Yesterday, I went to my third hash.  It was the 7th Annual Super Soaker Hash - which basically meant that once that hash started it was a constant water fight.  I had two medium-sized water guns...and there was a pool at the end of the hash, so everyone went in - and we still were squirting each other.  It was technically a run, but I'm calling it cross training because I was carrying water guns.  Dinner was served after the pool "party" and was delicious.  I got up at 7am today for a 5 miler.  Good start to the weekend!

I continued my training while on vacation.  I got up at 7am - before the rest of my family - to run 50 minutes before we headed to Sea World for the day.  At about 5.5 miles, it was a pretty nice route - watching the early morning traffic build, most cars destined for an Orlando theme park - however, one portion of the run (on International Drive) did not have a sidewalk.  I ran on the road, where most drivers were nice and moved over, and they weren't going that fast in the first place.  I would have run in the grass, but it was soaking wet and not the greatest terrain - I was slightly concerned that I'd lose my balance and fall into the road.

On Saturday, we were back at my apartment, lounged by the pool and I worked out on the elliptical at my apartment gym for 30 minutes, and cooled off in the pool afterward.  However, our whirlwind week caught up to me, as did my Mom's cold...I felt pretty terrible Saturday night, and after saying "Goodbye" and dropping them off at the airport Sunday morning, I went back to bed.  I slept for about 18 hours that day, and almost the same on Monday.  It was apparently time to recharge the batteries.  I wasn't very happy missing the 8 mile run, but my body was telling me pretty severely that I needed sleep.

I did add the backstroke this workout as well - so I did laps with freestyle, sidestroke and backstroke.  Like I said, I felt a lot better - much less winded and was able to complete each 100m portion without stopping every 25m like last time.

I also tried something new on Saturday - hashing.  It has nothing to do with illegal substances, but rather is a social gathering that involves a mixture of drinking and exercising.  Some participants are there more for one reason than the other, but it was a lot of fun.  We biked a course that was set only an hour previously using flour, and the object is to try to figure the course out while completing smaller challenges along the way.  I'm doing a terrible job of explaining it, but it was a lot of fun.  This is a good site that explains it a bit more.  Needless to say, the 10 mile bike ride that included going over the bridge to Clearwater twice kind of wiped me out and I was not feeling up to a 7 mile run the next day.  The hashes are usually runs - this was a special bike hash - so future hashes should fit into my training.  This was also my first non-stationary bike ride in over 7 years, so I'm happy I didn't wipe out.

It's been a busy week with my best friend in town - Adventure Island, Fort DeSoto State Park, MOSI - but I continued my training as prescribed.  On Friday night, I ran the course to the left - there and back, modified with four 30s sprints at the end of the main run, spaced a minute apart.  It was about 77 degrees, so I'm happy with just over 6 mph - 4.31 miles in 42:56. This Florida humidity is rough.  I feel like my shorts are going to come off due to the weight of the sweat...lol.  I worked out on the elliptical after work on Saturday for 30 minutes for my cross training.

Tonight was the week's endurance run, which is supposed to be run at an easier, relaxed pace.  I ran 6.2 miles in 61:36 - a pace similar to Friday's run.  It was hot and humid again tonight - about 80 degrees, at 10:30pm.  Ick.  I need to start getting up at sunrise to run...maybe next week.
I did end the night with a dip in my apartment's pool and jacuzzi and a big glass of Gatorade, which was a nice change - and good motivation to finish up quickly.

Oh…my…god.
But, I’ll get to that.  :o)

So,  yesterday I continued my trend of running at the gym after work.   I amped it up (extreme!) to 6.5 mph for 30 minutes and ran almost 3.3 miles.  Very happy with that.  The Voice was on and I had the cardio room to myself, so I watched the first half of that (and finished it once I got home on the DVR).

And now, to discuss taking the Lord’s name in vain earlier. 
 
I found a program similar to “Couch to 5K” but for swimming. The first workout consists of 4 x 100m (with 12 breath breaks in between each 100m), 4 x 50m (with 8 breath breaks) and 4 x 25m (with 4 breath breaks).  I stopped at Sports Authority and bought some Speedo® goggles.  They fit pretty well and I didn’t get water in my eyes at all.  I debated on what swimsuit to wear – thinking the smaller and tighter the better – but I’m glad I went with mid-length trunks, so I didn't stick out too bad.  It is a semi-public pool and I was the only one doing laps.  The rest of the kids were all playing, diving, etc. and had long board shorts hanging off with their underwear visible.  I don’t understand this!  You want your suit to dry off as soon as possible once you’re out of the water. Cotton (boxer) briefs don’t allow that.  But I digress… 

I was unable to complete the Week 1 workout – at least with the freestyle stroke.  I got to my third 100m and had to switch to the sidestroke – I could not get enough air in between strokes and I
started swallowing water.  I think I went out too fast.  In any case, I am sure my arms will be a little weak tomorrow.

According to the workout, which says you can swim a mile after six weeks if you follow the program, I need to swim three times a week.  I should iterate here that this is not my goal.  I am merely using swimming as a cross-training activity so I have some variation – right now it’s just elliptical and stationary bicycling.  As I’ve said before, cross-training is twice a week.

Because of today’s performance, I know I have a long way to go.  It felt eerily similar to when I started running over a year ago – barely able to jog for 3 minutes.  It was definitely eye-opening.  I have a newfound appreciation for swimmers like Ryan Lochte (see above) – meaning, those that compete at any athletic level.  I consider myself a fairly good swimmer, but I have never done laps before today.  We shall see how I develop - skill- and body-wise.

Thirty minutes on the elliptical - I worked out at 'Level 2' today - ooooh!  I had only done 'Level 1' before, which is the easiest one.  I stepped it up a bit because this is Week 1 of the 14 week pre-half marathon program and I feel like challenging myself even on the shorter workouts - I was definitely breathing harder, but I did it.  I had the cardio room all to myself, and am enjoying Season 4 of Oz on my iPod.

On my way to run errands, I realized I forgot my phone at the gym.  However, I turned that lemon into a big ole glass of lemonade!  When I went back to work, I printed out my utility bill (a requirement of residence) and stopped by Copeland Park (of the Tampa Parks & Recreation Department) and signed up for and purchased a rec card, which once it comes in, I can use to swim laps in the pools.  I won't have to bike or shimmy on the elliptical for cross-training all the time.  Woot woot!