Today at the pool I swam about 20 lengths, although I lost count at one point. I know I did at least that many, although I may have done a few more.
All of this activity is definitely beginning to show – I’ve been feeling a bit of soreness in a few of my muscles, which is great. Plus, it just feels great to fill my days with movement and exercise, rather than just laying around. Each day I’ve been trying to do one major workout (bike riding, swimming, EA Sports, etc) besides the 15-20 minutes of Wii Fit that I do first thing every morning. This week I’ve earned 39 APs, which is the most I’ve ever earned in one week! Of course, this means that I’m going to try to top it next week, so next week’s activity goal is to get 45 APs.
Today while I was at the pool I really tried to take in all of the beauty around me. The pool is surrounded on all sides by beautiful, park-like grounds – green grass, lots of trees, and a few flowers. It’s really such a nice setting. The pool also has one wall of flowering ivy which is just gorgeous:
It makes me feel so pampered to swim in such a well-maintained area. Along those lines, today I decided that I’d go “spa style” with my water. You know how they always put slices of cucumber in the water at spas? Well I figured I could do the same thing, poolside. My dad’s garden is coming in and he gave me 2 Italian cucumbers, so I decided to put them to good use. If you haven’t tried it, I really recommend putting a few slices of cucumber into your water bottle/glass. It adds a really subtle, fresh flavor that isn’t overpowering at all.
Today as I was swimming I really felt lucky to be able to spend the early part of my afternoon that way. Because of the pool access, I’ve really been able to experience both the physical benefits of swimming, but also the mental ones. When I swim, I am able to focus on my breathing in a way that’s similar to meditation. Usually when I’ve tried to meditate, my mind is going a million different directions, and I can never truly quiet it. When I’m swimming, though, I am focusing on the movements of my arms and legs, the number of seconds I can hold my breath, and the feel of the water on my skin. It’s been a wonderful way to relax!
One thing that hasn’t been too beautiful about swimming is my hair. I have very thick, fairly coarse, very curly hair, and all this swimming hasn’t been doing it very well. The pool isn’t overly chlorinated, and in fact has some salt in it, which is kind of nice when you’re swimming, but does a number on the hair. So, I’m off to Sephora to see if they have any conditioning treatments with sunscreen. If that doesn’t work, I just may have to invest in a flowered swim cap!
39 Activity Points!!!! Absolutely amazing lady!
hehe had a little giggle at “lengths”. no laps? You gonna tell your dad? lol
I’ve been saying it in lengths because it sounds like more.
I’m going to tell my dad when I see him tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll say, “told ya.” My dad is so great, and he seems to know EVERYTHING.
That is a ton of activity points. Way to go!
I wish I could have your kind of day, relaxing by the pool. Hehe. I love to swim I just dont get to do it enough.
v. cool on the APs congrats!
woohoo for your ‘lengths’ that’s cute and so proper sounding! but swimming is so therapeutic, love it!
I find swimming laps to be very meditative also….I used to do a mantra while doing the laps.
Good job on the amount of activity you are fitting into your day – I know how hard it can be.
Cheers
i used to do alot of swimming – i miss it. I need to find a way to do it again.
I used to get alot of prayer time in while I was doing lengths. I also found I had less back troubles, less sore muscles, swimming really got me all stretched out and limber. But i definitely dealt with swimmer’s hair. The pool i was using changed from chlorinated to salt water.. and i just couldn’t take it.. it grossed me out. Better for my hair and skin..but the salt.. yuck.
maybe i have to try it again.
This was my first introduction to Lola.. so thanks for linking. She’s GORGEOUS!!!!