Beaten By the Wall

Yesterday during my workout, I was literally beaten by the wall. I was doing some sets with my short fins. As I came into the wall and my feet went over for the flip, and my left fin slipped. That made me slam the top of my right foot straight into the wall! It's not too bad. It was the kind of smack that I actually had to think about what happened, when I touched the top of my foot and noticed it was sore. The real bummer came during my workout today. I couldn't stand to have my fins on that foot. Shortened my workout a bit, but it's all good. I guess this will just be the first of many.

Recovery Day

I've really been training hard for the past several months. I've been working out six days a week, between walking and running. Today I was feeling a bit tired, so I decided to take a recovery day. After some guilt, I was able to get some much needed rest. Now I feel rested and ready to go at it. I have to decide if I should stick with my rest day, or go running after my dinner settles. Do any of you ever wrestle with this decision? I keep thinking that I should stick to it, so I can have a really great swim workout tomorrow. Decisions...decisions!

HA!!!

Why Do I Love Masters Swimming?

Because when it comes right down to it, US Masters swimming is all about F-U-N! Check out this swimming relay, called the beer relay. I can't wait to swim one of these relays!

Pan Pacs 2010

I've really enjoyed watching the Pan Pacs this year. I've been watching both the prelims and the finals. Thank goodness, Swimnetwork exists now. Everyone used to have to just get results, after it was all over.

I'm so excited for all of my favorite swimmers this year. Team USA is really having a great meet! Congrats to Ryan Lochte, Peter Vanderkay, Nathan Adrian, Michael Phelps, and Aaron Piersol. Piersol pulled off an amazing backstroke win night #1. As a backstroker myself, he's a bit of an idol to me.

I didn't get to watch the prelims yesterday morning, and I missed the swimming upset of the world. Michael Phelps didn't make the finals for the 400 IM! Unbelievable, but not at the same time. He's admitted everyday of the meets, that he's not up to par. So, Ryan Lochte won the event with an amazing time!

http://www.universalsports.com/video/assetid

Can't wait until night 3 finals!

Back In the Pool

I got back in the pool yesterday, after a rest day for my legs. I'm tend to get shin splints when I run, so I try to be very careful to stretch and give myself enough recovery time. I put myself in a taper after last Wednesday, so I could be at my best on race day. After just a few days out of the water, I already felt a little awkward. It did mess a little bit with my newly found routine of backstroke flip turns.

Back in my routine, I was at the pool ready for my workout again this afternoon. Today was a whole different experience. I felt much more comfortable and relaxed today. My backstroke flipturns are still a little off, but much better. My breaststroke felt really good. My glide was much stronger and carried me further. I think it's really interesting, how your workouts and how you feel can vary everyday. I just wonder what tomorrow will feel like.

Cross Training

I run to cross train for swimming. Every year, I sign up for local 5K races, to keep me on track. This morning, I participated in the 7th annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K. I ran as a part of Team ASK (Athlete's for Special Kids) Special Kids is a Christian based organization that provides skilled nursing, skilled care, and therapy for children, regardless of their ability to pay. Team ASK runners raise funds for this non-profit children's charity.

I had an AWESOME race this morning!! Despite the heat, I felt great all the way through!! This past Thursday, I got to meet my child partner, Reeyan, and his family. That's when it hit me how wonderful it is being part of Team A.S.K (Athlete's for Special Kids). These families are so very appreciative of the support of Special Kids. It was truly a moving experience. I plan to race for Team Ask from here on out!! Here's some shots from this morning's race, the 7th Annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K.

Pre-race at the Team A.S.K. (Athlete's for Special Kids)



Running for the finish line.




Post race feeling good!


Post race traditional goofy pose!


Post race at the Team A.S.K. booth.

.

I'm Running for Special Kids

Hi everyone!

I am a member of Team A.S.K. (Athletes for Special Kids)! Team ASK is a Christian endurance training program developed to help adults and children achieve their athletic goals while changing lives for children receiving services at Special Kids. Special Kids provides skilled nursing care, therapy, and assistance to children regardless of their ability to pay.

My 5K race, (The Fenton Payne & Fred 5K) is this coming Saturday. I'm am racing personally for a child named Reeyan, who receives services from Special Kids.



My fundraising goal has been set and I am hoping that you will support my efforts by making a donation. I know that times are tight, but even just a dollar would help!

To make a donation, you can either:

Click this link http://teamask.org/athlete/cheryl-richardson and donate online using your credit card, or

or

Write a check payable to "Team A.S.K.", referencing my Athlete Number 641 and mailing it to: Team A.S.K., 202 Arnette Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130.

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Team A.S.K. will use the money raised to fund:

* Establishing new programs for the children at Special Kids of Tennessee.
* Continued services for its 350+ children

Thank you,
Cheryl Richardson

Wordless Wednesday

Loving Backstroke!!

I've just been plugging along working on technique for the different strokes. It feels so nice, for a change, to have more confidence in the water. I feel much stronger too! I love the habit that I've gotten into lately too. I've been averaging a swim six times a week.

Last week, I did work on my fly drills and full laps of fly. I wore my Speedo Biofuse fins to give me some extra kick out of the water. I really did well, and I started getting a rhythm. I was doing really well...UNTIL..I managed to strain my calf muscle. So this week, I've really had to calm it down a lot. I've kept the fins off and just concentrated on free, back, and working with the pull buoy.

Last week, our swim club received an invitation to a meet in October at UT Knoxville. I really want to swim at this meet. I've decided that I want to swim the 50 and 100 back. So today, I started putting together the whole thing: starts, strokes, and flips. I swam back for probably 30 minutes flipping and flipping. I finally had to stop, because I got dizzy and tired, but I'm really pleased with the progress. I'm hoping to talk one of the guards into timing my splits this week. I'm really looking forward to the meet!!