Spoiler Alert: This Post Is Not About My Run This Morning 😁

[Birdlady64]

But it is about my swim 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️

The first time since the very beginning of March 😁😁😁as just before lockdown I had a horrible cold. Well I thought it was a cold, maybe it was Covid I'll probably never know....

I am so happy to have been back in the water😁😁😁🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️. I didn't want to get out of the pool, but work was beckoning...

I thought I might find it tough after all this time but I was like a duck 🦆 to water 💦 and it was about the most effortless 1,150 metres I can remember. I was barely puffed by the end. So all this running business must be having some positive effects 😉😉😉

I'm not giving up the running, but will fit in my swims between run days.

One other thing - why oh why does swimming make you so hungry??? I got back from the pool and I am starving!!! After a run all I want to do is get cool again 🥵and drink water 💦

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

Love swimming too and had just got a membership before lockdown. I think mine is opening this weekend. Agree about the ginger leaves you feeling hollow doesn’t it. Anyway enjoy I’ll be joining you on my off days soon too 😍

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to HappyNoodle]

Yes I've really missed it.

I was slightly unsure about going but they seem to have it all worked out there. A one way system, restricted numbers, and the whole pool roped off into 4 double width lanes. It felt as safe as it could be. The showers are closed so you have to come home for that but it's fine whilst Im working at home

[HappyNoodle Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

We have a shower at my work which is where I got the membership as it’s got swimming later than the one near me.

[Roxdog Graduate]

How nice to get a swim! I used to swim before work 3 times a week, but they closed the pool. A new one is supposed to be being built just a two minute walk away, and I will re-start. But the chlorine! My sinuses don't like chlorine at all. I look like a freak - nose peg, ear plugs, goggles!

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

And a very fetching hat too! Not a great look is it?

I was swimming 3 times a week before work too!

They seem to have it all worked out there. A one way system, restricted numbers, and the whole pool roped off into 4 double width lanes. It felt as safe as it could be. The showers are closed so you have to come home for that but it's fine whilst Im working at home

[Gwyrdd Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Freak? So am I Roxdog. All the above and a legsuit . My torso is so short I cAn’t find a swimsuit that fits,so even if a legsuit does hangs down it is decent.

Our local authority pool opened . You need to book but there were only two swimming. I might do alternative mornings with running. Just like you, I thought I would have forgotten how to swim, but went for 45 minutes. Arms a bit weak but legs ok , so 6 months running must have helped I’m running no faster than in March though.

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Gwyrdd]

I am going to restart when they build that new pool! Loved my swimming! It is the nearest thing to running I've experienced. My early morning swims made me feel as though I could rule the world!

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Yes you can't beat that feeling 😁

Running comes a close second though

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Gwyrdd]

Went for my 5th swim at lunchtime today. It seems a bit less busy than first thing in the morning.

I know what you mean about the arms though - you don't use them in the same way when you are running.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Glad you enjoyed your swim again , sounds like the running has helped 😁👍

Best not go swimming too soon after running if all you want to do is drink water 😂😂😂

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Ha ha! Yes I might drink the whole pool, although I'm not sure what the chlorine would do to my insides 😝😁

I would say that the running has definitely helped for sure but it was so nice to get back in the water after all this time.

[John_W Graduate]

I'm impressed! I've been trying to learn how to do freestyle since last summer and still can't manage 2 consecutive lengths without a break in-between.

As for hunger... how long did your 1,150 metres take you?

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Oh - I'm quite slow. A lot like my running really. 😁

It took 27.55 but I did have to slow down a few times when I was catching people up as there's a no overtaking rule ATM

Freestyle is my stroke of choice - it's all about timing and breathing really. And not being afraid of having your face in the water which really phases some people.

[John_W Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Slow? Blimey you're going at lightning speed compared to me! I'd love to really nail the technique. Not afraid of face in water so matter of not thrashing my legs to much, getting arm (catch) movement and breathing right (happy to breath bilaterally). I also tend to tighten up as wall looms.

The hunger may come from a feeling of coldness but also the calorie burn.

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Well I'm certainly no expert and I'm very lazy with my kicking actually. There are loads of videos out there about improving your catch - it's something I should work on really.

What I would say is de-emphasise the kick and concentrate on the upper body and get the breathing right first.

Breathing both sides is good. I don't breathe every stroke. Try to roll or rotate the whole body - shoulders torso and hips together - with each stoke. Keep your head still unless you are breathing. Breathe out under water so when you do turn to breathe you only have to breathe in. Try to breathe in your own trough or bow wave so you don't have to lift your head to breathe. Lifting your head makes your legs sink.

But you probably know all this anyways...

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

You swim too! Well done! 👏👏👏 sounds like you really enjoyed it too

Well I cycle 🚲 and we both run!

Combined we could do triathlons! 👏🤣🤣

💕

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

Ha ha! Tag triathlon 😁

You'd definitely have to do the bike ride though.

The last time I tried to ride a bike was almost 30 years ago. I was on holiday in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus and we hired mountain bikes for the day. It nearly killed me 😫 I spent more time walking and pushing than I did riding 🤣

Yeah swimming was my thing before I became a runner - maybe not obvious but hence the pic of a lovely outdoor swimming pool as my avatar.

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

You are too modest!... Lady you are an athlete in my eyes!....

Bike riding.. ha!... I know what you mean!.... i resorted to it as its low impact on the ol legs!.... I quite enjoy it and i live by the coast so loads of nice rides....

Tag triathlon!.. imagine that!.. we would be the talk of the competition (imagine the fun tho!)

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

I think that might count as being asomewhat over generous with the truth, but thanks!

You're not doing too badly yourself either😁

[SJ60]

I love swimming! I’ve been back in the pool for a month now and it’s so good. Like you I’m appreciating my new different fitness 👍 I’m alternating running and swimming so just have Saturdays as a ‘rest’ day. Dog walking still happens every day but that’s just my normal.

Enjoy your swim time 👍👍👍

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to SJ60]

Thanks. It certainly was great to be back swimming again, even if a little bit weird circumstances.

I'm not sure if I'll manage 3 runs and 3 swims a week, but need to keep up with the runs as, in a moment of sheer madness, I signed up for ju-jus Magic 10 plan next month😱. Wish me luck 😁

[SJ60 in reply to Birdlady64]

Oooh good luck. I’m really tired doing three runs and three swims. My runs are slower since I’ve added in the swimming. Not really sure why? I swim for 40 minutes and do about 1.6-1.8km depending on how many people are in the lane 🤷‍♀️ and my 30 minute runs are about 3.5km. Ah well at least I’m out there exercising and one day I might get my BMI out of obese and into a reasonable range 🤣🤣🤣 if not I’ll just be fat and fit!

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to SJ60]

Ooh don't say that. My runs are slow enough as it is...

I swam for just under half an hour this morning and I will probably have to leave it at that as my runs start getting quite long. I'll see how it goes.

Fat and fit is definitely better than fat and unfit though. I could probably do with shifting some weight myself, but I love my food too much 😁

[Speedy60 Graduate]

It's wonderful, isn't it. I went for my third post-lockdown swim today but it's the first time my arms seemed to remember what they're supposed to be doing.

My swimming is like my running and my walking: slow and not pretty, but I can do it endlessly. It's such a joy to be back. 🏊‍♀️💃💕

[Birdlady64 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Yes. I'm almost as happy as when I finished run 3 of week 5! 😁 I can't wait for Thursday morning when I have my next session booked.

I'll be running tomorrow at some point though - just depends on the wind as to when