Swimming instead..

[petraj]

Haven't been running since last Sunday - when I had a disastrous what-should've-been graduation run (see earlier post, if interested). I kind of intended to run again either this morning, tomorrow or Monday, but I woke up today with my right foot hurting quite badly when I walk, specifically when bending my foot (re-exacerbation of an injury I did about 4 weeks ago when playing tennis with 11yo son in the garden). I've used google tonight to self-diagnose and I reckon it must be tendonitis of the tendon that runs across top of foot and goes into big toe...

So, since we were at my parents'-in-law today, who have a nice pool, I thought I might try some long-distance swimming instead of a 30minute run. For me 'long distance swim' is anything over about two lengths of a modest domestic pool - I'm completely useless in the water. Well anyway, I managed to swim (slow+steady.. but pretty much non-stop) for 25 MINUTES!!!! Which is epic for me!!!! so that just shows how C25K has affected my fitness and stamina (and mental toughness!). My husband completely wimped out at rising up to my challenge, and only managed to do a length 1 second faster than me even though he barely completed one third of my total.

Now I'm trying to persuade hubs that we really need our own swimming pool by whetting his imagination at how lithe and fit I'd be if I could swim for 25mins/day, as well as doing a 30min run 3 times a week! OK, realistically this may not happen imminently. But I have been spurred into googling possibilities of joining improvers' swimming lessons at our local pool to get some fancy strokes so I wouldn't feel too stupid powering my way up+down a public swimming pool.

I'm loving this exercise lark now!

[Hidden]

I didn't see your last post at the time, I've replied now if you're interested. Swimming is mega exercise, I'd definitely recommend joining a class, and learning technique. Oh how I'd love a pool! I use this web site- swimsmooth.com/ I've made so much improvement since I found it. Fitness is fab isn't it? I found running helped my swimming too.

[azharalkindi Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Curlygurly for the link, it is amazing just what I needed.

[Nellyharte Graduate]

I totally agree that the running gives you a sort of hidden fitness that comes out in all sorts of place, I found it when swimming and even pushing my twins around I their buggy doesn't feel as difficult now. The other interesting thing is the mental toughness and new found courage to try things which I have discovered numerous times. The actual running I find tough and never feel like I am improving but when I don't run I suddenly realise that I am tired, cranky and missing it! Weird isn't it! Get the runners back on when your foot improves!

[Amisnan Graduate]

I do sympathise with you. I haven't done my graduation run yet either due to sore feet! My lovely council have obligingly re-surfaced the lane outside my house which is lovely to run on, but my feet are still adjusting to these longer runs! Never mind; I am accompanying the new Couchers in town tomorrow and I shall get my graduation run in a few days after, feet permitting.

It's strange isn't it, I love swimming on holiday with hubby, yet we never bother to visit the pool in town! That's definitely going on the 'must do' list!!

[Ejbirdy Graduate]

Ah great stuff , hope your foot gets better soon.

I too was surprised at my swimming this summer

Happy days

[azharalkindi Graduate]

Very true I haven't done any swimming for ages and when I tried swimming last month I did 22 laps just like that. I could hardly do 4 laps before. Now after reading your posts I realise the reason for this achievement. . Keep up the running

[useitorloseit Graduate]

It'd have to be a covered and heated one if you live in sunny England!

[hjs007 Graduate]

Hope your foot is better soon. I have never been a good swimmer only managing a couple of lengths before flagging. However, as you pointed out, we're all much fitter - thanks to the C25K - and your post has encouraged me to give swimming another go. Thanks also to Curlygurly for the excellent swimming technique link. I've shared this with the rest of my family in the slim hope that they might feel inspired to go swimming with me ....