Swimming

The owners of the straw house wanted to go to the Solway Farmers market today and also a swim at Masterton pool.  This worked out well, as it allowed me to stock up on some fresh organic produce, and the swim fitted in perfectly with my training schedule.  Also, having been to Martinborough yesterday, I was a little reluctant to ride there again this weekend.

I find swimming helps stretch my body.  Unfortunately the spa was out of action at the pool - as were the hot showers.   It was good to go for a swim though as the "work" is absorbed by the arms so it gives the legs a bit of a rest.

There is the unrelated training factor it is also quite good to get "dressed" and out of the house which is not to say I don't get dressed and out of the house when I am gardening or cycling ;-) (because you know I do, having referred to the various layers of clothing in previous posts), but there is not a lot, if any,  social interaction in those activities, other than the wave to the guy on the other side of the road.

Masterton pool is nice pool (especially when the spa and the hot showers work) -  I rate it more than the Upper Hutt pool,  and behind Huia in terms of indoor pools.  The Wainuiomata Pool will always be my favourite outdoor pool - simply because it is adjacent to the bush so makes for an awesome swim in the morning. It is also 50 metres, which means you don't need to turn so often.

I like swimming.  Partly because it carries my body weight and because I used to be confident swimmer - so the strokes and movements come back fairly easily.   I also don't mind the aimless laps.  I find it meditative in a way.  While I was swimming, I thought about how say in the next 6 months, (once I have a job and new car) I could join the masters swimming club and Masterton cycling group.  I think they are probably post Taupo Challenge aspirations - when a) I am fitter, and b) I have more confidence about joining a club.  I suppose there is that desire to "join a club" for a little more social interaction.  That in itself is a good thing.  I also thought (while I was swimming) about entering the Kapiti Womens triathalon next year.  I don't like running.  But it would provide a goal post the Taupo Challenge.

I may in the next week trial cycling to the Masterton pool, go for a swim, and then cycle home.  I want to give that a go sometime and see if its feasible.  Or, I may just build in the swims at Huia.  It will be the school holidays so quite busy, but that's OK. 

Completed 30 lengths in about 40 minutes.  I was Ok with that.  Especially given the big ride yesterday. and today was sort of a "rest" day.   I definitely could feel it was easier to swim because my arms are stronger and my fitness is improving.  Same principle as cycling applies though.  The less weight in the pool, the faster I'll go!