Swimming ... it looks so much easier on tv!

Swimming. Kids love it. Me? I love the pool, don't get me wrong, but I don't remember the last time that I used it for a workout. Last week I had two swimming lessons. Ok, not actual I am taking a swimming class or anything (though that's not a bad idea...) but I did feel like I was five years old again having to ask a couple great friends to give me some pointers in the pool. Disclaimer: I do know how to swim, but the Cherry Hills Swim Team in St. Louis was a LONG time ago ... and little did I remember that swimming is a dang hard workout! I thought I was in good shape, I mean I go to the gym 5 or 6 times a week, I run, I bike, I lift weights, but put me in a pool and a couple laps later I am out of breath! Give me a kickboard and I have this amazing talent of almost staying stagnant in the pool. I suddenly have a much greater awe (if that is possible) for the summer Olympic swimmers that I have always loved. Ok, let's be honest - really anyone who swims on a regular basis is someone that I respect and admire greatly!

Why the sudden interest in swimming? No, I'm not just looking for ways to spice up my workouts, though it is a nice bonus (except for the unfortunate fact that my gym doesn't have a pool). A few friends and I decided to train for a triathlon in June and I figure if I have to swim a half mile, there isn't any time to waste. As my trainer at the gym said to me last week ... 'have you ever done that before?' Um, nope. 'have you done other races like a half-marathon or something?' Again, nope, but I did do a 10k once (like 10 years ago). 'do you have a bike?' Yet another nope, but I do spinning classes at the gym. 'Wow you're off to a great start aren't you?' ha ha ha ... 'you don't mess around, do you, you're just going for it all at once? I like it!' That's the answer that I wanted ...

So, I'm really hoping that I can figure it all out. This is a whole new world for me but I really enjoy it. Its fun to learn new things, especially ones that involve physical activity. There is something just innately fulfilling in it. I know it'll take many hours of hard work - but it will all be worth it in the end when I can cross that finish line (even if I'm last)! Now I just have to figure out a schedule for myself so I can swim a couple times a week along with everything else I've got going on. Then I'll have to think about getting a bike when the weather gets a little nicer outside. For now, I'll stick with spinning classes at the gym. And, running on a treadmill works for these winter months as well. I'll just have to add some new songs to my ipod so I don't get bored! Any suggestions for some catchy running/workout tunes? I'll need some with all the time I'm planning on spending at the gym in the next few months :)