I thought I'd try an experiment here. I propose that anyone of any swimming level can use this thread (or not) when, whether in a small way or earthshaking manner you've done something in the pool that you're proud and/or pleased by. Anyone is welcome to add encouraging comments (or not) or ask for more info., but please no grandstanding or feuding.
Okay- I'll go first (and I'm just as hesitant as anyone else). Context: last few months hellish: collapse of my dream business, death in family, huge money troubles etc. result months out of water & exercise & 30lb gain. Further, I just went back over the last 10 yrs, averaged 1 meet a year, no more than 4 months training in any one year. So- been back in water 4 weeks, 2-3 times a week and mostly feeling like chopped liver. Monday night coach say we're going to do dive 25's (meters) from blocks, starter's instructions. Now I haven't done this in years 'cause I have a very bad neck- but I've been frustrated so...did all 3 breastroke 16.3, 15.5, 16.2 which tells me I've still got prospects to go fast again! I am pleased.
This isn't quite as recent, but I've been swimming with a friend since the beginning of January. He's faster than me, so I'm usually barely keeping up with the intervals. During the first week of January, we did 4x100 on 1:40. I made the first one, missed the interval on the second one, did a 50 on the third, and swam the fourth. In mid-February, I completed a set of 6x100 free on 1:40, making the interval on all but the last one. I got less than 5 sec rest on most of them, but I made it!
It feels good, doesn't it!!!! Attaboy!!!!!!
Just remember ladies...having fun is the important thing. Eat sensibly, swim hard and smile lots...the weight will take care of itself.
Most important...remember you're beautiful just the way you are.
;)
The 'Stud' strikes again :smooch:
Thanks Stud and Nancy!!! It feels really good to see improvement in swimming and to see the scale go down. I am very tall, so I don't look as heavy as I am, but I still have 20 pounds to go.
Nancy,
the coach really got me started loosing. I have tried many times and have failed. I feel like I am accountable to him, so that helps. Also, really whatching what I eat..... I have almost completely cut out bread and have not had any chips at the Mexican restaurants (the one I go to has a good Mexican Cobb salad) since I began this diet. I eat a lot of salads and fruit. I allow myself one 'fun size' chocolate from the office candy dish once a day (instead of 4 pieces every time I pass by) and I really enjoy that one piece. I have stopped drinking for now. I figure it is extra calories that I would rather eat, and I do drinking lots and lots of water. I am not starving, just trying to be sensible and it is working. It is basically changing my eating habits so I don't eat as much as I can and I really enjoy my food. If my family goes to eat out at a place where I know I won't have good choices, I don't go with them. (does not happen often). It helps to have a support group. My coach and my co-workers are good support. Co-workers check out my lunch and snacks every day (ok with me) and are very supportive. My husband and daughter have also been very complimentary. Good luck with your quest!!!!!!
Thanks for these tips Kathy -- this may be another thread in the making!! Staying away from the candy dish(es) at work is a very big first step for me!! Next is probably drinking much more water. You are helping me climb aboard your pound losing boat!
Thanks for these tips Kathy -- this may be another thread in the making!! Staying away from the candy dish(es) at work is a very big first step for me!! Next is probably drinking much more water. You are helping me climb aboard your pound losing boat!
Just remember ladies...having fun is the important thing. Eat sensibly, swim hard and smile lots...the weight will take care of itself.
Most important...remember you're beautiful just the way you are.
;)
Just remember ladies...having fun is the important thing. Eat sensibly, swim hard and smile lots...the weight will take care of itself.
Most important...remember you're beautiful just the way you are.
;)
AWWW Rich, how sweet you are:smooch: .
Very impressive Kathy. I am now on the quest to lose some of my pounds!! Ah yes, that fabulous feeling when you see an improvement.
Attagirl Kathy.
Thanks Stud and Nancy!!! It feels really good to see improvement in swimming and to see the scale go down. I am very tall, so I don't look as heavy as I am, but I still have 20 pounds to go.
Nancy,
the coach really got me started loosing. I have tried many times and have failed. I feel like I am accountable to him, so that helps. Also, really whatching what I eat..... I have almost completely cut out bread and have not had any chips at the Mexican restaurants (the one I go to has a good Mexican Cobb salad) since I began this diet. I eat a lot of salads and fruit. I allow myself one 'fun size' chocolate from the office candy dish once a day (instead of 4 pieces every time I pass by) and I really enjoy that one piece. I have stopped drinking for now. I figure it is extra calories that I would rather eat, and I do drinking lots and lots of water. I am not starving, just trying to be sensible and it is working. It is basically changing my eating habits so I don't eat as much as I can and I really enjoy my food. If my family goes to eat out at a place where I know I won't have good choices, I don't go with them. (does not happen often). It helps to have a support group. My coach and my co-workers are good support. Co-workers check out my lunch and snacks every day (ok with me) and are very supportive. My husband and daughter have also been very complimentary. Good luck with your quest!!!!!!
I have been swimming three days a week (sometimes a Saturday or Sunday also if time and pool allow) since October. On January 24th we all swam a T-20 (so we could fit in two groups during our hour time). I swam 40 laps and because I had never done this before, had nothing to compare it to. I had the most laps of the team (all a new team). Anyway, we swam another one on February 23rd and I swam 51 laps :groovy: . It felt really good to improve that much in a month. I have also lost 10 pounds in that amount of time. I think the weight loss may have had something to do with the increase in laps as well as anything else. Anyway, it feels really good to see such an improvement.
Very impressive Kathy. I am now on the quest to lose some of my pounds!! Ah yes, that fabulous feeling when you see an improvement.
Attagirl Kathy.
Nancy, I hope you shouted "In your face whippersnapper!" at her as she exited ;)
Atta-girl hehe
Not exactly Rich!!I did surreptitiously stand at one point and count her SPL.... all 39 of them to my 19-20! Little did I realize "back in the day" that I would be putting in what must be a little less effort to swim near the same time as this person. She has obviously not been doing the research and follow through that I have been doing, so seems to be using a lot of energy.
Thanks all of you for your acknowledgement. We all know that having these triumphs is satisfying to just do them, but sharing makes it even more motivational and exciting. So thanks again to all of you. We are ALL awesome!!
This isn't quite as recent, but I've been swimming with a friend since the beginning of January. He's faster than me, so I'm usually barely keeping up with the intervals. During the first week of January, we did 4x100 on 1:40. I made the first one, missed the interval on the second one, did a 50 on the third, and swam the fourth. In mid-February, I completed a set of 6x100 free on 1:40, making the interval on all but the last one. I got less than 5 sec rest on most of them, but I made it!
Thanks Stud and Nancy!!! It feels really good to see improvement in swimming and to see the scale go down. I am very tall, so I don't look as heavy as I am, but I still have 20 pounds to go.
The good thing is once you suffer through this losing phase you'll be on maintenace and be able to eat a lot more enjoyable foods and not gain it back...provided you're swimming hard.
