November 18th ~ Flipped Off

So, I've been trying to change my lifestyle to include a regular does of daily exercise. (AKA the "e" word)

I have defective knees, so my options are limited. I thought about prostitution for fitness.....because...well, hey, I'm quite graceful on my back and I can get a good workout in that way.... But then I started to think about the next PTA meeting....(sigh) How would I explain?

Anyway....so I walk....but not all that consistently...

My dear friend, D, who is VERY fit and VERY active and walks at a rate of about 300mph, has been bugging me to try this pool where she swims laps.

It's expensive.....and even though I love swimming...I went with her the first time mostly just to get her off of my back. I didn't expect to fall in love.

I used to be a lifeguard and a swim instructor when I was in my teens, but I'm out of shape and it's been a LONG time.

I slipped into the pool, looked up at the sky, and began swimming. I was hooked! After that first swim with D, I went home discovered an unexpected pay bonus in my mailbox. It must have been meant to be. This bonus will pay for 6 months worth of swimming.

I've been swimming about 4 days per week....until this week. This week I had appointments that I couldn't change with the kids' doctors on Monday and Tuesday. (There are limited swim hours each day.) So I finally made it to the pool on Wednesday. I did my laps....and felt stronger than I had the week before so I pushed myself a little.

And THEN I noticed this woman next to me swimming so gracefully and doing underwater flip turns at the end of each lap....

Well.........sheeeeeesh.....I can do that. Right? I've never been on a swim team...but I used to be a strong swimmer....what's a little flip turn?

Hmmmm I couldn't do it correctly. I tried about 20 times. Oh well...I gave up for now figuring I could practice again next time.

I showered, left the pool facility, and went shopping at Target and found myself frozen in place in the middle of the store due to sudden, severe, lower back pain.

ARGGGGGH!! I limped and whimpered my way back to the car, dragged myself into the seat tried to drive home without crying. I've been on Motrin and muscle relaxers and the occasional vicoden ever since! But at least I know what caused it. No flip turns for me.

At least not until I build up my strength. I guess I'll put off the high dive for awhile too....