Sunny Day Swim

Well, I'm feeling so much better today. I'm back on my normal schedule. I don't know about you guys, but I get fidgety, when I'm knocked out of my workout routine. We had a little cold front with some cold rain come through last night, which made the outdoor pool water more tolerable than last week's 92 degree water. It was so nice, that I really didn't want to leave. I managed to get in a 2500 yd. workout, while I was there. I had to hurry, because Casey had to be at work early tonight, and I had to swap cars with him. I know that I could have put in many more quality yards today, but it wasn't to be. Here's my workout for today.

Warmup:
10x25 Kick
4x25 Breast Kick

Main Set:
10x25 Free Race Pace
10x25 Pull easy
10x25 Pull with paddles
10x25 Kick with fins
10x25 Free with fins
10x25 Paddles with fins

Cool Down:
10x25 Dolphin drills slow and easy
10x25 Breast easy

10 minute stretch

I'm feeling good now relaxing and enjoying my cherry slush. My order came from Swimoutlet.com, so I'm about to get my shower with all my new TriSwim stuff. Life is good!!

The Last on Paddles

Here's a great video review of the different paddles on the market.

Slacking

I totaly slacked on my swimming today. After having a terrific workout yesterday of 2500 meters, I woke up with a blinding migraine today. I ended up fighting it for most of the day and finally giving up and going to bed. The thought of putting goggles on my face with that headache was horrible. I finally woke around 5:30 this afternoon. I felt well enough to do an hour session of yoga. I still have the headache, but it's down to a dull roar now. I'll just have to get after it tomorrow.

Paddles: Pt. 3

Well, I had a great workout at the pool today. I absolutely adore swimming laps outside. I'm always much more motivated in the summer to swim. I can't get enough of the outdoor pool. I know that there's always the indoor pool on rainy days, but it's just not the same for me. Anyway I was off from work today, so I got there in the early afternoon. I went prepared with all of my gear: kickboard, short fins, pull bouy, and paddles. I took the advice of the Master's swimmers about my floating paddles. I used my index and middle finger in the catches this time. I had A LOT more success today. I also did work on my stroke technique. After a couple of laps, I settled into an easy pace. Once I got the hang of it, I loved it. I can't wait to use those drills that I posted yesterday! Can't wait to get to the pool tomorrow!!

Paddle Problems: Pt. 2

I stayed puzzled on this issue for most of the night. I learned that most Masters' swimmers use only the one finger tubing, with the wrist catch removed. I posted this question on the United States Masters Swimming forum, which automatically comes with the Masters Swimming membership. There's such a nice bunch of swimmers over there, and they're always glad to help out fellow swimmers, especially novice swimmers like me. Many pointed out that I may be twisting my wrist on entry and recovery, so I may need to keep refining my stroke technique. Another member there, posted some GREAT paddle drills for me to use:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=832106714345
http://p.castfire.com/castfire_v3.sw....1.56&rev=5755

So, I'll be out there in the lanes tomorrow working those drills. Hopefully, my paddles won't float away too badly.

Paddle Problems

Today, for the first time ever, I decided to use paddles for my workout. I've always heard to be very careful with paddles, because you can injure your shoulders easily with them. It seemed simple enough. I've watched the age groupers and other masters swimmers. I grabbed a pair, put my fingers through the catches and started on my way. It seemed to be fairly easy to use them The first few laps seemed quite easy. Then about halfway through, the paddles started to float off of my hands. I kept stopping to secure them between sets, but it just kept happening. Everytime I would get into a rythym, they would loosen and start floating off. I was using these paddles.



I did notice that there was only tubing in place for the finger catch, not the wrist catch. Could this have been the problem?? Was it incorrect technique that was causing them to float away from my hands? Other than the floating problem, they worked really well. I found them really useful for my cool down too. If anyone has suggestions, please comment.

Product Review

Over the past several years, I've heard a lot of hype about specialty swim shampoos/conditioners/body washes/lotions etc. I've read several reviews. Some people didn't feel like they cleaned well, some didn't think they had enough suds, some didn't like the smell. So, I've been satisfied to stick with my usual hair care and body products. Lately, I've been swimming 5-6 times a week. I've noticed that my hair was REALLY dull, and my skin was REALLY dry! Nothing I had on hand, seemed to help ANY!! So, I was excited when the new issue of Swimmer Magazine had an ad from the SBR Company that makes the Tri Swim products. In their ad, they mentioned that you could get free samples by e-mailing them. Off I went to the computer to enter my information. Within 3 days, I had a big envelope full of samples from their Tri Swim line. They included: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. They also threw in one of their Foggle towelettes to clean my goggles!!



To say the least, I was very skeptical. As soon as I had my first opportunity, I tried them out!



The shampoo got rid of the slimy, chlorine feel of my hair after my swims! It made it squeaky!! The smell was a very nice citrus smell. It made me think of grapefruit. When my hair dried, it was very shiny and the dullness was gone. I was also pleased with the conditioner! It got the tangles out (I have long, curly, fine hair, so this is an issue for me)and moisturized, without making my hair feel weighed down or greasy.



The body wash and lotion were excellent as well. Both had that same citrus smell as the shampoo and conditioner. I found out rather quickly that a little bit of both go a long way! I'm used to using moisturizing body wash, so the Tri Swim body wash had a very different feel. My skin felt REALLY clean and squeaky, while I was in the shower. After I was out and dried off, my skin felt smooth and moisturized. The lotion absorbed quickly and left my skin just feeling and looking soft, instead of slippery and greasy.

All of the above products contain gentle, natural ingredients to help repair the damage that chlorine leaves behind. From the Tri Swim website:

The ingredients in TRISWIM work to neutralize Chlorine and Chlorine odor on skin and in hair. TRISWIM has up to 5 sequestering agents which assist in attacking the chlorine, grabbing a hold of it, and washing the chemical down the drain. Not only does TRISWIM detoxify, but with our innovative formula, it also hydrates and nourishes with ingredients such as Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin A and E, and ProVitamin B5.

Best of all, Tri Swim is a product that animals lovers can feel confident in using.

NO ANIMAL TESTING : :
At SBR SPORTS,INC, we use the finest ingredients known to us in the formulation of our innovative brands. SBR SPORTS, does not test, nor have we ever tested or believe in testing our products on animals.

All of their products are VERY affordable, whether you get them from the Tri Swim website or other swim retailers. Prices range from $8.95 per tube to $13.20 per tube.

For your free sample, log onto the Tri Swim website for info.

Well, Hello There!

Welcome to the first post on my swimming blog! I have several other blogs, but I tend to wear those readers out with all of my swimming shenanigans. So, I decided to start a swimming blog. Part of my decision was influenced by my election as President of my local masters swimming club, The Middle Tennessee Masters Swim Club. It's a HUGE honor to serve my club as president, and I want to do the very best I can by them.

So, I cordially invite you to share my journey. Not only my journey as president of MTMS, but also my journey to become a better swimmer.