Yes folks, I actually got myself into the water today for some pool running! Wonders never cease!
But first, Bikram on the Bike: I did the same Group Cycle class I went to last week. After securing my ‘usual’ spot behind Dick Cheney and next to the Ultimate Puma I got down to business. Legs were tired after yesterday’s extravaganza. Holy mother it was hot in there today. Sweat was pooling on the floor before we even officially started. Blech. Today’s theme: “rock”–gotta give the instructor a bonus point for creativity I suppose.
I was relieved when he turned off the lights (all the better to hideout) and entertained when he projected an otherworldly constellation in purple in green on the ceiling. But when he pulled a large flashlight out of his apparently bottomless duffle bag of tricks, and made each of us do a 30-second solo ride under the spotlight, I fought very hard not to run for the exit. Is this normal in a group cycling class or is it me and my crazy, half cracked life?
After 90 minutes of that madness I headed once again for the pool, determined today to actually get in.
A little background: I am not a swimmer. Dog paddler? Yes, if I have to. No lessons at any age. I was relegated to the turtle (lowest) group my freshman year in high school when swimming in P.E. was mandatory and I was not yet savvy enough to weasel my way out of it.
My mission today was not swimming, but rather 90 minutes of pool running. As you know I heart running. And I loathe not being able to do it. So if water needs to be involved for awhile, I am open to it. Not thrilled, but open.
I found the flotation thingamabob, managed to put it on and headed for the deep end. There was no mistaking me for a triathlete in my suburban mom tankini, suited for nothing more serious than chasing kids around the pool deck.
The first 10 minutes, my monkey brain was all achatter. I preoccupied myself with who was looking at me, how exactly I should move my arms and whether my new Lululemon headband was going to be bleached out by chlorine. But 15 minutes into the ‘run’ I fell into a rhythm. A running ‘zen’ if you will. Up and down the lane I went. Before I knew it 45 minutes had passed. Halfway there! In an effort to approximate a negative split, I spent the final half hour alternating between an easy pool length and a sprint length.
I know this is not a big deal to most of you. But I am proud of myself for getting in the pool today. Only time will tell how effective of a training tool it was, but I stretched out of my comfort zone. And I’m actually looking forward to doing it again!
That cycling class sounds intense! I think I'd be thinking about the exit too…
And way to go with you're pool running. I love swimming laps, but I don't think I could spend that much time running up and down the pool!
YAY!! It gets better the more you do it, you'll be surprised how strong it makes your legs! 😉 Way to Go!! & oooooh, lululemon headband, cute! 🙂
you are busy busy with xt!! way to stretch your comfort zone 🙂
i neeeeeeeed to stretch my comfort zone. way to get in the pool and that you found a rhythm. i think i'd be flailing all over the darn place!
I DID stretch after my run today! Quickly though…
I love your descriptions of this cycling class. The characters are so vivid.
What a funny cycling class story! Oh well, he should get points for creativity!
Way to go on the pool running and no, I'll have to stretch tonight, too busy this afternoon. Thanks for the reminder!
That cycling class sounds like fun! Great job getting in there and run swimming. 🙂
I can't imagine running in water – it's hard enough running in air.
Not a big deal?? That is a huge deal! 90 minutes of water running is impressive. Bet you worked up a good sweat!
Yay for the pool! So happy it went well. I'm sure you'll be back running on land in no time!
I would have ran out the door the minute he said '30 seconds under the spotlight'. No thank you! Congrats on getting out there and finishing 90min in the pool!! I'll bet it feels better getting the movement in. 🙂
That is amazing! You must for sure be so proud of yourself…yay you!
As for the cycling class…hmmmm, not sure how I'd manage the spotlight…yikes.
I did stretch today!
and you getting in the pool is totally a big deal to me! I am amazed that you keep yourself going with an injury! I completed five consecutive miles today and I know that is not a big deal for most but it was huge for me! So getting in the pool and going 90 minutes is awesome great job! You continue to be a great inspiration!
Stretch? What's that?
Great job getting in the pool! Loved your "suburban mom tankini" comment.
hope you didn't swallow any water! hah
Great job on the water running! I can't even fathom running up and down a pool for that long.
Riding under the flashlight. Sooo not my thing! How have I stretched myself? Today I feel like I did in my half by running similar miles instead of slowing down as I usually do. I worked hard to do this.
Hi Marcia,
You really crack me up:) I suck at swimming too! I consider myself a dog paddler too and I still have bad memories of Jr. and Sr. high swimming PE classes!! Thanks for making me smile! Good job, I am proud of you!!
I am really impressed that you ran 45 min in a POOL today. wow! That takes effort and concentration
By the looks of the picture – you're winning!!! 🙂
Great job in the pool! I am also not a fan of pools, but your workout sounds like a great alternative when you can't run. Keep it up!
Thank you for the nice comment on my blog and for the suggestions for gel alternatives.
Have a great week.
Way to go on the pool running! Sounds like fun. And, as for the spotlight cycle, ummmm no!
It IS a big deal to me to read that you rocked the pool running! Good for you!
LOL. I love hearing stories from other bloggers when their instructors get all zen and weird. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, only a couple more weeks and I'll be hitting the pool for some running myself. Great job!
Holy cow–90 minutes of pool running? You are seriously a picture of mental toughness! Not to mention you did that after a spin class. I am in awe!
I am impressed! I am a dog paddler too 🙁 I wish that I was better, but I was never taught properly!!
I have to say, 90 mins in the pool running is hardcore! And…90 min cycle class! Awesome! You're gonna keep your fitness up no problem! Hope you're doing well!
Great job!! You are doing so awesome. Cross training queen.
Way to go and get in the pool!!!
Ok bad news good news for the recovery!!!
I ran my first marathon since getting the same injury (I think). Bad news? It started hurting around mile 7– got very uncomfortable around mile 9, then…
Good news: It subsided and completely went away. It's a littttttle sore today but nothing more than the rest of my body after I've run the hardest I ever have in my life. Sooo… I have a good feeling about your injury. You're totally going to recover quickly and you're doing a great job staying active and getting in the pool. I think its so muc harder for runners because of the extreme muscle mass we have– I just plain sink when I get in. So GREAT JOB! Keep up the recovery 🙂
-Stephanie
Ok where the heck are your implants?
Awesome!! Pool running is not easy, kudos to you for getting in there, outside of your comfort zone and getting it done! Just catching up, will have to read further back to see what's going on with this injury! Take care!