Swimmin' at the "Y"

It's been a couple of weeks since we joined the "Y" and so far it's been pretty fun! We've been going several times a week, trying out different things and various programs. Over the past couple of weeks, I've attended several spin classes, did some walking/running on the treadmill, and have worked on some strength training. But, what has really been fun has been swimming again.

Being back in a pool is bringing back a lot of memories from my childhood. Other than a few times, I really haven’t been swimming since I was 14 years old and living in San Antonio, TX. Back then, my family had bought a “membership” at the pool down the street from our house. (*Disclaimer- although we had a "family membership"-- my parents NEVER EVER went there). The summers between my 8th & 9th grade and again between my 9th & 10th grades consisted entirely of my friend Norma and I going to summer school in the mornings and then heading to the pool for the entire afternoon. Our weekends consisted of staying at the pool from opening until closing time. Even then, I never really "swam" (competitively or otherwise- since there just wasn't that kind of opportunities for girls when I was growing up). I knew how to swim, and other than having do laps when I got “into trouble”- swimming consisted mostly of just hanging out with other kids, fooling around in the water, and doing lots of flips off the diving board.

Being back in a pool is now making me think about doing things that I haven't done in years! When one of the students in my swim class asked the instructor if he would teach him how to do a "flip turn" (those fancy turns swimmers do when they turn around at the end of a lap) I heard myself thinking "Hey - I was able to do those when I was a kid.” When the instructor asked if anyone else was interested in learning how to do one, I said “Sure!” After some quick directions from the instructor-I gathered up my courage, and (surprise!) I was able to do one!! Now, I’m sure it was not the most graceful looking flip-turn he has ever seen, but after 35 years- I was pretty happy that I was still able to pull one off! After some more instructions and several more attempts, I was able to "knock a little more rust off of them". I think with some practice, I might be able to do them consistently again. What fun!!!

Has it been almost 2 months???

Good grief! I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since I last updated my blog. Sheesh!!!

Well, a lot has happened, but I guess the biggest thing is that I had a "Milestone Birthday".

Since most folks agree that 50 a milestone birthday I decided it was time for some changes- a "makeover" if you will. After all- if I were a 50 year old house it would be time for some major renovations! On the other hand, if I were a 50 year old bottle of fine wine, well- I guess I'd be "expensive"- HA

First makeover objective: a NEW WARDROBE! I started my wardrobe transformation by going through my closet and pulling out at least 7 trash bags full of clothes to take to the Salvation Army. Most clothes I hadn't worn since I've been up here (almost 2 years), so it was WAY past time to pitch 'em. Now, the hard part of the new wardrobe mission- "Phase 2- The Buying of New Clothes". One may think buying a new wardrobe is no-brainer for a blond, but that couldn't be further from the truth for me! I HATE shopping for clothes!!! I would go as far as saying it's a "Major Pain". Why? Because all of the retail stores carry the same CRAPPY stuff in sizes that fit "most women". I am not the size of "most women" and I really don't care about the latest "look" - "The Baby-doll" look. Gag!!! Are you kidding me??? The "Baby-doll" look looked great on me the first time I saw it- in the freakin' 70's when I was in Junior High School!!! But now, it just looks ridiculous on me. I don't blame the stores, after all, they are there to make money- by carrying latest trends- in the sizes they can sell the most of. So, for me, shopping for new clothes was more of a "quest for clothes"! After a seemingly endless parade in and out of stores, I'm happy to report that I did manage to come home with one complete outfit and several pair of dress pants and several mix and match tops. What a chore!! Next up, new shoes... Oh gosh, I can't even THINK about that right now!

Second makeover objective: NEW HAIR!!! Just a haircut and some color. Nothing drastic- but I certainly feel better!!!


Third makeover objective: TEETH WHITENING. I just wanted to brighten them up a little. Knock a little "age" off - not look like I have a mouth full of chalk. Everywhere you look someone is advertising teeth whitening. I even saw a kiosk at the Mall that was claiming fabulous results. Being somewhat suspicious of all of these claims, I went to dentist. They hooked me up with some trays and some "gunk" so I can do it at home. I'm currently following their directions and and I'm seeing improvement - so far-so good.

Forth makeover objective: FACE PHOTO-REJUVENATION. I visited the dermatologist a couple of months ago and got all the info. It's going to take 6-monthly appointments to complete the process. I plan to make my 1st appointment in November since they recommend that you stay out of the sun after the process. More to come on this one...

My final makeover objective: my WINTER TRAINING PLAN. I have GOT TO get stronger! If I can maintain my aerobic capacity while increasing my strength over the winter I should see better time trial results next spring. Anyway, that's the plan. So to achieve this goal Pops and I joined the YMCA. The "Y" provides a "Personal Trainer" with our membership, so I met with him last Sunday to get started on a strength training program. I also plan to sign up for the swimming lessons that caters to "adults wishing to train for a triathlon", start running on the treadmill, and attend a weekly spin class. I also have Pops restoring his old Kelly Cross Bike for me so I can try doing a couple of Cycle-cross races this fall (have I totally lost my mind?). If I can successfully achieve these goals I think I would like to enter the Sprint-triathlon they hold out at Caesar's Creek next summer.

All of this just because of a birthday???

GreatWebsite link

A big thanks to the HopMaster for sending me this link!! Check it out- too funny!!!

Click here for Yellowjacket TV

It's been awhile...

Boy, it has really been awhile since I've last updated my blog! Here's a quick catch-up on my races!

June 8: rode in the Blue Streak TT on base. It's 10 miles on an almost flat course. Finished "unofficially" in 33.53 (There was a mess-up with the official timing- and that's what I think my computer said)

June 14: Colavita TT, finished in 43:53- I finally manged to break under that 44 minute mark to come home with my best time this year and the 1st place prize (Olive Oil and 1st place medal)

July 6: was the Team Dayton Renaissance Crit- my first Crit ever!! The "real" race girls caught me on lap 4, so I pulled off at that point- I said it was "to save my legs for OH Senior Olympics" but really I just felt like a dork.

July 8 & 9: OH State Senior Olympics. 4 races in 2 days 5K and 10K TT and 20K and 40K Road races. Came home with a 2nd place (Silver medal) for each race. The 40K was the hardest. Me and couple other ladies agreed to ride together and take turns pulling. They were both stronger than I was and kept the pace pretty high. I only ended up doing one pull- mostly, I just held on to the second ladies wheel. I was fading pretty fast toward the end, but managed to finish strong.

July 12: July Colavita. What a suffer-fest that was! Pops and I had a late start time so by the time I got on the course a bad storm was blowing in and started pounding me with a fierce headwind. Then, it started raining- HARD, then came the thunder & lighting!!! When the lighting popped over in the corn field to my right, and I just kept riding out, I figured I had just crossed the crazy line. I finally made it to the turn-around and found a "SWEET" tailwind. It was still hammering the rain but I was flying!!! Somewhere on the return trip I managed to hit a max speed of 26mph- while the rain, wind, thunder and lighting played on. I managed to turn my best time EVER with a 42:23 time (even losing time going out into the wind) for 2nd place.

Other happenings...
July 14: had some minor surgery. During my skin cancer check-up the Doc found a "suspicious" spot on my right calf, so that had to go. I feel okay- I just have to be careful with the stitches.

Today: Tour de Burg- I really wasn't supposed to be out riding my bike (Doc's orders) but I've been off of it a week now and it's been driving me crazy. I just did the short ride on my single speed at an easy pace- although some of the gentle rolling farmland "got my attention". It felt really good to be back on a bike.