Swimming Challenge

Yesterday I finished my swimming challenge with a test day.  I wanted to see how far I could actually swim.  I had met my first goal of 100 earlier last week.  So that was bare minimum goal met.

On Tuesday, I was able to swim a 150.  Which I was very excited about.  It felt good.  But, I knew I was tired.  The thought of trying a 200 (which was my next goal) seem unreachable.  

I was nervous about trying this test.  The night before Ed brought the kids to meet me after swimming so we can go to dinner.  They got to see me swim just a little.  Ed volunteered to go watch me swim and count my laps.  I really appreciated  his support. 

I did a short warm up of 2 x25 and 2x 50.  I decided that I would just swim.  No pressure no race.  I just had to do the distance.  An easy run for those runners.  The nice relaxing long runs where you just run.  Not time crunch.  I did my first 50 with just my arms.  (I swimming for a triathlon.  I want to save my legs for the bike and run parts)  I felt good.  Then I got to 100 stilling feeling good.  Relaxed.  I got to 150 and I started to freak a little.  I had same any farther then that. 

I got to 200.  I thought I could stop here and consider it a good job.  But, why stop at a good job when you can do great!!!! Right??  So I turned and went for another 50.  I was feeling myself struggle with my breathing. I did what I do in a stressful situation.  I sang my ABC's. It got my mind off the stress and I relaxed again. 

I stopped at the 250.  I wasn't sure that I counted my laps right.   I asked Ed.  He said I did a 250.  But, by that time I couldn't turn again.  My legs were cramping.  I did meet my ultimate goal!!  But, afterwards I'm still kind of disappointed.  I think I could have done a little bit more. 

I am so pleased with this challenge.  I could not have ever imagined this kind of success.  I really feel I gained a lot from this.  Not just physical strength.  I think that was there the whole time.  I think what I gained most was confidence in the water and in myself.  I love to reach or smash a goal.  It drives me.  I am a very driven person.  I love the challenge.  That is a part of me.  It always has been.  But, as time goes by, it wasn't a priority.  Now I'm hooked again.  (Sorry Ed!!  I will probably come up with another challenge soon)  I just cant help myself.  I promise it wont be as involved as 21 days straight. : )

I still have a lot of work to do before I still feel 100% confident in the water.  But, I know I can swim! And not just look like I'm splashing around in the water.  I can't say that you will see me going off the high dive anytime soon. (Or ever!)  But, you may see me swimming in water deeper then 4-5 ft.  I think that is progress!  Another goal is to be able to jump into deeper water.   

Here is a lovely picture of Ed and I after swimming my test.  I look horrible and Ed looks ticked!!  He was just sticking his tongue out!  LOL!  I promise we will have a better pic taken soon.  : )

I'm going to take a week off from swimming and do some running.  I have been dying to run more this past 21 days.  But, swimming has taken up all my free time.  I also will be happy to not smell like chlorine all the time!! :)

Thanks for all your support!!

Swimming Challenge Update! Final Week!!!!!

I'm entering my final few days of my swimming challenge.  I have until Wednesday to meet my goal. 1st goal was to be able to swim 100 by the end.  Second goal was  a 200.  Ultimate goal would be to swim a 250 which is half the distance I need to swim for the triathlon. 

I think I will be able to complete the first goal.  I'm not sure about the other 2.  But, I do know that I feel a lot more at home in the water.  I even preformed my first handstand in the water this past week.  Thanks to Jonnie and Bethany.  They have been helping me work on that goal.   I was also able to complete my first 75 this past week.  Yeah!!!!  I know everyone else in the pool was happy for me when I screamed "I DID IT!!!" afterwards. 

It amazes me all that I have learned from this experience.  I have met lots of new people.  Gained a ton more confidence in the water.  And I actually enjoy it.  That doesn't mean that I look forward to going every night.  Matter of fact the last two workouts I have slowly dragged my self there.  But, the workouts were done!

Looking forward to another hard and goal setting week!!  Here is my plan for this week.

Monday
Swim 1200 form workout
(WoW!) Wish me luck!!

Tuesday
Early Run 
Swim 800 endurance workout
(Wimping out on 1200 endurance)

Wednesday
Swim final workout of challenge
Test to see how far I can swim!!!  100? 150?  200?  What do you think I can do?

Thursday
Early run

Friday
Rest day

Saturday
Long run??

Sunday
 Rest  Maybe a short run

I have been dying to run.  I think next week I might take more runs and fewer swims.  Then get back on the swimming before my kids start their summer swimming program.  :)

Hope everyone has a great week!  Ill keep you posted!!

Troubled Waters

A quick swimming challenge update. 

Monday's workout was tough.  I had to do 2 800 workouts.  I combined warm up and cool downs.  So it was probably closer to 1200-1400 yds.  Not bad for me.  But, these workouts are hard!  After last week of feel so good in the water, it is hard to struggle again.  These workouts have higher sets in them.  75's and 100's.  When you finally just conquered a 50 those are huge!  I got my workouts done.  But, didn't feel great about them.

That night I got home and started shopping for a new suit.  I am really wearing my old one down.  Plus, I need more then just on suit if I'm gonna keep this up.  After much trouble we (and I do mean we.  Ed had to help me) the order finally went through.  Sot that is something to look forward too.

Tuesday's workout had me worried.  I had my first 100 planned.  Not happy about it.  Tried to convince my mentor that it was to early.  She said doing it poorly would be better then not doing it.  So, after and hour of struggling through it.  I completed the darn workout.  But, I felt totally defeated.  I'm putting my faith in the process and just riding out these troubled waters.  Only time will tell.  Stay tuned!  (Doesn't that sound like a soap opera title. Troubled Waters)  : )

Today my suit arrived.  So I am excited to swim.  Tonight is a fun swim with the kids.  We will see what they try to get me to do tonight.  I also got a new swim bag, goggles, and bungee straps.  Cant wait to try them out.  Here is a pic of all my new swim sh@t. : )

I may not swim well.  But, I'm gonna look good while trying! 

Have a good Wednesday!!

Ps.  My Tuesday's run went well!!  So at least something is working for me this week.  : )

Swimming Challenge Update

The swimming challenge is going very well.  I'm very excited about my progress.  I think my swim mentor is also.  I swam with her on Saturday morning.  She couldn't believe how comfortable I was getting in the water.  And she said I'm getting much faster!!

I have had to adjust the challenge a little.  Do to the pool schedule I can not swim everyday.  I have this thing called a job.  Where people count on me to be there.  So I can't swim at 11:30-1:00 on Friday afternoons???? Who can??  So, I have been trying to get there one the days they are open.  I have made up all workouts! So, I may not swim for 21 days.  But, I will get the 21 workouts in the 21 days.  I promise!

Last Thursday, I swam my first full 50's!!  Not one, but two!!  I could do 50's before but they were horrible!  I would have to float on my back or float on my side to get a long breath.  Not anymore!!  I swam the whole way!  And do I dare say they aren't to bad!!  I have found it is much easier to breath less!  It make the lengths go so much faster!!  I was so proud of myself!

Saturday, I swam 4 50's and 1 75!  Which wasn't pretty!  But, I did it!!  Moving on up the workout chart now!  I'm so excited to finally get it!  Now I'm doing 800 yd workouts instead of 400's.  I'm hoping I can do it and still feel the progress.  I'm sure I will.  I believe in this process.

Workouts for this week:
Monday
Swim 800 form workout (Another 75 )
and speed workout

Tuesday
Morning run
Swim 800 endurance

Wednesday
Swim  Fun swim with kids

Thursday
Morning run
Swim 800 form workout

Friday
Rest

Saturday
Morning Run (Long run Please,Please, Please!!) 
Afternoon Swim 800 Endurance

Sunday
Swim Fun swim with kids

Hopefully I will get my long run in on Saturday.  If not a run then an early swim to make up for Friday.  I will keep everyone posted on how my week goes.

Happy Monday!!


What are your workout plans for the week?  I have been wanting to run more.  But, with all the swimming it is hard to fit in any more activities.

last of vacation info

So I'm trying to still relive my mini getaway.  When we woke up the second day we headed to the local children's museum called the Kids Common.  Fun little place.  The kids had fun and so do Ed and I. 

Here is my favorite picture of the kids from the Kids Common.

The little turds!!  They had a house built on the second floor.  You could room through all the nooks and crannies.  Ed and I also got our picture taken in the toilet.  But, those pictures wont be shown.  : )

They even had a little rock wall.  It was designed to look like the front of the building.  Jonnie was excited about this.  He had never gotten to rock climb before. 

After rock climbing we had to back to the house and see what else we could discover.

Here Jonnie found a hidden passage.  It looks like he is behind the fish tank.  So naturally I make him act like he is holding his breath!

After having fun at the Kids Commons we head a few stores down to the old fashion ice cream parlor.  This place was awesome!!

He is what I ordered!!

This was our lunch!!  How awesome is vacation!!!  I also order a Red Raspberry coke!  Yumm!

Here is a pic of one of the old fountains they had there!  So pretty!!  This place was restored very nicely!! 



After we finished our ice cream we just finished walking our this cute little town.  We found a bakery.  I was good.  I got one cupcake and one brownie to go.  The kids each picked out snacks for later.  We found a nice little bookstore.  Jonnie got a new 39 Clues book.  He was super excited.  After that we headed home.

All in all a great little get away.  I think Ed and I appreciate taking the time to explore local business much more now.  We are both small business owners.  Hey we have to all stick together.  So, if you want a family getaway or a couples getaway.  I high suggest that you check out Columbus, IN.  Very nice town and nice people.

Now on to my workouts.  I have been catching up on my missed workouts.  I swam  Monday and Tuesday.  I did double each night.  Wednesday, we had shoot.  So,  I have to double up again tonight.  But, that is ok.  I am seeing good progress.  Even with my broken toe.  It was a challenge to run on Tuesday morning.  It got cold again here in Indiana.  It was just one of those runs that you just don't want to do.  But, we did it. 

This morning when the alarm went off, I really didn't want to get out of my warm bed.  But, once again.  I did it.  I'm glad I did.  It felt much better.  My foot hurt a little but not bad.  So far today workouts are looking good. 

Ill report back to you tomorrow on the swimming. 

Have a great Thursday!!

I think It's Broke!

Day 3 of swimming challenge.

Well as I mentioned I started off day 3 with day 2's workout at 6:30 in the morning.  Anyways it got done!  Then it was time for some family time.  We packed up and headed to Columbus, IN.  Hey don't knock it tell you try it!!  We just wanted to get away for a bit.  A good friend had told me about this great little town.  It is known for its architecture.  Since my husband is a photographer, I figured he would love it.  I found us a great Hotel with reasonable rates.  We got an Imagination package.  This included our room, 4 tickets for the local children's museum, and a $25 gift card for a local toy store. 

We got there just about check in time.  We stopped along the way for some shopping.  : )   The hotel has a special greeter.  Miles the dog.  Cutest little thing ever!  Jonnie was in love with him.  He so wants a dog.  : (
Miles has only lives at this Hotel.  I am amazed that he doesn't run out the door!!  He even gets treated to the spa twice a week!!  Lucky Dog!!

Here is Miles.  Photo by Ed and Bethany

So we settled into our room.  Which is not your ordinary hotel room.  It had hardwood floors and  very modern decorating.  Kids thought it was cool.  Me too!

Here is the chandelier in the lobby.  (Photo by Jonnie)

He is the entry to our room.

And a very blurry picture of the beds.  (I am probably the one that took this pic.  But, I'm gonna blame Jonnie.) 

After we checked in  We went and walked around town.  We had a gift card to a toys store burning a hole in our pocket.  Off we went!  We met a lovely lady that owed the toys store.  It was nice to have that old fashion feel.  The kids found a couple items.  One of them was a ball maze thingy.  All three of my kids cant put it down!!  Honestly!! I have touched the thing 3 times.  The store was filled with fun learning toys.  We had a good time there.  They liked this ball so much we had to go back the next day to get the next level one!

After shopping we ate at a local burger joint.  Yum!!! 

Here are the kids playing with the ball thingy.

Here is my delicious meal!  With water of course!  I tried to get my water in!  I promise!!  But, it just didn't happen.  : (

After dinner we walked around so more and then headed back to the hotel for some Swimming!!

Day 3 of challenge fun swim with kids.

You know that saying.  Its all fun and games until someone gets hurt!  Well I'm the one that got hurt.  I was playing with the kids in the pool.  We were doing handstands.  Yes even I tried!  But, when I went to get my footing.  I slipped and bent my toe back.  I broke it.  :( 

So I didn't get to swim Saturday do to being on vacation and needing to let my toe heal a little bit.  Then Sunday was Easter.  So all pools were closed.  I am thinking that I had bad timing on this challenge.  But, I promise all workouts will be made up!!

That is all for now!

To be continued........

Swimming Challenge Day 2

Sorry it has taking me so long to update!  It has been a busy weekend plus being on vacation. 

Day 2 of Swimming challenge

Was a flop!  I got suited up an headed to the pool at my regular time.  Only problem,  it was closing.  It closes at 7 on Tuesdays and Thursdays!  With being on vacation, I totally lost track of the days!  So, I didn't get to swim.  I was heartbroken!  I had already failed!!  But, after talking to my running partner, we agreed that if I went the next morning and got the workout in.  I would be fine.  She agreed to meet me at 6:30 the next morning to swim.  I needed her there.  There is no way I could be trusted that early in the morning to be in the pool! 

Crisis averted!  Got Day 2 workout in.  Got home and showered.  Packed for a mini-vacation with the family.  More to the story later!  I will fill you in on all the details!! :)

Hope everyone had a good weekend! I' glad to be back to work this week.  I need my schedule!! 

To be continued!! : )

Swimming Challenge

We all know how much I like to do different fitness challenges.  This month I have chosen to concentrate on swimming.  Because I love it so so much!  I'm tired of constantly struggling with it.  I have been trying to swim for almost a year and a half.  But, I struggle to make it a full 50.  I need to be able to swim a 500 before August. At the rate Im going that will never happen.  (For non-swimmers a 500 is 20 laps backs and forth the length of the pool.  A 50 is down and back.)  I have a lot of work to do.

Everyone has told me that it takes 21 days to break a habit.  So, I'm going to put that theory to the test this month.  I am going to get into the pool for 21 days straight.  I'm not real sure how Im going to make this work.  Im sure that something will come up.  But, I'm going to try my hardest to make this work. 

I started yesterday.  I tried to talk my swimming partner into going with me.  But, she was spending time with her family at the Children's Museum.  My backup swimming partner (Bethany) was also at the Museum.  So,  that left me all alone.  I had to buck up and wear my big girl panties.  I have never gone swimming by myself.  I know I would have to.  But, the first day!  This was a make or break it moment for the whole challenge.

I squeezed into my suit.  (Literally!)  I hate that thing!  Got all my gear ready and headed out the door.  I thought about heading straight to Culver's and drowning my sorrows in a big concrete mixer. 

Here is me sitting in the truck at the pool parking lot.  Really trying to get the courage to go inside. 

I decided that if I didn't do it today then I wouldn't do it.  So I sucked it up and went inside.  While I was getting my new punch card.  A friendly face showed up.  Not my swimming partner.  Not my daughter.  But, a friend that I at least calmed my nerves.  Thanks Bobby!!  He told he would save me if I started to drown.  Comforting words to some one who is scared to death of of drowning. 

To prove I made it inside the pool. Here is a picture.  : )

Once I got in the water I was fine.  I got the shallowest lane possible. : )  My comfort zone.  Maybe as the month moves on I will move down towards the deep end.  And then again.  Maybe not!

Here was my workout
Form workout

Warm up 4x25
Main Set
2x25 right arm only
2x25 left arm only
2x25 pull buoy
2x25 catch up
2x25 kick
Cool down
2x25

400 workout complete!!

Not much  but to a non-swimmer!

Day 1 is down!  ONLY 20 more to go!!

Day 1 and Day 2 of vacation

Monday is what I consider the first day of vacation.  Saturday and Sunday are just a normal weekend.  Right!?  I would have those off anyway.  For our first day of vacation we did something that I have never done!  I have lived in this area all my life.  But, I have never played frisbee golf.  I am now thinking of turning professional.  But, I am just that good!   We went out and found 4 frisbees that were different colors.  Mine was purple.  My favorite color!  Which is pretty much why I rocked at this game.  We have done nothing but play frisbee this week.  We are having so much fun!  We even made our own little course here at the house. 

In case you live here and do not know, Milligan Park has a 22 hole course.  We are pretty confused about the choice of 22.  Because a golf course normally has 18 holes.  But, nothing is normal in Crawfordsville!  So we started our morning off.  We had a little trouble with the wind.  But, we had a great time!! We laughed and laughed at how horrible some of our throws were. 

We got to meet a lot of interesting people that play frisbee golf!  I know that in golf the uglier the outfit the better.  But, I think the camo is the plaid of frisbee golf.  Or maybe it is just a staple here in town.  Since, I don't own any camo.  I might have go shopping before the next time.  These guys (dressed in camo)  even had a caddy carrying a bag with other frisbees!  They were pros for sure!!  Now I could see where a towel would be helpful.  We did loss ours in the creek a couple of times.  The park has provided a "disc dipper" ( that is the technical term posted on the tree) so that you can fish it out.  We just sent these little kids that were already playing in the creek to get ours.

All in all, we had a great afternoon of fun!  We have even found out there is another frisbee golf course in town.  At Hoover Elementary school.  We are going to have to check that course out and give you a full review! Now I did forget to take my camera on the course.  (No phones allowed.  It might disrupt the golfers.  No I just forgot!)  So we took a few shots after we got back to the truck.

Bethany had to make sure to get a pic of me.  I try very hard to stay out of pictures.

That was day one.  Much more exciting then day two.  Day two started off with a nice morning run with my running partners.  We are trying to stretch our midweek runs longer.  But, we are on such a short time frame during the workweek.  We thought that since we were all off this week we would do some 4 mile base runs.  We got a solid run in.  Time is questionable if we will make it next week.  But, I think we will get faster and faster.  Well, at least that is the plan.  It is hard to push yourself at 5am.  That is why I like running at that time.  My brain isn't awake to tell me not to.  : )

Today, I start my swim challenge for the month of April.  I am going to push myself to get of this fear of the water.  I am going to attempt a feat that is so unimaginable by non swimmer.  I have been told by many swimming people.  That you must do something for 21 days straight to rid yourself of the fear.  So, that is my challenge.  I am going to try to swim or get in the water for 21 days straight.  This will be hard to do. I can't even imagine putting a swimsuit that many times!  But, I am going to do this.  So stay tuned for an update each day to find out what I'm doing to conquer this fear.  I really do want to become a swimmer.  I hope that by the end of these 21 days I will be able to swim a solid 50 and be close to 100.  My absolute top goal would be to swim a 250 by the time this is done.  Stay tuned for the results!!

The first swim log will be posted tomorrow!

Enjoy your Wednesday!!

Hey anybody watch Biggest Loser?  How about those makeovers!!  Awesome right?

Vacation Fun!

Hello again!

Sorry it has been awhile.  In case you didn't know.  We are on Spring Break this week.  This is the only real full week I take off each year.  So I am ready for some relaxing and fun.  Since, we are on a tight budget we weren't able to go on a big trip.  Momma needs a new roof.  Kids were bummed but you do what you have to do.  But, I think we have been creative and have had fun so far.  We still have big plans for the rest of the week. 

Like all good things we had to start our vacation with some ice cream.  In case you don't know me well.  I require a lot of ice cream.  I have raised my daughter to require a lot too.  Because she is the one that persuaded us to go for this trip. 

This is what I choose to treat myself.  Nothing like a good old fashioned ice cream.  You will learn that this is why I run.  So that I can eat all these great treats.  I have a serious sweet tooth.

Here is Bethany enjoying her ice cream.  See I told you I would work on the taking more pictures this week!! : )

The next event was April Fools Day!  We have to love this holiday because we are all fools around here!  Ed and I went and did some shopping on Saturday.  We picked up some things to play a trick on the kids.  Another way that Bethany is just like me is that she has to eat often.  We eat ever two hours.  I was a preemie when I was born.  My Mom had to feed me every two hours.  I still eat every two hours!  It drives Ed nuts!!  Food is one thing you don't mess with for us Young girls!  So, we knew trying something new would drive her nuts!!  Not just new but healthy!  If it is green or grows in nature my kids don't want anything to do with it.  (They get that from Ed!) 

Because I love Pinterest!  I found some food you can make to fool them.  I chose sushi.  One I knew they wouldn't like it and two it was super easy to make.  We took a twinkie and cut it into small sections.  When then wrapped it in green fruit roll ups.  We then garnished it with red fruit roll ups.  Here is what it looked like.

Doesn't itlook real!!  I could not stop laughing!!  I knew they would be so mad about trying something new.  I called them to the table and explained that we were trying something new.  I found the recipe in a fitness magazine.  I thought they might like it.  The whole time I'm trying not to bust up laughing!!  Here is they reactions!!

They were good sports!!  They tried it.  But, quickly discovered what it really was.  So they we got them some real lunch.  Bethany insisted on McDonald's.  (The reason why they don't like any vegetables) 

That was the first couple days of our vacation.  There were a couple of naps in there and a couponing run.  Which I scored some major deals!  I'm trying to stock up on things for Bethany's Big 13th Birthday party coming up soon!!

More adventures to come on our Vacation week!!  We may even venture our of town.  Who knows! We are free to do anything this week! ; )

No workouts the first couple of days on vacation.  More to come on that!  Starting Wednesday, I'll kick it into high gear.  Well, at least medium gear!!

Hope everyone is enjoying your week!!