Based on the schedule, today's workout was supposed to be a 3 mile run. However, I started feeling shin splints after Friday's run - I'm not sure whether it was because of the increased pace and the resultant increased force on the down step, or just due to the mileage. I think it is more the former - based on the timing of shin splints and knowing how my body reacts to over-exertion.
So, yesterday's rest day was well timed. Unfortunately, I still felt some minor shin splints in the morning, and although they improved throughout the day, I felt like having a second day of rest was probably a wise idea, especially with the long run coming up. Also, I wanted this weeks long run to be the 9 miles (instead of the planned 7 miles), as I didn't go the full 9 miles last week - and I really need to get the distance in for endurance build up. Add in the fact that I had a long day of yard work, putting me on my feet most of the day to the point where they were sore - and it just seemed like the best move was forego the run for today.
However, this gave me the perfect excuse to try out my neighbors newly installed Endless Pool. For those who dont know what an Endless Pool is - it is basically the swimming equivalent of a treadmill. My neighbor bought one earlier this summer, and being the generous person she is, she offered use of it to Laurie and I. It took me a while to realize it, but it occured to me a few weeks ago that having a neighbor with an Endless Pool is just too good an opportunity (one in a million) to pass up.
I've tried using pools belonging to gyms before, and its always a major pain in the ass. First of all, the times that the pool is available for lap swimming is very restricted. Second, you never know whether there will be too many people to even get a lane. Third, even if you get a lane, half the time you end up stuck behind a slowpoke and can't get the right workout for yourself. Fourth, the amount of time to go to the facility, do the workout and come back means that you cannot do anything else that night. With all those negatives - it starts becoming clear just how amazing an opportunity having a neighbor with an Endless Pool is, where you are free to use it just about whenever you want.
So today I just wanted to grease the works for swimming, as I haven't done any real swimming in about 6 years. I shot for 30 minutes, breaks included - but due to having to fidget around with the HR monitor strap, and just getting acquainted with things, some time was lost - but getting about 18 minutes of actual workout in was enough to get started. The laps below aren't a specific distance - I just swam until I either needed a break (the first couple) or decided it had been enough time, and I should probably take a break (the last few).
Lap 1 0:01:47 140
Lap 2 0:02:18 120
Lap 3 0:03:03 144
Lap 4 0:04:00 148
Lap 5 0:05:49 143
Lap 6 0:01:21 132
Power Setting - about 40 (?)
I'm not sure what happened on lap 2 - perhaps the HR monitor slipped. I found I had to tighten it quite a bit, as it tended to slide down my torso a lot easier in a pool than when jogging or riding a bicycle.
I definately noticed while swimming that the latter sessions were much easier. I was probably starting to remember how to swim more efficiency (mechanically), and also just getting used to how an Endless Pool differs from normal swimming.
The power setting, which I *think* was about 40, is something I dont remember the units for. Similarly to how you can speed up a treadmill, you can make the Endless Pool go at different paces. But since today was more about getting started with using it, I'm not too concerned about remembering specifically what setting it was at.
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