A Spiteful Bitch

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Today I went to the Rec Center at lunchtime for lap-swim. I haven't used lap-swim as a means of cardio conditioning since my last Navy PRT...which was a very long time ago, indeed. 

Here's what I learned:
  1. If you haven't done lap-swimming as cardio conditioning for a very long time indeed, you should probably not try to match your pace from the dawn of civilization. Hints that your goals are not realistic: Noodly arms, dizziness upon exiting the pool, and finding your head sinking in the water on your last lap. The lifeguard didn't have to fish me out or anything, but I'm glad I stopped when I did - at the 25 minute mark. I lost count of my laps. 
  2. The chlorine in the pool makes my already winter-dry skin feel like poorly cured leather. I may need something stronger than my trusty Aveeno.
  3. I should probably not choose two cardio activities that require serious arm involvement two days in a row, because now my arms want a divorce. 
  4. I love my Speedo tank suit for laps, but I'd forgotten what a pain in the ass it is to get it OFF. At some point, I expect I'm going to injure my back in an effort to do so. 
Middle age, you are a spiteful bitch.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

All of the above are True Things. That's why I don't do laps in the pool; instead it's "water aerobics" -- way less stressful (if less actual exercise....). --d.

John said...

Speaking as someone who got back into swimming regularly a few years ago after a long hiatus, it does get better. But I won't lie tomyou, it will be painful until you get that endurance back.