Pool Toys and 1/2 Marathons

Got to try a few of my new pool tools last night during masters. I went for 1/2 hour so I would not get too sore after the race, but enough to feel like I was doing something. I want to keep swimming because I love it, but my next race only involves running (or should I say walking?), so I have to make time for that too. No training for a month might work for a sprint triathlon, but it definitely will not for a 1/2 Marathon!

And re that, I promise myself that this year, I will actually get my butt out of bed the morning of the race and go to Philly and do it, instead of staying in my warm and comfy home and running the entire thing on my treadmill in the basement(yes, that was me!).

Anyway, back to my new toys, I brought my finger paddles, a kickboard, a pull buoy, and my flippers (which were fun!). I wanted to wait to use the SwiMP3 player and my snorkel until I could get used to using them alone (and not embarrass myself). So thats on the agenda for sometime this week too. Each was able to help me do certain drills (ie I suck at kicking with the kickboard without the flippers), and will definitely serve me well over the winter to keep my swimming fresh.

I have to admit though that I do not think I swam my strokes as well last night as I do when I am being coached. I guess that just comes with practice. I made sure to turn my body from side to side, and bring my elbow up and try to go to a 5 inch depth with my hands after gliding and making my stroke as long as possible. I still have a long way to go. Thats good, though. I need a challenge.

And I forgot to mention that Connor's first day at his new school (St Joseph St Robert's in Warrington, Pa) was yesterday-he loved it! Here is a pic of him with his friends Kyle and Kameron from our neighborhood: