Just call me Michael Phelps

Except don't....that would be embarrassing, for him mostly, I'm just that good


So lets see...here's where we are at.  Last Monday I ran, I took that first step and it was bad news from beginning.  I should have just stopped, but because I'm stubborn, and that lack of patience, I ran the 3 miles, cursing and being angry the whole time ( Sorry Jake!).  Not more than an hour after we got home, I could barely walk.  I couldn't stand to put any pressure on my left leg at all, and I knew something was really wrong.  This was the worse it's felt since the beginning of my injury.  Woke up the next morning and it was still the same.  I saw Jim that next afternoon, and he wasn't even able to work on it and do the usual adjustments because it is so irritated.  I would cringe each time he tried anything - not good.  The thing is, I should know better.  If I cant even walk normal, how can I expect myself to run.  Sometimes I'm stupid. 

So, this all means, NO RUNNING.  For an undetermined amount of time.  Here are the things I can do, as long as I don't feel any pain at all. Swimming, biking or walking.  I'm on board with the biking for sure, swimming will be interesting, and walking seems really boring.  Since I want to do everything I can to get myself better so I can come back a stronger runner, I will do what it takes, so last Tuesday night I went out and bought this...

the answer is yes, I do look sexy in my swim cap

So last Wednesday I put on a brave face and ventured to the YMCA pool.  Now, I know how to swim, I mean I wont drown, but lap swimming?  That's something I have little to no experience with.  Unless you count the 5th grade swim club I was in.  I sucked it up, and jumped in.  I really had no idea what I was doing, but I swam for about 35-40 min.  Which may not seem like much, but I thought it was a good start.  I mostly did freestyle, and think that's what I will have to stick with.  I made the mistake of doing the breast-stroke a few times, and I think the leg motion of that one irritated my hip - lesson learned!

It actually felt pretty good to be in the water.  I am definitely NOT efficient and my form is probably awful, but I found myself breathing hard afterwards so I think this will be a good thing.  It will keep my lungs strong that's for sure.

see, I told you, I've never looked better!

So, counting today I have successfully swam 4 times, and each time gets a little better.  I don't feel as awkward and have started to do some "drills".  I found a beginner swim plan online that sounds pretty good.  I also was offered help by a family friend who happened to be swimming the same time I was  one day last week.  It's nice to know I've got people who want to back me up and help me out.  Makes this whole recovery process much better.  I've also been biking too, which is great, except the ol' rear is NOT used to a bike seat, ouch!

So until further notice, track parties will have to wait, but in the mean time, grab your water wings and noodles and come to my pool party!