My wife and I decided to leave the JCC at the end of the month, and move our membership to the Blue Ash YMCA. The main reason for this is my joining of a second triathlon club: Blue Ash Multisport, or BAM Racing. I joined Cincy Express and through that learned of BAM. BAM is great. They meet at the YMCA a couple blocks from my house for swim, bike, and run sessions. What are the odds I find a triathlon group to train with in my own backyard? After one group swim and two group bike rides, BAM is a perfect place for me. I also rode with Cincy Express twice, and between the two groups I hope to turn myself into a better "athlete".
Someone recently asked me why I do this "stuff". I don't know. I started jogging to lose some weight, then I did a race, then I wanted to do more races, then I wanted to do these races faster, and before long here I am a member of two triathlon clubs, training 5 or 6 days a week, with some days doing double duty. All while watching my caloric intake and drinking more water. I like to do things that impress me. The Ironman (full) impresses me. It's amazing. I don't think it's as exciting to watch more TV or, dare I say, even read more. Getting me off my fat butt and into the gym impresses me. I also like pushing myself to see my limits, both mentally and physically. The CFA Level 1 exam kicked my butt twice, but I was able to run a full marathon without too much drama (granted it was slow). I should start answering the "Why do you do this?" question with a question of my own. "Why don't YOU do this?" Or, "Do you ever want to do anything exciting, or different?" "Why be ordinary? That card is played out."
Off soap box...
Wednesday morning JCC swim. I bought flippers and hand paddles to use with the BAM swim sessions, and I took them today. I will have 90 minutes to train at the YMCA, as they open the pool at 5, but at the JCC I have 45 minutes and hoped to do 60 laps total. I swam 10 regular laps to warm up. Then, I strapped on the flippers and held a kickboard for 20 laps, focusing on my kicks. These things really get you moving! No wonder fish can swim so fast! Then, I swam 20 laps with the hand paddles and a pull buoy between my legs, focusing only on my arms (I didn't move my legs at all). Funny how you roll and lose control without using your feet for a rudder. Finally, I swam 10 regular laps to cool down. This results in a great workout and I hope increases strength and speed in the water. It's actually no big deal to swim a mile anymore, now I want to swim a strong and faster mile. Time will tell! It's still only been since November that I started swimming. It's still my favorite of the three sports!
These are like the paddles I have (Speedo brand), though I swim with goggles, lying horizontal with less drag. What is this guy doing!?
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