Typical

Just when I try to get back is in the saddle and start running again, something always happens. I got back and started running for about 2 weeks, got the dog back in shape and everything. Then I starting feeling really tired and like I couldn't get enough oxygen, and I had this horrific cough. I get a cough every winter and didn't think anything of it, so I just stopped running and waited for the cough to go away. I kept waiting and waiting, and waiting. Needless to say, the cough never went away. Everyone kept telling me that I really should go to the doctor, but I kept putting it off. Mostly cause we can't really afford the dr. or the expensive insurance. We switched insurance companies to save some money before I am able to get insurance through work. Just when we switch, I decide that yes, maybe I should go to the dr. So I went yesterday, and wouldn't you know it, I have walking pneumonia. Lovely. So this means no running for a while, and then it is totally going to suck when I get back into it. I'll let you know when I'm back on track.

Am I nuts?!

I called my friend Jaimee today to ask her if she was running in a race anytime soon, cause I have been feeling kinda sliggish. Be careful what you ask for! She called me back and said yeah, we're running a half marathon, at the beginning of October. Oh, okay. I guess that means i need to go running now:) I really need to get a move on. I'm getting lazy in my old age. The crappy part is, it will take me longer to get back into the swing of things. I was doing so GOOD when I was training for the triathlon. man, i need to do that again. I think i'll be able to train for it next year. It doesn't look like I will be doing anything too crazy. yeah, famous last words. I'll have to see how this training goes. what do i get myself into?!

Events have conspired against me

I went for a short bike ride today. Only 5 miles. While I was riding I realized I haven't ridden the bike in 2 weeks! Yeah, so much for keeping up the training while working at Target. I have only been running twice in the last 2 weeks. Getting a raging case of tendonitis didn't help either! And now I've found out that we are supposed to register this weekend so that we can all go together in the same heat. And that means I would need to have 45$ to register. 45 bucks that we don't have right now, and if we did, I'd be buying stuff for class that is supposed to start at the end of August. Soooo, I guess that means that I won't be doing the triathlon after all. I think I'm going to keep up the training cause the cross training is great for my legs:) But, no official triathlon for me at this point. I think there is one at the Y sometime in the winter, but I'm not sure. Maybe I'll so that one. We'll see.

Ouch! OUCH! Ouch!

Getting old sucks! Okay, so I'm really not that old in the whole grand scheme of things, but playing basketball for 15 years really puts a lot of wear and tear on your body. Making your body SEEM like it's older than it really is. I had every intention of getting up this morning and going for a couple of miles with the dog. He hasn't been out in a week and really needed to get a move on. But alas, when I woke up my knee was SCREAMING!!! It hurt like crazy. Nothing like tendonitis to put a halt to all activities relating to a triathlon. This sucks. I was going to ride the bike yesterday, but it had started to hurt then (just al ittle twing, nothing major) and I was exhausted after work, So I was a lame-o and didn't go, kinda glad I didn't, cause then my knee would have REALLY hurt today. Yeah, so going up and down stairs is not fun, nor is getting up from sitting down. I know I said this already, but this really sucks. So for the week, I will be sucking down the Advil and using the ice, and hoping that it goes away by Monday so I can at least get on the bike then. Here's hoping.

Swimming still sucks

No bike ride today, went swimming instead. I suck at swimming. Actually I don't suck at it, I'm just not in shape to do it. I couldn't even do 2 laps in a row. I did one, was completely exhausted, waited a half hour, then did another lap. This is not going to be good. The upside is that I don't have to actually do all the laps in the pool at this triathlon. I found out that they just add minutes on for any laps you don't finish. So I am going to see how it goes before that, but I have a feeling I'm not going to be doign all the laps. But I am going to try and do a few. I guess this is really a good one to start out with. Otherwise, I'd be toast!

A good run

Riddick and I went for a few miles today. I really wish he would get over his thing for other dogs. I spent a few minutes during said run trying to control him. Yeah, trying to keep a 130lb great dane from crossing the road is NOT fun. We really need to work on that. I know I said I was going to go for a bike ride yesterday, but that was before I realized I had to work a full 8 hour shift. That was not fun. By the time I was done all I wanted to do was sit down and slide into a vegetative state. So, no bike ride yesterday. Maybe tomorrow, although Sean was talking about going to the pool, so maybe I'll do some laps. This is all completely dependent on the rain factor, it hasn't rained for 2 days here, so that means we are due for some good thunderstorms. Maybe we'll get lucky and it will be nice tomorrow. Then again, maybe not. I don't think I have to work 8 hours tomorrow, so I should be able to do something, no matter what it might be. I hope, anyway.

Running between the raindrops

After sleeping in this morning, Riddick and I set out at 7 for a run. Hey, when you usually get up at 3am, 7 is sleeping in! It had been raining before I got up, but I thought I would chance it. I don't mind running in the rain anyway, most people don't bother. I like to, cause it makes me "cool!" At least in my own mind it does:) We got most of the way done before the rain started up again, luckily. Riddick doesn't like the rain, so he would have been a pain in the butt if it had been raining any earlier or any harder. It was a good run, not great, but not bad. We actually went all 2.5 miles without stopping. Except for the water fountain, of course. Dog had to get his drink on the way back. Tomorrow will be the bike again, at least if I can motivate myself to go after I get done with work.

maybe I can do this

I actually was able to go out on the bike today. Only went 5 miles, but I figured that was better than nothing. It's really difficult to get myself motivated after getting up at 3am and then working for 6 hours, to come home, change, and go run or bike. It's just ont appealing. But I was able to do it. I'll be getting up early, cause I'm used to it, (not 3am) and going for a run when it's cooler. I didn't get out on the bike until 11am and it was already starting to get a little warm, but I dealt with it, not biggy. But to run with the dog it needs to be cool. He was excited and thought he was coming with me when I came down in my bike shorts and t-shirt. He was so disappointed, well as disappointed as a dog can be.

I'm a slug

This new job is kickin my butt. Not only that, but the rest of my schedule makes it so hard to workout. I am planning on getting in 2 days of running this week, as well as at least 2 rides on the bike. However, I'll be happy with just one. Working at 4am has it's good points, but when I get home, even though it's at 10am, I'm still tired. I really need to get something worked out. I was so excited that I was able to run this last week, abd I was totally planning on biking on Saturday,t but had a meeting so couldn't go. I need to get a more organized schedule, so I can fit everything in.

And I-I-I-I-I'm back in the game:)

I was able to go for a run today. Yay! Which means I think i'll be able to get back into training. Working at Target early morning is great for getting up and getting stuff done, but it's hell on the feet, and the back. I'm used to the hours and the standing, so the legs, back and feet are feeling better so I am able to run. I'm going to try to keep the runs on days when I don't work and do the swimming and biking on days when I'm on my feet for 8 hours.
ps. anyone know where the title comes from?

Another 10

I was able to get out early enough and do 10 miles on the bike today. WOOHOO!! now if I could just get off the bike without my tailbone or my wrists hurting like CRAZY!!! i really tried to concentrate on not leaning so hard on my hands today, it helped a little. There is this bike seat at Target that I saw that I think might work for the tailbone issue I'm having. It was lower through the middle and at the back, so maybe it would work. I might have to splurge and try it, especially if I am going to be riding all the time. Another issue I would be having is what this training is doing to my legs!!! Ya know, if genetics weren't enough, bikes and my legs just don't go together. I would have what my family and I like to call the "wolf butt." It's completely inherited and I would not be the only member of my family to possess such an attraction. However i guess I would also have what could be considered the "wolf legs." And anyone with large thighs knows the issues that I deal with. Now, my legs aren't fat, actually, they've gotten even less so since I've been biking AND running. I think they may be alittle thinner, especially in the inner thigh area. (sorry, that might be tmi for some) But the thighs have definitely gotten BIGGER!!! How in the heck am I supposed to buy a pair of pants that fit over these darn things. That would be one reason I buy men's jeans, cause they fit. I guess manufacturers think that girls can't have big legs, so we won't make them big, unless of course, you're over weight and big all around. And throw into the mix someone with a 35" inseam. Oh, yeah, now we're talking. So I guess I'm doomed to wear men's jeans forever. I get really bummed when I watch "What not to wear" and see all those cool jeans they have on there. Yeah, that ain't gonna happen here. Okay, enough ranting about jeans that don't fit. Until next workout:)

Short bike ride

The new job at Target is killing my feet and my back, so I'm trying to stay away from running until i get used to being on my feet for 8 hours. I also work from 4am to 10 or 12, so I don't get home until it's pretty hot, so running might not be a good option. Yesterday I went for a short ride on the bike. Just 5 miles, but it felt good to do something. Sean and I should be getting a membership to the YMCA pretty soon. At least we are trying to. I really need somewhere to swim. ugh.

training on hold

I have started my job at Target, and it's killing me. At least it is until I get used to the schedule, and being on my feet for 7 hours!! So I think for this week, training will be on hold. I don't have to work Wednesday, or Saturday so I'll probably do something those days. We are trying to get a membership to our local Y, so I might be able to go swimming before the end of the week as well. I'll let you know how that goes:) i think I'll be doing a lot more swimming since I work early mornings, and it gets pretty warm by the time I'm done. Eh, we'll see.

inching our way out

I went for a good run yesterday. We are slowly moving out three miles. I don't know how the dog feels about that though. Actually, I might not be able to take him with me for 3 miles, I think that might be too much for him, but I'm not sure. For now, we do 2.5 and it works well. He's a real pain when there are other dogs and it really makes me mad while we are running. I can't seem to make him behave, but we're working on that. I was supposed to go for a bike ride today, but had to get up for work at 3am. Tomorrow is another early day, which means I won't be able to work out again. I'm going to have to get my schedule straight so I can fit everything in.

Long bike ride

I DID IT!! I DID IT!!! I went 2 laps around, completed 10 miles on the bike today. YAY!!!!! So, I'm a little excited about it, so shoot me:) I wish I could find a flatter place to train. The park has no fewer than 5 hills from start to finish. The first one is a doozy. I hate it, that's why I park by it and go that direction first to get it over with, and now I have to do it twice. Ugh. But I did it, I managed to remember that water bottle, which I was grateful for during that second lap. I remembered to screw on the arm bar thingy, although it wasn't quite tight enough and kept moving around on me. Will have to work on that later in the week. I never realized how much I depend on my hands and arms for coordination on the bike. I must say, I don't have very good balance on a bike. Scary, when you are on the road with cars!!!!! Anyway, I'm going to have to work on the leaning thing. Once I put my elbows on the handlebars I start to weave. I need to work on keeping it steady. I have 2 1/2 months to work on that. I'll be doing that, cause my wrists HURT. I have gotten better at not leaning on them soo much and it has helped, but I still lean, so I still hurt. My tailbone is still protesting the longer trip around the park. ouch. nothing like trying to sit during the day when you have a sore tailbone. oh, what fun!

lazy day

I bagged the workout today. Not good. My insomnia kept me up late last night, so I couldn't get outta bed this morning like I needed to to go for a ride. I had to be at Target by 9am, to officially accept a job. ha. anyway. And today was insanely crazy so I didn't have any time to ride later. So bummed. Will ahve to double up tomorrow. maybe.

Short run

I took Saturday and Sunday off. Saturday we had entirely too much to do. Supposedly there was a huge neighborhood garage sale going on, someone neglected to tell everyone, I think:) Although, it might have been the rain that kept people away. Anyway, the reason I didn't work out was due to sitting in front of my house while no one came to buy my junk. And then when it was time to pack up, it started to POUR!! So yeah, wasn't going out in that. And Sunday, well, Sunday is a day of rest and I never work out on Sunday. So that brings us to today. I haven't run since last Wednesday, not that I am complaining. I did the pool and the bike but no running. I'm kinda glad, but it was okay today. The entire time I was wondering what the heck am I doing a triathlon for?! Do I like to torture myself, is that it? I think so. Actually I needed something to take my mind off the fact that dh and I can't get pregnant, something else to focus on. Torture can definitely take your mind off that:) So it's onto to the bik tomorrow. Hmmmm, 10 or 5? We'll see what happens.

2 workouts today

I went for 5 miles on the bike today. I was planning on doing 10 miles, but Sean had to go to work, and needed the truck. So I had to hurry and get a workout in and get back home. I was thinking of going running, but I didn't feel like it, and I knew I would be missing a workout tomorrow, so I opted out of another run this week. I figure, I've done 2 runs, that's good enough for this week. The girls wanted to go to the pool, so I figured that I could swim some laps while we were there. Holy cow, I had trouble doing one lap. I guess I need more than one day to recover . At least until I'm in better shape. Then I could probably swim 2 days in a row, but I don't think I'll be doing that anyway.

swimming, fun but it sucks

Went for a swim today. Went with my friend Jaimee, had to keep up, or at least not look like a total loser. So I pushed myself harder than I probably would have had I gone on my own. Which is a really good thing, actually. I'd forgotten how much I loved swimming. It's hard, but it's so good for you, no impact, uses all your muscles. Love it. It about killed me today though:) I actually was able to do 4 whole laps. Not all at once, mind you, but I did them, without too much rest in between. That is a good thing. I also did kickboard laps. For every lap I swam I would follow that with 2 laps with the kickboard. At least with the kickboard, I knew that I wasn't going to drown. Which, when it comes to dying, that is my worst fear, drowning. I'm lucky I can even get in the water:) Anyway. I forgot my water bottle when I went, and then I had class. Which meant I had to stop at the grocery store on my way to class to pick up some Gatorade. Hey, if I have to pay for a drink, I'm getting something better than water. Holy crap, I drank the entire thing and then refilled it with water and drank that too. And I (TMI) didn't have to go to the bathroom, which means I sweat pretty good in the pool. Yay! I'm hoping the more pool workouts I do, the skinnier I'll get. BUT, I mentioned this before., the hunger may be my downfall. Although, and this is weird for those that know what I eat, I haven't felt the affection for candy and junk that I usually feel. I've wanted, gasp, spinach salad! And other food along those lines, can you imagine?! Me and health food, what is this world coming to? Tuesday we should be getting our pool pass, so I will be able to go to the pool on a regular basis, until I get in good swimming shape. I think I might skip a run during the week to fit in another pool workout. I don't think I am going to mind that one! The dog might not like it though, he likes going for our morning runs.

running

Took Riddick for a longer run today. Actually got him to run more than 2 miles, and only stopped once for a drink. It amazes me how much easier 2 miles is when you have to worry about the dog and not how much your feet or your back or the rest of your body hurts.

Short ride

I had 10 miles planned for the bike. I even found the arm rest thingy that goes on the handle bars. However, 1) I didn't put the bar on at the house, where I had the proper tools and 2) a huge thunderstorm rolled in just as I was about to go onto the 2nd lap. Talk about timing:) When the alarm went off this morning I was hoping that it was raining outside so I had a real good excuse not to go. But alas, it was not to be. I actually had to get up and go ride. Actually it was a good thing. I was able to ride between storms, so I got my workout in. yeah.

Maybe not

Okay, I changed my mind again:) Running wasn't so bad this morning. Took Riddick with me and we ran almost the entrie 2.5 miles. It's so muc more enjoyable when you have someone to talk to, even if he doesn't answer back. We're working up to 3, I'm hoping I won't have to go there by myself. Running alone it the worst thing in the world. After some house cleaning a friend called and asked if I wanted to come hang out at her pool. Uh, YEAH! So I headed on over and mostly laid out in the sun. I did manage to get in a few laps. The pool isn't nearly as big as the one that I was at on Saturday so I was able to go a little farther. Or at least it seemed like it:) I also did several laps, although I rested in between them. I figure that is better than only doing one a day. Right?

A run and a swim

I've renewed my opinion that running sucks! I had to go on Saturday without the dog and since I went so early, I didn't even bother to ask anyone to run with me. It was torture! The first mile was okay, got through it no problem. The second mile, well that wasn't so ok. In fact, it was horrible. All I kept thinking was how much I hate running by myself and wishing it would be over soon. Ugh, not a good thing. After running dh and I did LOTS of yard work. I ran a rototiller to clear out a bunch of ground so we could plant and then mulched everything. Anyway, the point is, when we were done we decided to go to the pool. oh, boy. I figured, hey, while we are here, let me see what I can do. Oh, yeah. NOT pretty. I couldn't even do one entire lap free style. And I have to do 10 by the end of AUGUST! AAAUURGH! So I think I'll be going to the pool pretty often in the next couple of weeks so I can get my endurance up. Cause if I don't, I might as well say, no thanks to that triathlon. oy, this is going to be fun.
On a side note. Holy Hungry!! I didn't realize how much I had been working out until Friday when I couldn't seem to get full. I was starving all day long. And I thought I might have a chance at losing some weight while training. HA. we'll see about that.

5 mile bike

I actually remembered my water bottle this morning when I was leaving to go for a bike ride. Then I put it on the tail gate of the truck. I found it when I got home from the park after riding only 5 miles. The good part about todays ride was that at the end I totally felt like I could make another lap. I would have to, except it's starting to get insanely hot here and I got a late start. And since my water didn't make it all the way to the park with me, well, I thought I better not chance it. Next week, I am totally doing 10 miles, water or no water. I need to get a move on. One thing I definitely need to do before I go on the 10 miler is put the arm rest bar on the handle bars. That is one thing that kills me about riding. My wrists end up wicked sore, and I haven't figured out a way to ride to fix that. I'm hoping the arm rest will do the trick. Hopefully I'll be swimming next week. And we can ALL laugh about how badly I do. oy, can't wait.

Great Running Day

I finally got to get in a run. Yeah. We, me and Riddick, went an entire 2 miles with a half mile walk in there. We went at 9am and it was already getting too hot for the poor puppy. By the time we were done he was panting like a freight train. Which means when I go running with him, I'm going to have to get my butt outta bed early to beat the heat. The humidity at the moment is killer, I fell like I'm back in Williamsburg. I remember once when we went running early and it was so humid sweating was a waste of time. Oh, those were the days:) I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to get out again, you should have heard the thunder that woke us up at 6am this morning. It was crazy and went on forever, but by the time we left, it was drying up. In a matter of speaking.

Excuses, excuses

I was supposed to run today. I didn't. The weather is not cooperating. I was actually excited when I got up this morning since it was sprinkling and the dog HATES the rain, any amount of rain. I thought, "yes, I can run a little farther today!" Then I took Riddick out for his lap around the block. While we were out it started to thunder, then it started to pour!! Yeah, sprinkling I can handle, pouring rain, uh, not so much. For me, if I don't get going in the morning, I can forget about it, I have too much else to do. So I'm home cleaning, while it's dark and dreary outside, and yes, still raining. I hope it stops sometime tonight so I can make up for it tomorrow.

Just call me chicken

I was supposed to up the bike ride to 10 miles today. Didn't happen. Couldn't do it. I used the excuse that I forgot my water. AGAIN. Which I did, and not on purpose. And of course, once I realized I had forgotten it, I was totally thirsty. As I was doing the 5 mile loop I was thinking, I could still do another lap, I could really do it, I can, I can. Then I got to were my truck was parked, and well, my leg was numb, and I was DYING of thirst. So I stopped. Totally chickened out. The place were I ride is a 5 mile loop and once you get started there is no short cut, unless you turn around, and there isn't really anywhere to turn around, sooooo. If I would have started that second lap, I would have had to finish it. I should stop being so chicken! As for the leg, I'm guessing that it has to do with my back. Not sure, but the toes were completely numb when I got off the bike, not a fun thing. And I'm having trouble sitting, because my tailbone hurts so darn much. Nothing like going to my calc class for 3 hours when it hurts to sit down. Oh, this is going to be fun!

Running sucks

Supposedly the more you run the easier it gets. Yeah right! Actually I really don't mind running. While playing basketball for Duquesne, our off season was runing 2 to 5 miles at a time, which means we did about 10 - 15 miles a week. I kinda got addicted to it then, and have been running ever since. I was able to run with a great group of women in Williamsburg. Every Saturday morning we would head out to Colonial Williamsburg or the Colonial Parkway, running anywhere from 3 to 8 miles. I can't say I loved every minute of it, but I enjoyed the sweat and exercise while gabbing with my friends. There are supposed to be about 8 other women doing this triathlon, I can't seem to get any of them to run or bike with me. Sooooo, that means I do it on my own. Today I took the dog out. He's getting better, more in shape and able to run longer with me. However, even in the Burgh we need to get started earlier than we did today. I had to go see the chiropractor early, and didn't get home until 9:30, which means we didn't go run until after 10. Ugh, it was already too hot for Riddick. He was dying by the end of the first mile. So we had to find a water fountain ASAP and get him a drink. The great thing about having a great dane for a running partner, you don't have to carry a bowl, cause he's tall enough to drink right outta the fountain:) So instead of running 2 miles and walking a half, we ran about 1.5 and walked the other half. Not good. But I got my running in, so I guess it was better than not doing anything, which I was totally tempted to do this morning! Tomorrow, it's the bike for 10 miles. I'm hoping my butt can handle it.

Biking

I went for 5 miles on the bike today. I could have gone more, but I went without water and my wrists were killing me. I actually felt like I could have done another 5, which is a good thing. That means that next week I will be able to 10 miles, no problem. I need to put an arm leaning bar on the bike, cause riding kills my wrists. I guess I lean too much on my hands, but I'm not sure what else I am supposed to do. You would not believe how chicken I am when it comes to riding a bike. I hate going fast down hills and will put the brakes on. I'm scared I'll hit a hole and fall over. And I'm terrified that someone is going to run me over with their car. So all of these make for such an enjoyable ride:) At least where I ride there is a bike lane and people are used to the bikes, so they pay attention and it's pretty safe. Maybe by the time the race is here, I'll be over all my stupid fears:) My butt still hasn't gotten used to the seat, I think I may need to get some actual bike shorts, you know, the ones with gel pads, or a seat that has gel in it. Something has to be done or I'm never going to make it 11 miles.

Running with the dog

We now have a Great Dane that I can use as a running partner. He's great. He loves being outside, and actually has started to enjoy going for a run. There are just a few problems with using him as a running partner. One would be his being out of shape. The girl we got him from was not an exercise person, her version was a walk around the block. So, while he's getting better, I still don't want to run him a full 2 miles yet. Needless to say this may put a crimp in my running schedule. But I think I can work with it. Another problem is his dislike of other large dogs. He's the sweetest dog in the world, lets the kids crawl all over him, is really lovey dovey, but show him another dog and he turns into an idiot. I run at the nearby park and people walk their dogs there all the time, all day long. So there is seldom a time when there isn't an encounter. Just this morning we were running and someone with a Golden Retriever was coming the other way. Oy, what a pain. Luckily he has a choke collar on him and he listens pretty well. Does anyone have any idea what it's like to stop 130 pounds of dog. I'm just hoping that the chain doesn't pop one of these days when he's ready to attack someone. I must say though, he's getting better. I don't have to fight with him near as much as I did when we first started running. He's nothing like my Yellow Lab that would run right next to me and wouldn't leave that spot, unless he spotted a deer or a squirrel, and then he didn't really try to go very far. I'm hoping that as I increase my distance Riddick will be able to go with me, so I won't get too bored. Since the rest of the people training for this thing seem to be otherwise occupied when I want to run.

Getting started

I've decided that I need to document the trials of training for this triathlon I signed up for. What the heck was I thinking? Somewhere near the beginning of May a few women from our ward/church decided that they were going to be doing a triathlon at the end of August. So we have all summer to train. I said, "Sure, I'd love to try that!" I've never tried anything that crazy before. For the past couple of years there has been a group from our ward that does the triathlon at the YMCA. It's not too strenuous and it's usually pretty fun, from what I've heard. It's always been on a weekend when we have had plans and I haven't been able to go. So I feel at a distinct disadvantage since I have no idea what I am getting myself into. We'll see how things progress. The race is a 330 yd swim, 11 Mile bike, and a 5K run. The running and biking are not going to be a problem. i already run at least 6 miles a week already. Granted, they are usually in 2 mile intervals, but pushing it up to 3.5 isn't going to be too difficult. The bike riding is harder than I thought it was going to be, I must admit. But, it's not going to be as hard as the swimming. I'm up to 5 miles on the bike. A few of the reasons that I have only gotten this far are; 1) I'm not as familiar with the bike as I'd like to be, it doesn't shift when I want it to, to the gear I want it to. It can be a real pain. 2) While I am athletic, I haven't ridden a bike for any length of distance consistantly, um, lets say never, shall we?! Bike riding WAS just a fun thing to do with the hubby, yeah, not anymore. And reason 3) My butt can't handle the sudden increase in bike sitting time. Can I just say OUCH?! But I'm getting used to it, so I'm hoping that by next week I can be up to 10 miles at a time. As for the swimming, well, I live in a cold place and it just now got up to 75 for 5 days in row. Yeah, not cool. I don't have a membership to the YMCA, so that won't work. So I must wait for the neighberhood pool to open. It will open in 2 weeks. We are getting a family pass, which my step daughters think is great. We'll see, when we go to the pool for the 4th week in a row. They tend to spend a lot of their pool time playing in the grass under the trees, which I really don't understand. But, eh, whatever makes them happy. The swimming part really is going to be the death of me. I used to coach D1 basketball and everywhere we went, well there was a pool in the hotel. So I would swim laps. Yeah, that was 3 years ago. I haven't done any laps in that amount of time. We've taken the kids to the pool, but that really doesn't count, since we don't actually swim! So I can honestly say it's been 3 years since I have been in any kind of swimming shape. oh, this is going to be fun.