one of his presents.
Renz and Sandra in front of the tree.
All four in front of the tree.
Renz appears to be a host introducing a beauty contestant. No, actually both of them are singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".
