My mate EJ is doing a charity swim over the month of February. He's down to do 32 kilometres over the month of February. This equates to a bit over a kilometre a day, but EJ being a bit of an over-achiever has, as of today, done 18 of the 32 kilometres. I should add that EJ is in his mid-sixties and swimming has been his exercise of choice for years.
Last week, looking for something different to do on the weekend asked if he'd like some company while he did his laps. I could always paddle away in the slow lane while he charged on. Besides, he's seen me in my bathers before and didn't call Greenpeace, so there's no shocks.
I've also been wanted to do something different with different people on the weekend. This seemed like a good opportunity for this.
Another thing you might not know - I love swimming. When I lived in London I used to live opposite the Swiss Cottage pool and used to do a kilometre three times a week for a while. I love the feeling of swimming. particularly freestyle. I can't do butterfly, backstroke freaks me out a bit but is okay over short distances and my breaststroke is particularly dreadful. I had my last swimming lesson when I was five-years-old. Thankfully I've picked up some pointers over the years and my freestyle is passable.
We met up at the Box Hill pool. We got into the slow lane. EJ has all his accouterments. Expensive goggles, and flippers and a snorkel, so he doesn't have to move his head about.
For me - I've just got a swim cap and a cheap pair of goggles from KMart. They do the job.
But I surprised myself today.
I've not swum proper laps in many years. I swim as often as I can in Darwin, but that's in a hotel pool. This is pukka swimming for exercise.
The muscle memory kicked in after a couple of laps. My freestyle didn't let me down. Choosing to do two laps of breaststroke, then getting into the freestyle when I got tired, I managed to do 44 lengths in 55 minutes. For my first serious swim back, I'm stoked with this.
EJ of course, got his 80 lengths done in just over an hour - but he's been swimming a few times a week for years.
I'm just a bit chuffed with myself that that I managed to swim over a kilometre and do it without messing myself any damage. I'm going to be sore tomorrow, but the gym work I do should put me in good stead.
After, we drove out to the Dandenongs for a light lunch and a quick walk in the hills to marvel at the trees. And then home.
I think I might try swimming distances more often. It's good for the soul.
1 comment:
Hi Pand,
I hope you are well.
:o)
In my youth I used to do 40 lengths a couple of times a week but I haven't been swimming seriously for years. I only swim these days when I am on holiday and this involves maybe a length or two of the pool (whatever size it is) and then just lazing around. Good for you to have reacquainted yourself with swimming. It is fun. I prefer walking but swimming is excellent exercise. I think I'll stick to dry land (apart from holidays of course).
:o)
Cheers
PM
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