Vitamin D!

The early gorgeous weather is back! More florals to follow, but for now, I will dash out and supplement my vitamin intake on the front step ... this time without the camera.

P.S. If you click, you can almost see the pollen falling ...

Sing, Sing, Sing!

A male cardinal in a neighbour's tree yesterday. N.B. Allergic people — that Manitoba maple is set to pop! Click for a bigger bird.

Monday Miscellany ...

♦ A bit for Jenny and other dessert afficionados out there.
♦ If you happen to be in Long Beach June 4 - 6, this would be an interesting experience!
♦ The weather is to bounce around temperature wise again this week — they are calling for lows of -7°C or -8°C tonight and Tuesday, and a high of 24°C (!!!) on Saturday! Oh, wardrobe don't fail me now!
♦ Last evening's lane swim was much more civilized (although I will point out that there was an astounding variation of speeds in the fast lane as evidenced by the fact that I was catching a certain freestyler while I was swimming backstroke!).
♦ Hopefully the groove will continue this week, as my plan is to swim today, tomorrow, and long course on Thursday. Friday morning we have our Easter mini-camp (it includes 3 hours of pool time for participants). Although I'm not completely convinced it qualifies as a Good Friday if one needs to be at the pool for 06:30.

MOPH ...

I gazed at the lane with some incredulity before I got in. I chatted with some lifeguards, delaying the inevitable. Nine, count 'em, nine people in the fast lane. Someone said to me, "Welcome to my own personal hell!" Clearly it wasn't just her personal hell, because there I was. That is what I get for sleeping in! I actually walked to the wall several times there were such traffic jams!

I'm hoping for a better outing to the pool today, although I am fairly congested, so it may be a pokier swim than I had in mind. With the holiday weekend coming up (Good Friday and Easter Sunday are EPC holidays here and the university pool is closed all weekend), best to get as much done this week as possible!

However, The Boarder has pointed out many times today that my problems pale in comparison with his!



Pictured: The Boarder, indoors. The Other Black Cat, outside, acting like he Owns That Deck! Click for larger felines. And yes, I need to clean the windows. Including the nose prints.

Ooops!

I really had intended to go to practice this morning. But evidently I was dazed and confused when I slid the alarm button from off to music. This because the alarm was set to 5:45, which is really when I need to leave the house when taking the bus. I rolled over. And now I have to make up a workout! Good thing I swam long course on Thursday. So now I will have to swim at noon or 4:00. It truly is a good thing there is a pool right around the corner ...

For those of us who regularly follow The Sartorialist or simply have an abiding affection for felines, with a hat tip to Jenny, I bring you The Catorialist. And now I'll go pack my swim bag!

Swim Bit

I know I mentioned that there have been some dismal training numbers over the past couple of weeks — well the Two Pats, Young Jason and I set out to remedy some of that today. The point, as far as I am concerned, of venturing out to Nepean to swim long course on Thursdays is to work on my weaknesses. When I saw the practice Coach Duane sent I thought to myself, "Self, way, way too much freestyle!" I don't know if that was wise or not!

The assigned practice was:

♦ 400 free warm-up
♦ 3 x 400 free descend 1-3, 1:00 RI
♦ 400 free easy

So I did the warm-up, but decided to try to swim the 3 x 400 as IM. Having swum a sum total of one 400 IM long course in practice as a grown-up, I also decided just getting through them was a better choice than descending 1-3. In fact I ended up descending 1-2 (7:55, 7:40) and then just got through the last one. And I was pleased enough with that. The first one I went out 2:05, the second 1:55, doing an energy conservation style fly. Instead of 1:00 RI, we were going with about 1:30 rest. The 400 cool down I did as IM drills.

Now that I can feel my shoulders and arms, I think that perhaps this should be a benchmark workout. We are now eight weeks out from Nationals. Doing that practice a few times over two months could give me a bit more confidence going into the 400 IM day (that day also happens to include the 100 fly and a medley relay).

Kudos to Young Jason, he did the last 400 timed, going out 2:40 finishing up in 5:25. And he stayed in the pool, while we older gals hit the showers!

Bits!

First a couple of exercise related bits:

♦ Masters Swimming Canada linked to this article on antioxidants and working out
♦ Swimming World noted the passing of the inventor of butterfly with dolphin kick

And now a bit of garden:



Click to enlarge if you like.

Tuesday Tidbits ...

Well, I got a pretty decent swim in yesterday — young lifeguard and budding triathlete Jason was there so we were able to do a couple of sets together. Although instead of seeing a film the Three Movieteers had a very nice dinner at Theo's ... so I'm not convinced I'm getting ahead on the calories in calories out equation! I'll do better as the week progresses. That's my story and I'll be sticking to it!

In other swimming news, I am now over the 725,000 metres swum mark since September 1 '08, well ahead of where I expected to be when I started tracking!

It is a cool, drizzly day here in the National Capital with a possibility of freezing rain — a definite change from the May-like weather we've been enjoying. But in the sun yesterday, the first bulbous irises showed their faces.



Click for larger than life flowers!

There and Back Again!

I dashed off Friday to take the train to Dorval, in order to take the shuttle to Trudeau, so I could take the bus to Tremblant and catch up with a great bunch of people*! Aside: It is a real testament to this country that you can mill about the train station chatting with a former prime minister without any kind of security in sight.

We ate, drank and made merry — and some people even got out on the hills. And we laughed — sometimes till we cried. From haute cuisine to kitsch, we sampled it all.



Grand as it was, though, it is now time to buckle down after a fairly disasterous training week. I'm thinking climbing hills to and from restaurants does not count as exercise, so all I could log last week was two swims!

The Boarder, since I dashed back yesterday, is taking advantage of the situation to ensure I understand my role in life!

* Among them Brent and Jenny. Special thanks to those who helped out and made it possible for me. You know who you are!

In Lieu of Puppies ...

Today I bring you an entirely different kind of cuteness!

Celebrate Green Things!

Not just crocuses and dipterans out this week, but hymenopterans, too! And me. I'll be out and about this morning.

This is turning into a Bad Training Week! Last night Coach Duane wasn't feeling well, so I took practice. At that point I thought I might do pulleys after visiting Tipper, but my plans changed when I had the opportunity to see six three day old puppies and hold them in my hands!! Clearly puppies trump pulleys. And of course it is March break, so lane swims are a bit of a muddle.

The weather is to be practically tropical again today — I saw on the local news this morning they expect the paddy-os to be very busy! Celebrate safely all!

P.S. Today's photo is probably worth a click!

Just Buzzing About!

And I am too!

PB!

Click for a bigger crocus if you like.

Meet Report

I'm feeling pretty good about this meet!

In December I swam a GUBT in the 100 IM (1:29.3). It was the first event off the blocks this morning, and today I went 1:27.5. So that was a great way to start the morning!

The 50 breast I went :43.5 — that happens to be exactly where I was in December. My left groin was really irritated today, so I'm more than okay with that. In fact, I was busy icing after this one.

Finally, the 200 IM. What I really wanted to achieve was a decent 50 fly split. At that point I knew I'd have to back off the kicking. I was out in :38.? — and I'm pleased with that. I didn't really kick after that, and finished up in 3:15.?, just a second away from the GUBT I swam in February. So that tells me I have a significantly better 200 IM in me — maybe for Nationals.

It's a lovely day out there, and partly because warm-up was at 07:00, we have much of the day left to enjoy!

Desperately Seeking Goggles!

To answer Lily on the Road's question, I've been looking for replacement goggles around town including at Cyclelogik. And finding myself staring at the $200 wetsuit ... So I'll be testing another pair this afternoon and having a nice dunk in the hot tub. Probably mostly the latter!

Here's a swim bit I came across today: Masters Swimming Canada has a link up to this article on peak performance and circadian rhythms.

Semi-random Thoughts ...

Tomorrow, I'm planning to spend the whole day in yoga pants! Except when I'm in a swim suit, of course.

♦ Much to The Boarder's dismay, I have scheduled visits with Tipper ... although the black cat who lives here won't feel nearly so badly if I take the claw clippers over!
♦ It's also off to the Sportsplex in the morning for some long course metres with the two Pats.
♦ I may or may not come back via Cyclelogik & the bank machine — I'll play that one by ear! If not today there's always tomorrow.
♦ Back here for a bit, then off to Ottawa U for practice.

After last night's practice (which, incidently I fervently believe tried to kill me) I thought I'd do a recovery swim and hot tub dunk today. And boy, let me tell you, the first couple of hundred metres today felt bad. But as I continued along, things evened out a bit. And as Angus was swimming with me, I decided we could do some sprinty bits with quality rest. We finished that up with 8 x 25 on :45 — he did free and I did fly. The head guard then told us that people in other lanes were standing around watching us swim! And the hot tub dunk was welcome.

Singing Up A Storm!

Well, the thermometer may read 3°C at the airport, but here in our little south facing microclimate I was quite comfortable outside in jeans, a tank top and lightweight cashmere sweater. I know that won't be the case when I head off to see Dr. Susan a little later. So I opened the window for The Boarder and what did we hear? A Serenade to Spring!

This little fellow was singing away on my next door neighbours' upper veranda, and another down the street was singing in answer! 'Tis spring, and male house finches thoughts turn to territoriality. And of course attracting a nice female finch! Please pardon the soft focus on the second shot, but I really had to push the limites of the zoom! The first is probably worth a click though.

Sunny Days!

With the forecast high 8°C again today (46°F), The Boarder has High Hopes of enjoying similar circumstances today! Yes, the window is up! He is supervising my activities while stationed in a favourite cardboard box. Of course you can click for a Bigger Boarder. Also for larger than life crocus shoots posted yesterday.

In a crazy move, the three movieteers will head out this evening for a gander at Mr. Burton's vision of Wonderland. No, it's not Wednesday — we're livin' on the edge! But first there will be an assault on Laundry Mountain followed by a swim this afternoon.

Oh! What A Beautiful Morning!

Little Swim Bits ...

♦ There's another club meet bright and early next Saturday morning. 06:45 warm-up! Coach Duane and I decided it will be a fun meet for me, so I'll be swimming the 100 and 200 IM along with the 50 breast. Here Sprint Mojo, here! Come!
♦ We had a fine camp this morning. After 2.5 hours of coaching Pat N and I went for a most enjoyable breakfast!
♦ Shortly thereafter I had a brief swim with Emma working on freestyle endurance and whip kick. We finished off with handstands and multiple somersaults. Apparently now after three consecutive somersaults I get dizzy, but I don't know it till I stand up!
♦ Masters Swimming Canada recently linked to this article on why one should step up one's workout.
♦ Also I am strongly considering doing this come June. I'd be back in time for the 2K at Meech the following weekend, too!

Do You Think ...

It could be too early? Or are the garden bulbs on the right track? Is the freshness in the air is a sign of what's right around the corner?

Click for bigger signs of spring.

Meet Report ...

Well, there weren't too many people who had a brilliant meet yesterday. However, it was a chance to get in and swim a long course competition before Nationals.

I entered the 100 fly at 1:40. I swam 1:41.46. So pretty much where I thought I'd be, but not quite the way I thought. N.B. If we remember back to my first 100 fly short course, I could not finish it, so I had serious doubts about my ability to get this one done. I did indeed finish it legally. So yay for me! The first 50 felt wickedly easy, the last 25 lacked a great deal of forward momentum. I had actually envisioned the first 50 slower and the second faster, so now I've done it once (as a grown-up), we'll see what we can do about making it better in three months! But the first 50 felt so great that I don't think it should be slower. I just need to swim 100 long course fly once a week from now till Nationals. Or at least try to.

The 50 breast I entered at :45.0 and swam :44.57, and was reasonably pleased. I would dearly like just once to get a good start and not have to swim catch-up, but I think if it ever happens it will be a fluke!

We swam a mixed 200 free relay, just for fun, although I expect I am pleased there were no splits! ;-) I also need to see if I can find a little sprint mojo over the next couple of months!

The 50 fly I entered at :38.0, swam :38.80 and am okay with that. My GUBT is :38.37, so definitely within range.

And now back to regularly scheduled training!