Tomorrow is the big day. Five months of training, planning, and praying comes to a head Saturday morning, June 1st, when Team Centerville and I meet at the Lake Chicot State Park for the eighth swimming of the Chicot Challenge.
Thursday morning, I met John at Twin Rivers and I swam 1,300 meters in 29:52. That's pretty slow. The seven-mile run Wednesday left me depleted. I went home and prepared for the Lions' Club meeting. I thought I gave a nice presentation on the swim and diabetes. No one donated there, but they have the DFM address, and I pray that some checks will roll in. After lunch, I thought about taking a short shuffle, but felt like I needed a nap more. I took the nap.
This morning, I slept in, then drank some coffee while I worked on Sunday's sermon. I will finish packing in a bit and then just lounge around and expend as little energy as possible. I'm trying to get my mind right. Sixty percent of the swim in physical. The other seventy percent is mental.
Thank you, Jesus, that I get to return to Chicot as a swimmer.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Countdown 3
It's getting close and the crew is settled. If I keep doing this swim, will I have any friends left? Out is Justin Nunnery. Out a few years ago were Randy Beets and Robin Bond. Out is my son, Forrest. Out is Wilson and Spence Carroll. Out is MJ Staples. Who's in you say?
In in Charlie Turner making his first appearance on Team Centerville. In is Gerry Johnson, making his third Chicot. In is my wife who threatened that if I ever swam after dark again she was out. In in Debbie Johnson, Kelsey McLean, and Corey McLean. In is Gerald Johnson, my loyal captain. There you have it, the crew, Team Centerville, the 2019 version
Yesterday, I swam 2,000 meters in the big pool. Later in the afternoon, I shuffled for 7.31 miles. That should have the old legs in shape. Actually, I had rather not do that much running this close to Chicot, but I am struggling so to regain some shuffling fitness, that I could not say no to myself. If I run today, it will only be a very short one. I will not run or swim Friday, but will attempt to sleep in as late as possible.
At lunch today, I am speaking to the Lion's Club. If you read this before then and if you are a praying person, pray that God would give me favor with them and that I will sell a few shirts and raise some funds. Also pray that my message of the dangers of diabetes and a healthy lifestyle will have an impact. I'll let you know how it goes.
Praise be to Jesus.
In in Charlie Turner making his first appearance on Team Centerville. In is Gerry Johnson, making his third Chicot. In is my wife who threatened that if I ever swam after dark again she was out. In in Debbie Johnson, Kelsey McLean, and Corey McLean. In is Gerald Johnson, my loyal captain. There you have it, the crew, Team Centerville, the 2019 version
Yesterday, I swam 2,000 meters in the big pool. Later in the afternoon, I shuffled for 7.31 miles. That should have the old legs in shape. Actually, I had rather not do that much running this close to Chicot, but I am struggling so to regain some shuffling fitness, that I could not say no to myself. If I run today, it will only be a very short one. I will not run or swim Friday, but will attempt to sleep in as late as possible.
At lunch today, I am speaking to the Lion's Club. If you read this before then and if you are a praying person, pray that God would give me favor with them and that I will sell a few shirts and raise some funds. Also pray that my message of the dangers of diabetes and a healthy lifestyle will have an impact. I'll let you know how it goes.
Praise be to Jesus.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Countdown 4
Tuesday was one day closer to the Chicot Challenge. If you can believe it, John was on time at the pool. That makes three times out of maybe 400 or more. I was in the pool and swimming by 9:30. John wants to meet earlier, but I am trying to sleep in as long s possible this week.
I swam a simple 2,200 meters and left. My muscles had a little more snap in them this morning. That means the 2,500 I did on Monday did not back me up any. That also means the 2,200 today should have me even more fresh tomorrow. We'll see.
I thought about doing a spin session on the bicycle, but laziness took over and I lounged with the cats. This is cat week. I spend more time at home doing nothing. Cats like that. I like cats.
Thank you, Jesus.
I swam a simple 2,200 meters and left. My muscles had a little more snap in them this morning. That means the 2,500 I did on Monday did not back me up any. That also means the 2,200 today should have me even more fresh tomorrow. We'll see.
I thought about doing a spin session on the bicycle, but laziness took over and I lounged with the cats. This is cat week. I spend more time at home doing nothing. Cats like that. I like cats.
Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Countdown 5
It is Chicot week and I am feeling the excitement within my belly. This part never gets old. Monday, five days out, I took an easy swim in the big pool. John was thirty-three minutes late. I swam a slow and simple 2,500 meters.
Later in the day, I went out for a run. Despite the 90 degree heat and 47% humidity, some cloud overs and a nice breeze made it tolerable. I shuffled for 7.17 miles.
Plate City lay idle all day and probably will all week. I could actually feel my biceps muscles when I swam today, the result of Saturday's lifting session. This is the first time I ever lifted this close to a big swim. There will me no lifting this week with the possible exception of some leg work. Even that is somewhat doubtful.
Thursday I have a speaking engagement at the Lion's Club. Maybe I can raise some funds there. Thus far, we have sent in $1,185, a far cry from the $4,500 goal.
Well there is not so much to write now. I am not doing a lot although I will try to run a bit. I will even taper that off at the end of the week because that impacts my overall energy level. Now is time to start packing bags and doing mental imagery work.
Thank you, Jesus, for this event which makes me work hard, pray hard, and plan hard. Not only that, but thank you for Team Centerville, which are the only volunteers I have left.
Later in the day, I went out for a run. Despite the 90 degree heat and 47% humidity, some cloud overs and a nice breeze made it tolerable. I shuffled for 7.17 miles.
Plate City lay idle all day and probably will all week. I could actually feel my biceps muscles when I swam today, the result of Saturday's lifting session. This is the first time I ever lifted this close to a big swim. There will me no lifting this week with the possible exception of some leg work. Even that is somewhat doubtful.
Thursday I have a speaking engagement at the Lion's Club. Maybe I can raise some funds there. Thus far, we have sent in $1,185, a far cry from the $4,500 goal.
Well there is not so much to write now. I am not doing a lot although I will try to run a bit. I will even taper that off at the end of the week because that impacts my overall energy level. Now is time to start packing bags and doing mental imagery work.
Thank you, Jesus, for this event which makes me work hard, pray hard, and plan hard. Not only that, but thank you for Team Centerville, which are the only volunteers I have left.
Monday, May 27, 2019
5/20 - 5/26
The penultimate week before the 2019 Chicot Challenge was a pretty decent one. Monday I swam 3,300 meters. Tuesday I swam 1,736 meters, lifted weights, and ran 5.62 miles.
Wednesday I did my last long swim. I went to the pond and swam 6.35 miles in 3:44:33. Thursday I did a run of 6.51 miles and a swim of 1,828 meters. Friday I only swam 2,010 meters.
Saturday was a four-workout day, but the sessions were all small. I swam 1,000 meters in the big pool, ran 2.05 miles for workout number two, and did a squat session for number three. Later in the day I hit the whole upper body for number four, the stuff fitness is made of. For the week, I
swam - 20,091 meters
rowed - 3:30
lifted weights three times, and
ran 14.18 miles.
I have now swum 402,597 meters since the first of the year. That's 250 miles. I ought to be able to swim Chicot. Time will tell.
Thank you, Lord, for a good week of training.
Wednesday I did my last long swim. I went to the pond and swam 6.35 miles in 3:44:33. Thursday I did a run of 6.51 miles and a swim of 1,828 meters. Friday I only swam 2,010 meters.
Saturday was a four-workout day, but the sessions were all small. I swam 1,000 meters in the big pool, ran 2.05 miles for workout number two, and did a squat session for number three. Later in the day I hit the whole upper body for number four, the stuff fitness is made of. For the week, I
swam - 20,091 meters
rowed - 3:30
lifted weights three times, and
ran 14.18 miles.
I have now swum 402,597 meters since the first of the year. That's 250 miles. I ought to be able to swim Chicot. Time will tell.
Thank you, Lord, for a good week of training.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Four
"Four?"
"Yes."
"You did four workouts in one day?"
"I did. But they weren't big ones. Want to hear about it?"
"If you will give me another cup of coffee."
"Not a problem." After pouring us each a fresh cup, I sat down again and began to talk. "It started with . . . ."
"Wait. Let me guess. A swim."
"How perceptive of you. Yes, but it was only 1,000 meters."
"Why so short?"
"Next week is taper week. I want to go into the week partially rested. I had a pretty big week that tapered down at the end."
"OK. That makes sense. So what was next? A run or weights?"
"I went for a run, only 2.05 miles. And at home, I hit Plate City for some squats, three sets."
"Is that workout two or two and three?"
"That's two and three. The run and the weights, although back to back, are different workouts because they have different physiological goals and effects."
"OK. We have seen you do three before. What did you do for number four?"
"I studied and rested for a few hours then went back to Plate City. This time, I hit the upper body, the whole upper body. I did benches, flat and incline, curls, shoulder work, lat pull downs, and shrugs. Oh yeah, I also hit the rotator cuff. I always hit the rotator cuff."
"Well, that's a pretty big day."
"Pretty big. Next week, no more weights and the yardage tapers off dramatically."
"Are you ready for Chicot?"
"I have doubts. I always have doubts. I need a good taper. Oddly, a taper brings on doubts. But I've learned from the past that confidence it overrated. Audacity. That is the thing an endurance athlete needs. Audacity. And I have plenty of that."
"Yes."
"You did four workouts in one day?"
"I did. But they weren't big ones. Want to hear about it?"
"If you will give me another cup of coffee."
"Not a problem." After pouring us each a fresh cup, I sat down again and began to talk. "It started with . . . ."
"Wait. Let me guess. A swim."
"How perceptive of you. Yes, but it was only 1,000 meters."
"Why so short?"
"Next week is taper week. I want to go into the week partially rested. I had a pretty big week that tapered down at the end."
"OK. That makes sense. So what was next? A run or weights?"
"I went for a run, only 2.05 miles. And at home, I hit Plate City for some squats, three sets."
"Is that workout two or two and three?"
"That's two and three. The run and the weights, although back to back, are different workouts because they have different physiological goals and effects."
"OK. We have seen you do three before. What did you do for number four?"
"I studied and rested for a few hours then went back to Plate City. This time, I hit the upper body, the whole upper body. I did benches, flat and incline, curls, shoulder work, lat pull downs, and shrugs. Oh yeah, I also hit the rotator cuff. I always hit the rotator cuff."
"Well, that's a pretty big day."
"Pretty big. Next week, no more weights and the yardage tapers off dramatically."
"Are you ready for Chicot?"
"I have doubts. I always have doubts. I need a good taper. Oddly, a taper brings on doubts. But I've learned from the past that confidence it overrated. Audacity. That is the thing an endurance athlete needs. Audacity. And I have plenty of that."
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Friday
Friday is always a special day for me. It is the day God gave me. This time I started with a trip to the pastors' breakfast in North Carrollton. I had not been in a while. I missed the fellowship, and I know I won't go next week because I will be sleeping in before the big swim.
After the breakfast, I was scheduled to meet John at the little pool at 10:00 a.m. He was only five minutes late. What!?!?!?!? That is almost on time. I didn't swim much. I did a paltry
1,100 21:19
300 kick with fins
1,100
total: 2,200 yards = 2,010 meters.
That is all the training I did. I thought about going for a run and lifting weights. That's kind of like thinking about fishing but not going. I do a lot of that. Slim day training wise, but a good one. Penny and I went to Pappy's in Grenada for supper. We both had their big steak, 22 ounces. Nice. We will go back. The food and service were good, the atmosphere was quiet, and the drive over pleasant. Then we rode out to the lake. Water is going over the emergency spillway, and they were letting water out of the regular spillway.
Thank you, Jesus, for a good day.
After the breakfast, I was scheduled to meet John at the little pool at 10:00 a.m. He was only five minutes late. What!?!?!?!? That is almost on time. I didn't swim much. I did a paltry
1,100 21:19
300 kick with fins
1,100
total: 2,200 yards = 2,010 meters.
That is all the training I did. I thought about going for a run and lifting weights. That's kind of like thinking about fishing but not going. I do a lot of that. Slim day training wise, but a good one. Penny and I went to Pappy's in Grenada for supper. We both had their big steak, 22 ounces. Nice. We will go back. The food and service were good, the atmosphere was quiet, and the drive over pleasant. Then we rode out to the lake. Water is going over the emergency spillway, and they were letting water out of the regular spillway.
Thank you, Jesus, for a good day.
Friday, May 24, 2019
Thursday
John still won't get in the big pool. I bet the water is boiling by now.
So we were to meet at 7:30. John was twenty-two minutes late. Right on time for him.
I swam a mere
1,300 26:33!!!!!
200 kick with fins
700 13:26
total swim: 2,000 yards = 1,828 meters.
I mowed the lawn and once more managed not to get red bugs. Thank you, Jesus.
Then I went for a shuffle. I did 6.51 miles at a miserable 14:12 pace. Will my speed ever come back? I know, I know. I am thankful to be able to shuffle at any speed, but 14:00 per mile is pathetic.
Thank you, Jesus, for 14:00 per mile. Not long ago I thought that was gone for good.
So we were to meet at 7:30. John was twenty-two minutes late. Right on time for him.
I swam a mere
1,300 26:33!!!!!
200 kick with fins
700 13:26
total swim: 2,000 yards = 1,828 meters.
I mowed the lawn and once more managed not to get red bugs. Thank you, Jesus.
Then I went for a shuffle. I did 6.51 miles at a miserable 14:12 pace. Will my speed ever come back? I know, I know. I am thankful to be able to shuffle at any speed, but 14:00 per mile is pathetic.
Thank you, Jesus, for 14:00 per mile. Not long ago I thought that was gone for good.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Last Pond Swim
I made my last pond swim Wednesday.
What's that, you say?
Not my last pond swim ever, just my last one before this Chicot Challenge.
Ten days out from a marathon, I like to do a significant swim. Significant usually means long but not my longest. This time it meant my longest of the year.
As soon as I climbed out of the truck, that red-winged black bird was back hovering over me. I guess it was the same one. And the brown thrasher was back also. The gangs all here; let's have a party.
The party started with a 2.32 mile swim. I was relaxed like I have not relaxed anytime since the old days, two years ago. This is very important in marathon swimming. I felt like I was taking a nap.
After nutrition, round two of the party was a 2.02 mile swim. On that one I notice the red-winged black bird on a light line at the far end of the pond. Was it the same one? I don't know. They looked the same at least.
Round three was 1.18 miles. Now I was getting close. I left the house thinking I needed at least five miles and maybe seven. Round four's .83 gave me 6.35 for the day. I tapped out and went home. That's 10,217 meters, a pretty good day.
Thank you, Jesus.
What's that, you say?
Not my last pond swim ever, just my last one before this Chicot Challenge.
Ten days out from a marathon, I like to do a significant swim. Significant usually means long but not my longest. This time it meant my longest of the year.
 |
| She was back. |
As soon as I climbed out of the truck, that red-winged black bird was back hovering over me. I guess it was the same one. And the brown thrasher was back also. The gangs all here; let's have a party.
The party started with a 2.32 mile swim. I was relaxed like I have not relaxed anytime since the old days, two years ago. This is very important in marathon swimming. I felt like I was taking a nap.
 |
| Still worried about style. |
After nutrition, round two of the party was a 2.02 mile swim. On that one I notice the red-winged black bird on a light line at the far end of the pond. Was it the same one? I don't know. They looked the same at least.
Round three was 1.18 miles. Now I was getting close. I left the house thinking I needed at least five miles and maybe seven. Round four's .83 gave me 6.35 for the day. I tapped out and went home. That's 10,217 meters, a pretty good day.
Thank you, Jesus.
 |
| Not four hours but close. |
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Swim, Run, Lift
Yeah, I did it all. Yesterday. Tuesday.
John called and wanted to swim at 7:00 a.m. I wanted to swim at 10:00. After much pleading from him, we finally settled on 7:30 in the little pool. He got there at 7:41.
Yes, this kind of thing does aggravate me. It tests my sanctification, and I fail here often.
I am supposed to help preach his funeral. The other people involved probably won't go for it, but he needs to be late. Seriously, if I have my way, half way through the sermon his casket will be rolled in. That would only be appropriate.
I wasn't feeling it in the pool, and I was a bit pissed. I swam
1,200
400 kick with fins
500
200 kick with fins
100
total: 1,900 plus 600 kick
I left and John was still there. He wanted to swim 7:00 today. Yeah, right. I told him no. I hope to go to the pond today.
I went home and then took a run. It was hot but a nice breeze helped keep me from overheating. I did 5.62 with some multi-pacing. After that I rested for a while before going outside where I worked on my rotator cuffs and benched
13 X 100
8 X 120
7 X 140
4 X 145
2 X 150
This is as late as I have ever lifted before a marathon swim, eleven days out. This is also the heaviest I ever lifted before a marathon swim. I am thinking this will not hurt me although the conventional wisdom is not to lift three weeks out before a big swim event. I lifted the week of the meet before the Senior Olympics. If it hurt me I could not tell. Once more, as Mark Bell says, "Strength is never a weakness." I plan to lift once more this week, maybe Thursday, to hit those other upper body muscles. Probably I will not lift the week of. The week of is time for a radical taper.
I slept well and now just want to drink coffee. Praise the Lord for the bean.
John called and wanted to swim at 7:00 a.m. I wanted to swim at 10:00. After much pleading from him, we finally settled on 7:30 in the little pool. He got there at 7:41.
Yes, this kind of thing does aggravate me. It tests my sanctification, and I fail here often.
I am supposed to help preach his funeral. The other people involved probably won't go for it, but he needs to be late. Seriously, if I have my way, half way through the sermon his casket will be rolled in. That would only be appropriate.
I wasn't feeling it in the pool, and I was a bit pissed. I swam
1,200
400 kick with fins
500
200 kick with fins
100
total: 1,900 plus 600 kick
I left and John was still there. He wanted to swim 7:00 today. Yeah, right. I told him no. I hope to go to the pond today.
I went home and then took a run. It was hot but a nice breeze helped keep me from overheating. I did 5.62 with some multi-pacing. After that I rested for a while before going outside where I worked on my rotator cuffs and benched
13 X 100
8 X 120
7 X 140
4 X 145
2 X 150
This is as late as I have ever lifted before a marathon swim, eleven days out. This is also the heaviest I ever lifted before a marathon swim. I am thinking this will not hurt me although the conventional wisdom is not to lift three weeks out before a big swim event. I lifted the week of the meet before the Senior Olympics. If it hurt me I could not tell. Once more, as Mark Bell says, "Strength is never a weakness." I plan to lift once more this week, maybe Thursday, to hit those other upper body muscles. Probably I will not lift the week of. The week of is time for a radical taper.
I slept well and now just want to drink coffee. Praise the Lord for the bean.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Monday
I was supposed to meet John at Twin Rivers at 9:15. For once, I was the late one. I got there at 9:25. John's car was in the parking lot but there was no sign of John. What to do? I swam
300
1,200
800 countdown set
4 X 50 small paddles
300
total: 3,300 plus 300 kick with fins.
John came up between sets and said the water was too cold, and he went to the indoor pool. This probably sounds harsh, but I answered, "That is a level of sissy that is unacceptable."
Dude, the water is above 80. There were two babies in the wading pool while we chatted.
My wife, who is usually right, said I should be more understanding. He is an old man and old men don't like the cold and can't tolerate it well. Maybe. It wasn't many years ago, three, that he was pushing me to swim in the fall all the way down to 66. I was the one wanting to stop the madness.
Oh well. I had a decent swim. The rest of the day was consumed with business at 422 West Harding (Mom's house) and getting ready for our trip to Cleveland. Our granddaughter graduated from junior high. Wow. You want to hear about signs and wonders? The graduation ceremony started on time. I kid you not. Thank you, Jesus.
300
1,200
800 countdown set
4 X 50 small paddles
300
total: 3,300 plus 300 kick with fins.
John came up between sets and said the water was too cold, and he went to the indoor pool. This probably sounds harsh, but I answered, "That is a level of sissy that is unacceptable."
Dude, the water is above 80. There were two babies in the wading pool while we chatted.
My wife, who is usually right, said I should be more understanding. He is an old man and old men don't like the cold and can't tolerate it well. Maybe. It wasn't many years ago, three, that he was pushing me to swim in the fall all the way down to 66. I was the one wanting to stop the madness.
Oh well. I had a decent swim. The rest of the day was consumed with business at 422 West Harding (Mom's house) and getting ready for our trip to Cleveland. Our granddaughter graduated from junior high. Wow. You want to hear about signs and wonders? The graduation ceremony started on time. I kid you not. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday, May 20, 2019
5/13 - 5/19
It was a pretty full week. Monday I swam 4,570 meters. Because of all the errands and stuff, that's all the training I got in. Tuesday, however, I busted out three workouts. I ran 5.21 miles, lifted weights (full body), and swam 4,615 meters. That's the stuff fitness is made of.
Wednesday, I did some more lifting and got into the big pool for 5,500 meters. By Thursday I was dragging a bit and only managed a decent run of 6.15 miles, but I swam a mere 1,645 meters.
Friday, of course, was the big pond day. I swam 6.22 miles (10,007 meters). And Saturday, I swam 2,285 metes, and ran 1.73 miles.
For the week, I
rowed - 7:30 minutes,
ran - 13.09 miles,
biked - 3:00 minutes,
lifted weights two times, and
swam - 28,622 meters.
That is not a bad week. I would have liked a little more swimming and one more session on the weights. But I think I can swim Chicot on what I did this week. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, I did some more lifting and got into the big pool for 5,500 meters. By Thursday I was dragging a bit and only managed a decent run of 6.15 miles, but I swam a mere 1,645 meters.
Friday, of course, was the big pond day. I swam 6.22 miles (10,007 meters). And Saturday, I swam 2,285 metes, and ran 1.73 miles.
For the week, I
rowed - 7:30 minutes,
ran - 13.09 miles,
biked - 3:00 minutes,
lifted weights two times, and
swam - 28,622 meters.
That is not a bad week. I would have liked a little more swimming and one more session on the weights. But I think I can swim Chicot on what I did this week. Thank you, Jesus.
Saturday
After the big pond swim Friday, I wasn't looking for too much Saturday. I didn't even try for the big pool, but instead purposefully went to the indoor pool. The reason? I had a lot of sun exposure Friday and didn't need any more. Also, I was tired so the the long-course swimming had little of its usual appeal to me. It's nice to have choices, options.
I swam
1,500
6 X 50 @ 1:12
300 small paddles
6 X 50 medium paddles @ 1:09
100 small paddles
total: 2,500 plus 200 kick with fins
We then had a blessed invitation from the Barrentines to drive out and eat crawdads. It was a lovely time. We got to hang out with Jarrod and Stacey, and Junior and Frances. We also met some new people. The pool house was neat, comfortable; the crawdads and sausages were tasty; the company was impeccable. It was a thoroughly fun day.
After we got home, I took a short nap and then went out for a little run. I had hoped for a run and a session at the gym, but it began to rain while I ran and since my phone wasn't wrapped in plastic, I pickup up the pace and headed home. I did 1.73 miles. Thank you, Jesus, for so richly blessing out lives.
I swam
1,500
6 X 50 @ 1:12
300 small paddles
6 X 50 medium paddles @ 1:09
100 small paddles
total: 2,500 plus 200 kick with fins
We then had a blessed invitation from the Barrentines to drive out and eat crawdads. It was a lovely time. We got to hang out with Jarrod and Stacey, and Junior and Frances. We also met some new people. The pool house was neat, comfortable; the crawdads and sausages were tasty; the company was impeccable. It was a thoroughly fun day.
After we got home, I took a short nap and then went out for a little run. I had hoped for a run and a session at the gym, but it began to rain while I ran and since my phone wasn't wrapped in plastic, I pickup up the pace and headed home. I did 1.73 miles. Thank you, Jesus, for so richly blessing out lives.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Swimming Lessons 2
These are the boys I am working with. This is part of their warm up. Each week their stroke looks better.
Saturday, May 18, 2019
I Found It?
I've been on a quest to find a monster swim. Am I getting too old for this? There were several times over the past few weeks that I just left the pool when I had time and energy to keep swimming. What was lacking was the will. Where did that go?
I looked every day this week. I went to the pond today, Friday, to see if time, opportunity, and will could meet together in the water. Did they?
I like to have at least one swim of four hours. In the past these four-hour swims have been nonstop and without feeds. I knew ahead of time I was not doing that today, I was not going to refuse a rest or some food. But could I get some distance done and some time put in?
I started swimming around 10 a.m. and the water felt good. I did three laps, 1.8 miles, and crawled out to eat and drink. I watched the birds and thought of my mom. She was obsessed with birds. She photographed them, watched them, talked about them, owned them, raised them, and always, always noticed them.
At the truck, I ate potato chips and drank water while I watched the two birds. Then I climbed in for some more swimming. I did another three laps and climbed out with a total of 3.55 miles. An oatmeal cream pie was my snack this time and the birds continued to amuse me. They made lots of noise, music. But were they really singing or fusing at me? I was never sure.
My wife purchased the hunter orange duct tape you see above. "No self-respecting catfish pond swimmer would wear grey tape with a black cap," she told me incredulously.
"But nobody is out there. I am alone. No one will see," I pleaded.
"You'll post a picture on Facebook. Everyone will see. Take some pride in yourself and do it right."
"OK," I said, giving in.
On my third swim, I began to have goggle issues. Too many times in and out of the water and they begin to fog. I stopped several times to wash them out. Consequently, I got out after only one lap to change out the goggles. I didn't eat this time, but I spent a few minutes watching the birds.
Back in I went for two more laps. My Garmin, which was under my swim cap, buzzed for the sixth time while I was swimming the homestretch. I stopped at my getting in and out place and looked at the watch. It read 6.15 miles. I need a little more, I thought, so I turned around and swam up the levee and bit and then swam back to the truck. The watch now read 6.22 miles.
Enough? A monster swim?
Well, it is at least a small monster swim. The swimming time was 3:35. Short of four hours and short of seven miles I was hoping for. I had time, but I needed to get home, bathe, and rest for date night with the wife. I hate to be bad company which I certainly would be without a nap.
June 1 will reveal if 6.22 is a monster swim or not. For now, I am taking it on faith that it is long enough. Thank you, Jesus, for a really nice day on the fish farm.
I looked every day this week. I went to the pond today, Friday, to see if time, opportunity, and will could meet together in the water. Did they?
I like to have at least one swim of four hours. In the past these four-hour swims have been nonstop and without feeds. I knew ahead of time I was not doing that today, I was not going to refuse a rest or some food. But could I get some distance done and some time put in?
 |
| My beach for the day. |
It was a beautiful day. The sky was blue, the weather warm, and as can be seen from the photograph above, the pond was lovely. Notice that red-winged blackbird on that plant at the water's edge. She and a brown thrasher were there and nearby the whole time I was there. The sang, or did the chastise me? they flew about, and the blackbird hovered over me anytime I stood up and waded into the pond.
 |
| The blackbird hovering over me. Odd. |
I started swimming around 10 a.m. and the water felt good. I did three laps, 1.8 miles, and crawled out to eat and drink. I watched the birds and thought of my mom. She was obsessed with birds. She photographed them, watched them, talked about them, owned them, raised them, and always, always noticed them.
At the truck, I ate potato chips and drank water while I watched the two birds. Then I climbed in for some more swimming. I did another three laps and climbed out with a total of 3.55 miles. An oatmeal cream pie was my snack this time and the birds continued to amuse me. They made lots of noise, music. But were they really singing or fusing at me? I was never sure.
 |
| My wife did the color coordination. |
My wife purchased the hunter orange duct tape you see above. "No self-respecting catfish pond swimmer would wear grey tape with a black cap," she told me incredulously.
"But nobody is out there. I am alone. No one will see," I pleaded.
"You'll post a picture on Facebook. Everyone will see. Take some pride in yourself and do it right."
"OK," I said, giving in.
On my third swim, I began to have goggle issues. Too many times in and out of the water and they begin to fog. I stopped several times to wash them out. Consequently, I got out after only one lap to change out the goggles. I didn't eat this time, but I spent a few minutes watching the birds.
Back in I went for two more laps. My Garmin, which was under my swim cap, buzzed for the sixth time while I was swimming the homestretch. I stopped at my getting in and out place and looked at the watch. It read 6.15 miles. I need a little more, I thought, so I turned around and swam up the levee and bit and then swam back to the truck. The watch now read 6.22 miles.
Enough? A monster swim?
Well, it is at least a small monster swim. The swimming time was 3:35. Short of four hours and short of seven miles I was hoping for. I had time, but I needed to get home, bathe, and rest for date night with the wife. I hate to be bad company which I certainly would be without a nap.
June 1 will reveal if 6.22 is a monster swim or not. For now, I am taking it on faith that it is long enough. Thank you, Jesus, for a really nice day on the fish farm.
Friday, May 17, 2019
Majoring on Minors
I'm good at that. Or bad at it, however you want to term it. Majoring on minors that is.
I had some business to attend early Thursday morning. As usual, I was hoping for that monster swim I've been looking for. I've been getting in some pretty good yardage, but not the big swims I really need. I've had some long swims but not monster swims. Thursday was the day, I thought.
The business took much longer than I had anticipated, and by the time I was free my mindset had changed. I was now thinking I should run before swimming. So I did.
It was 81 degrees when I left the house at 10:00 a.m. shuffling towards the Tallahatchie bridge. I crossed the river and turned onto Wade Road where I kept going until I got to the gravel road that runs back to Money Road. Yeah, I made the loop, wearing a backpack to stay hydrated.
My pace was pitiful. I am embarrassed to write it here even though I have put bad numbers here before. But it was hot and just the day before I had done five sets of squats. My legs were toast from the start. I totaled 6.15 miles straight. Then it was time for a bath, nutrition, and some much needed rest.
I actually slept, but that didn't seem to help much when I went to the pool. I was shocked to drive up at Twin Rivers and see the outdoor pool full of kids. But there is always the indoor job. Thank you, Jesus. I had, however, little energy left and only managed to do 1,800 yards before I tapped out and went home.
I'm good like that. Majoring on minors. I should have swum before running. Even though I knew I was in some way messing up, I still did it and will probably do it again at some point. But not today. At least that is my determination and prayer. Help me, Jesus.
I had some business to attend early Thursday morning. As usual, I was hoping for that monster swim I've been looking for. I've been getting in some pretty good yardage, but not the big swims I really need. I've had some long swims but not monster swims. Thursday was the day, I thought.
The business took much longer than I had anticipated, and by the time I was free my mindset had changed. I was now thinking I should run before swimming. So I did.
It was 81 degrees when I left the house at 10:00 a.m. shuffling towards the Tallahatchie bridge. I crossed the river and turned onto Wade Road where I kept going until I got to the gravel road that runs back to Money Road. Yeah, I made the loop, wearing a backpack to stay hydrated.
My pace was pitiful. I am embarrassed to write it here even though I have put bad numbers here before. But it was hot and just the day before I had done five sets of squats. My legs were toast from the start. I totaled 6.15 miles straight. Then it was time for a bath, nutrition, and some much needed rest.
I actually slept, but that didn't seem to help much when I went to the pool. I was shocked to drive up at Twin Rivers and see the outdoor pool full of kids. But there is always the indoor job. Thank you, Jesus. I had, however, little energy left and only managed to do 1,800 yards before I tapped out and went home.
I'm good like that. Majoring on minors. I should have swum before running. Even though I knew I was in some way messing up, I still did it and will probably do it again at some point. But not today. At least that is my determination and prayer. Help me, Jesus.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Distracted
I worked out at Plate City from 11:00 am until noon. I started with a crossfit type of circuit that included lateral raises, squats, stationary bike, dumbbell curls, row machine, and shrugs. But you know I am a sissy and one time through that and I slowed everything down and focused on squats, lateral raises, and curls.
After lunch I went to the pool, the big one, still in search of that monster swim. I did 5,500 straight in two hours and one minutes and then stopped. I was worried about the dogs. I have taken possession of a mountain cur belonging to an old friend of mine. The dog was under stress, hanging out at the back fence where Charlie put him over into his new home. The poor thing was waiting on Charlie to come get him.
So I went home and checked on Trap. He was still at the fence. He seemed a little more comfortable, not comfortable, but more so. I tried to pet him, but Pee Wee and Bear are so jealous that was impossible. This morning Penny and I went out together to feed them. I wanted to be out there to prevent any conflict. We got through the feeding with no fighting. He was hungry. Then we put him on the patio after he ate because he was still hungry. We gave him some more food and left him back there. After being alone on the patio for a while, he started crying. Penny said he is a sweet boy. I agree.
After lunch I went to the pool, the big one, still in search of that monster swim. I did 5,500 straight in two hours and one minutes and then stopped. I was worried about the dogs. I have taken possession of a mountain cur belonging to an old friend of mine. The dog was under stress, hanging out at the back fence where Charlie put him over into his new home. The poor thing was waiting on Charlie to come get him.
So I went home and checked on Trap. He was still at the fence. He seemed a little more comfortable, not comfortable, but more so. I tried to pet him, but Pee Wee and Bear are so jealous that was impossible. This morning Penny and I went out together to feed them. I wanted to be out there to prevent any conflict. We got through the feeding with no fighting. He was hungry. Then we put him on the patio after he ate because he was still hungry. We gave him some more food and left him back there. After being alone on the patio for a while, he started crying. Penny said he is a sweet boy. I agree.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Plate City Upgrades
Here it is, the latest upgrades to Plate City. It might not look like much, but that was a lot of work to lay the stall mats, lay the blocks, and set up the row machine. My ability to stress my body just went up exponentially with these changes.
The List
I made a list Monday night. You know, one of those 3 X 5 index cards to remind me of what I hoped to accomplish Tuesday. The list looked like this:
- run
- study
- blog
- cash check
- buy stall mats
- purchase blocks
- make improvements to Plate City
- work out at Plate City
- mow the back yard
- get a pond temperature reading
- swim
I set my alarm to get me up early with the hopes of getting all of this done. When I got up to use the bathroom at 4:30 am, I knew running at 5:30 was out of the question. I am not a morning person. What the heck? I was off work and had the whole day anyway.
I got up about 6:30 and started the day with Bible study. Then I wrote a blog post, and by then I was awake enough to think about running. I went out Wade Road from the house and did 5.21 miles. It was pretty warm, my first real exposure to exercising in heat this year.
It was getting close to lunch, but I had enough time to go to Tractor Supply to purchase a couple of stall mats. I wanted to make some improvements to the best backyard gym in the country. I got the mats and went home for eat.
Next on the list was to buy blocks. I needed to add another row so I could set up the row machine I purchased last Saturday. I bought the blocks from Home Front then went home to get them over the fence. Remember it was fooling with blocks that hurt my shoulder a couple of years ago. I carefully dropped the blocks and the mats over the fence after first backing the truck up to it. Then I used a dolly to move them to where I would lay them.
For the next couple of hours I worked like a bee. I lay blocks, moved equipment around and put down the mats, mowed grass, and lifted weights. I'll shoot a video and show you what I did. All I did on the weights, besides rotator cuff work and using the new row machine, was to bench press.
11 X 100
8 X 115
6 X 140
3 X 145
3 X 145
This is the first time I have taken the weightlifting inside the three week window before the big swim. Part of me says, You know what works so don't change anything. But I lifted the week of the Senior Olympics and if it hurt my performance, I couldn't tell it. Like Mark Bell says, "Strength is never a weakness." I plan to lift again this week and next week also. I have scaled back on sets and reps and weight, but I am attempting to carry as much strength into the swim as possible.
Now there were only two things left on the list: swim and call David about the pond temperatures. I took some nutrition, rested, and then went to the indoor pool where I swam
3,200 1:00:30 (1:53)
150 for time 2:22
400 small paddles 7:15
300 medium paddles 5:17
200 large paddles 3:29
300 medium paddles 5:18
400 small paddles 7:30
100 easy
total: 5,050 yards = 4,615 meters
I never made the call, the easiest thing on the list. But I did everything else. It was a full and productive day, a three-workout day, the kind that raises my fitness level. Thank you, Jesus.
- run
- study
- blog
- cash check
- buy stall mats
- purchase blocks
- make improvements to Plate City
- work out at Plate City
- mow the back yard
- get a pond temperature reading
- swim
I set my alarm to get me up early with the hopes of getting all of this done. When I got up to use the bathroom at 4:30 am, I knew running at 5:30 was out of the question. I am not a morning person. What the heck? I was off work and had the whole day anyway.
I got up about 6:30 and started the day with Bible study. Then I wrote a blog post, and by then I was awake enough to think about running. I went out Wade Road from the house and did 5.21 miles. It was pretty warm, my first real exposure to exercising in heat this year.
It was getting close to lunch, but I had enough time to go to Tractor Supply to purchase a couple of stall mats. I wanted to make some improvements to the best backyard gym in the country. I got the mats and went home for eat.
Next on the list was to buy blocks. I needed to add another row so I could set up the row machine I purchased last Saturday. I bought the blocks from Home Front then went home to get them over the fence. Remember it was fooling with blocks that hurt my shoulder a couple of years ago. I carefully dropped the blocks and the mats over the fence after first backing the truck up to it. Then I used a dolly to move them to where I would lay them.
For the next couple of hours I worked like a bee. I lay blocks, moved equipment around and put down the mats, mowed grass, and lifted weights. I'll shoot a video and show you what I did. All I did on the weights, besides rotator cuff work and using the new row machine, was to bench press.
11 X 100
8 X 115
6 X 140
3 X 145
3 X 145
This is the first time I have taken the weightlifting inside the three week window before the big swim. Part of me says, You know what works so don't change anything. But I lifted the week of the Senior Olympics and if it hurt my performance, I couldn't tell it. Like Mark Bell says, "Strength is never a weakness." I plan to lift again this week and next week also. I have scaled back on sets and reps and weight, but I am attempting to carry as much strength into the swim as possible.
Now there were only two things left on the list: swim and call David about the pond temperatures. I took some nutrition, rested, and then went to the indoor pool where I swam
3,200 1:00:30 (1:53)
150 for time 2:22
400 small paddles 7:15
300 medium paddles 5:17
200 large paddles 3:29
300 medium paddles 5:18
400 small paddles 7:30
100 easy
total: 5,050 yards = 4,615 meters
I never made the call, the easiest thing on the list. But I did everything else. It was a full and productive day, a three-workout day, the kind that raises my fitness level. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Monday
What a day.
I count it as the first day of my summer vacation. I know I finished work Friday, but I would have been off Saturday and Sunday anyway. Monday was the first day that I woke up and didn't have to go to work when ordinarily I would have.
The day started with me using the bathroom at 4:30 am and deciding to turn my alarm off and sleep a little longer. The original plan was to run early, but I was still tired and my back was extremely tight. Ever since I dug around the Golden Age Nursing Home with a pick ax thirty-five years ago, I have trouble with my back from time to time. Now is one of those times.
The day proper started with a trip to the dentist where I received shots and tooth drilling and a big bill. Then it was off the Mark Brights's funeral, a sad affair no doubt. After that I ate lunch, rested, and pondered the chore I had ahead of me that I have dreaded for weeks now: mowing the front lawn.
Don't get me wrong. I always liked to mow. But something happened to change that. Beginning last summer, every time I mowed the front, I got a severe case of red bugs. Talk about misery. It has happened twice this year already. I spayed myself down last time. This time, I sprayed my bare legs and feet, let that sit and then put on my socks and sprayed them, then soaked my shoes with Off, and then resprayed after I put my shoes on. I mowed the front yard as rapidly as possible and immediately took a bath after finishing. I didn't even put the mower up. Now as I type this I am thanking God that I am not itching.
So finally, after 5:00 pm, I got around to some training. I went to the indoor pool because I didn't want to freeze out outdoors. I don't know what the temps are but after three days of rain, clouds, and cool weather, the temps no doubt have plunged. I swam
1,000 18:40
200 for time 3:00
1,000 18:37
200 for time 3:04
1,000 18:35
200 small paddles 25 hard/25 easy
1,000 19:01
400 medium paddles
total: 5,000 yards = 4,570 meters.
Only one workout, but a good one during a full day.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
I count it as the first day of my summer vacation. I know I finished work Friday, but I would have been off Saturday and Sunday anyway. Monday was the first day that I woke up and didn't have to go to work when ordinarily I would have.
The day started with me using the bathroom at 4:30 am and deciding to turn my alarm off and sleep a little longer. The original plan was to run early, but I was still tired and my back was extremely tight. Ever since I dug around the Golden Age Nursing Home with a pick ax thirty-five years ago, I have trouble with my back from time to time. Now is one of those times.
The day proper started with a trip to the dentist where I received shots and tooth drilling and a big bill. Then it was off the Mark Brights's funeral, a sad affair no doubt. After that I ate lunch, rested, and pondered the chore I had ahead of me that I have dreaded for weeks now: mowing the front lawn.
Don't get me wrong. I always liked to mow. But something happened to change that. Beginning last summer, every time I mowed the front, I got a severe case of red bugs. Talk about misery. It has happened twice this year already. I spayed myself down last time. This time, I sprayed my bare legs and feet, let that sit and then put on my socks and sprayed them, then soaked my shoes with Off, and then resprayed after I put my shoes on. I mowed the front yard as rapidly as possible and immediately took a bath after finishing. I didn't even put the mower up. Now as I type this I am thanking God that I am not itching.
So finally, after 5:00 pm, I got around to some training. I went to the indoor pool because I didn't want to freeze out outdoors. I don't know what the temps are but after three days of rain, clouds, and cool weather, the temps no doubt have plunged. I swam
1,000 18:40
200 for time 3:00
1,000 18:37
200 for time 3:04
1,000 18:35
200 small paddles 25 hard/25 easy
1,000 19:01
400 medium paddles
total: 5,000 yards = 4,570 meters.
Only one workout, but a good one during a full day.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Monday, May 13, 2019
5/6 - 5/12
Thank God for another week of life and another cycle of training even though it wasn't what I was looking for. Monday, I got up early, ran 3.15 miles, rowed 5:30 on the row machine, and swam 4,200 meters in the big pool. Tuesday, I started in the big pool, but switched to the little pool because of the robots. Later, Debbie texted me that I could unplug a robot anytime I wanted to. Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, Debbie. I finished the day with 1.031 meters of swimming.
Wednesday, I sent to the fish farm for the first time this year. My new pond is .58 per lap. I swam two laps and then shuffled for 4.12 miles.
Thursday it was raining again so I lifted at Twin Rivers. I hit it all pretty hard for the whole body. Later in the day, I swam 8,200 yards(7,494 meters).
Friday, I had to work two graduations at MDCC. After that I was a free man, free for the whole summer for only the second time in fifteen years.
Saturday was a big training day with a run of 5.05 miles, some weightlifting, and 2,200 yards of swimming. I slept well. For the week, I
ran 12.32 miles
rowed 5:30 minutes.
lifted weights two times,
cycled 3:00 minutes, and
swam 14,735 meters.
For the year, I have swim 353,884 meters for 219 miles. I haven't totaled my running, but I'm pretty sure it isn't that much.
Thank you, Jesus. Help me bust it out big the next two weeks.
Wednesday, I sent to the fish farm for the first time this year. My new pond is .58 per lap. I swam two laps and then shuffled for 4.12 miles.
Thursday it was raining again so I lifted at Twin Rivers. I hit it all pretty hard for the whole body. Later in the day, I swam 8,200 yards(7,494 meters).
Friday, I had to work two graduations at MDCC. After that I was a free man, free for the whole summer for only the second time in fifteen years.
Saturday was a big training day with a run of 5.05 miles, some weightlifting, and 2,200 yards of swimming. I slept well. For the week, I
ran 12.32 miles
rowed 5:30 minutes.
lifted weights two times,
cycled 3:00 minutes, and
swam 14,735 meters.
For the year, I have swim 353,884 meters for 219 miles. I haven't totaled my running, but I'm pretty sure it isn't that much.
Thank you, Jesus. Help me bust it out big the next two weeks.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Super Saturday
Is is just me or have we been doing something every Saturday? My wife says it's not just me. Finally, we had a normal weekend day. A normal Saturday starts with us sleeping a little longer than usual. Then the coffee starts, the cats adjust to us being around, and I study for Sunday morning.
After all that, around 10:00 am, I went out for a shuffle. It was supposed to rain all day, but the sky seemed to offer a respite. So off I went for 5.05 miles, my longest run, I think, since November of 2016. Not only did I do five miles, but I threw in a few intervals. The run felt good, the knee did not hurt, and I was not overly tired when I finished.
Workout one, done.
After resting and taking some protein, I went to the indoor pool. We've had several days of rain and cool weather. I didn't want to have to deal with the cold. In the pool, I swam
1,200 23:07 (1:53)
6 X 100 @ 2:12
1:33
1:30
1:28
1:29
1:29
1:29
400 small paddles
total: 2,200 yards = 2,010 meters.
Workout two, done.
I went home a rested. Rain poured off and on all day, but when it seemed like we might have another break, I went to Plate City. The dogs were happy to see me, and I needed the work. I hit the whole upper body and squats also. I did dumbbell curls, shrugs, dead lifts, lateral raises, a couple of light sets of bench presses, some pull ups and swim pulls. I was worked out when I stopped.
Workout three, done.
Three workouts in one day is always good for my fitness. Not only that, but I found a row machine on Facebook Marketplace and made a deal to pick it up in Yazoo City at 6:00 pm. Remember, I have been getting up early on Mondays to shuffle to Twin Rivers to use their rower. It is a heck of a workout and one that should complement my swimming nicely. Penny agreed to go with me provided I take her to Bumpers for supper.
I bought the rower, ate at Bumpers with my wife, and drove home full of promise for the upcoming week. I will have to lay some more blocks and rig up a way to keep the machine somewhat dry, but I will be able to smash myself at will. But Plate City will take another leap forward. And I am now off work.
Thank you, Jesus.
After all that, around 10:00 am, I went out for a shuffle. It was supposed to rain all day, but the sky seemed to offer a respite. So off I went for 5.05 miles, my longest run, I think, since November of 2016. Not only did I do five miles, but I threw in a few intervals. The run felt good, the knee did not hurt, and I was not overly tired when I finished.
Workout one, done.
After resting and taking some protein, I went to the indoor pool. We've had several days of rain and cool weather. I didn't want to have to deal with the cold. In the pool, I swam
1,200 23:07 (1:53)
6 X 100 @ 2:12
1:33
1:30
1:28
1:29
1:29
1:29
400 small paddles
total: 2,200 yards = 2,010 meters.
Workout two, done.
I went home a rested. Rain poured off and on all day, but when it seemed like we might have another break, I went to Plate City. The dogs were happy to see me, and I needed the work. I hit the whole upper body and squats also. I did dumbbell curls, shrugs, dead lifts, lateral raises, a couple of light sets of bench presses, some pull ups and swim pulls. I was worked out when I stopped.
Workout three, done.
Three workouts in one day is always good for my fitness. Not only that, but I found a row machine on Facebook Marketplace and made a deal to pick it up in Yazoo City at 6:00 pm. Remember, I have been getting up early on Mondays to shuffle to Twin Rivers to use their rower. It is a heck of a workout and one that should complement my swimming nicely. Penny agreed to go with me provided I take her to Bumpers for supper.
I bought the rower, ate at Bumpers with my wife, and drove home full of promise for the upcoming week. I will have to lay some more blocks and rig up a way to keep the machine somewhat dry, but I will be able to smash myself at will. But Plate City will take another leap forward. And I am now off work.
Thank you, Jesus.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Thursday
I had a full day off Thursday, and the weather forecast called for all-day rain. That can be a bad combination. Or it can be a good one. It depends on what I write on a 3 X 5 index card the night before. Wednesday night, I wrote:
I woke up Thursday morning and did the first six things on the list. I also drank coffee, talked to the cats, and listened to the rain hit the roof and window awnings. Then I went to Twin Rivers to lift weights. I haven't lifted all week and with the heavy rain, Plate City was out.
I hit the whole upper body, hit it hard, and even did squats. On the bench, I pressed
10 X 95
8 X 115
5 X 140
5 X 140
3 X 145
3 X 145
That is down a couple of sets from last week and a much more streamlined workout. I am attempting to taper a bit on the weights while maintaining as much strength as possible going into the swim. Besides the squats, I did lateral raises, shrugs, one-arm bent rows, dumbbell curls, triceps push downs, and I polished everything off the 5:35 on the row machine. I love that machine. If I ever get a chance to buy one, I will own it as fast as I can drive there.
I went home, ate an early lunch, and then took a nap. It was only 10:00 am, but I went to sleep. Then I got up and went to the pool needing a big swim. After this week, I have only two training weeks left before Chicot Challenge VIII, The Comeback. The final week, the week of the swim, is a radical taper. By then the fitness is either there or it is not. That week I swim lightly, swim short, and on Friday I swam not at all.
I got in the pool, hoping for some magic. Tuesday I bombed out and Wednesday I spent too much time running and not enough in the water. Thursday, I swam 4,050 before I stopped to see if I was going to be alright swimming with an aged exerciser who was getting in. It worked for both of us so I drank some water and started back swimming.
I was thinking I needed about 10,000 yards or more. I swam another 3,300 before stopping to stretch my shoulders. That put me at 7,350. I started back with the idea of going another 2,000 before switching things up a bit. But then something near my left shoulder became uncomfortable. I think it might have been the pectoral tendon. This threw my mind into a turmoil. Marathons swimmers don't quit. But we also listen to our bodies. I swam another 850 yards and tapped out. I had the attitude and fire enough in the belly to keep going. An injury, however, is not something I have the luxury to acquire at this time. I hate quitting, but sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor.
I got a good workout, although it was not all I wanted. With the weights and 8,200 yards in the water, I should have added a little bit to the gas tank. I am, however, still looking for that elusive monster swim. I certainly need it for the confidence it gives me, and my body needs it also. I have yet to crack the three hour mark this year although I have flirted with it for a month now. Maybe next week. It has to happen next week. Actually, I need a four hour swim. A swim of that duration puts my body into another category. I need that category.
Thank God for what I got in today. Lord, give me more next week.
study
blog
contact Ocee
contact the Commonwealth
contact Woodrow Wilkins
make room reservations for the Challenge
lift weights
swim until I get seriously tired
I woke up Thursday morning and did the first six things on the list. I also drank coffee, talked to the cats, and listened to the rain hit the roof and window awnings. Then I went to Twin Rivers to lift weights. I haven't lifted all week and with the heavy rain, Plate City was out.
I hit the whole upper body, hit it hard, and even did squats. On the bench, I pressed
10 X 95
8 X 115
5 X 140
5 X 140
3 X 145
3 X 145
That is down a couple of sets from last week and a much more streamlined workout. I am attempting to taper a bit on the weights while maintaining as much strength as possible going into the swim. Besides the squats, I did lateral raises, shrugs, one-arm bent rows, dumbbell curls, triceps push downs, and I polished everything off the 5:35 on the row machine. I love that machine. If I ever get a chance to buy one, I will own it as fast as I can drive there.
I went home, ate an early lunch, and then took a nap. It was only 10:00 am, but I went to sleep. Then I got up and went to the pool needing a big swim. After this week, I have only two training weeks left before Chicot Challenge VIII, The Comeback. The final week, the week of the swim, is a radical taper. By then the fitness is either there or it is not. That week I swim lightly, swim short, and on Friday I swam not at all.
I got in the pool, hoping for some magic. Tuesday I bombed out and Wednesday I spent too much time running and not enough in the water. Thursday, I swam 4,050 before I stopped to see if I was going to be alright swimming with an aged exerciser who was getting in. It worked for both of us so I drank some water and started back swimming.
I was thinking I needed about 10,000 yards or more. I swam another 3,300 before stopping to stretch my shoulders. That put me at 7,350. I started back with the idea of going another 2,000 before switching things up a bit. But then something near my left shoulder became uncomfortable. I think it might have been the pectoral tendon. This threw my mind into a turmoil. Marathons swimmers don't quit. But we also listen to our bodies. I swam another 850 yards and tapped out. I had the attitude and fire enough in the belly to keep going. An injury, however, is not something I have the luxury to acquire at this time. I hate quitting, but sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor.
I got a good workout, although it was not all I wanted. With the weights and 8,200 yards in the water, I should have added a little bit to the gas tank. I am, however, still looking for that elusive monster swim. I certainly need it for the confidence it gives me, and my body needs it also. I have yet to crack the three hour mark this year although I have flirted with it for a month now. Maybe next week. It has to happen next week. Actually, I need a four hour swim. A swim of that duration puts my body into another category. I need that category.
Thank God for what I got in today. Lord, give me more next week.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
First Pond Swim
Wednesday I made my second open water swim and my first pond swim of the year. Remember last week I went to that tail-end water recovery pond and got spooked and left. I finally called my man on the fish farm and told him I needed a pond. He thought a few seconds then described an area I had never swum before. In fact, the area he was talking about I thought was Scott land. But he must know what he's talking about so I packed up and made the trip.
I turned where he said turn and rambled around. He had said something about 28 and 25. I never found those numbers but I did find a 23. Right across from 23 was a fresh looking pond. I could tell it had no fish in it. How, you might ask? After years of swimming ponds, I just knew. The water was a little more clear, and it had that fresh look. I texted David and told him I was out there somewhere. I was still a little concerned that I was on Scott instead of Tackett. David told me he would be in the area, but the only trucks I saw were about a mile away.
I taped up and waded in. The water felt about 78 degrees cool and I started swimming. Like most of the ponds out here, it orients east and west. On the north side the water was choppy as I swam down the long levee headed west. A storm was blowing in from the south tossing the water a bit and giving me a real open water experience.
Just looking at the pond, I guessed it to be about .6 of a mile around. When I crossed over to the south side, the levee blocked the wind and gave me some flat water. That is when I got into that all-day rhythm that is so important in long swims. When I made the full lap, I stopped to look at my watch: .58. Darn I'm good.
I swam another lap giving me 1.15 miles. Then I decided to run. I put on shoes and began to shuffle. I headed for those trucks a mile away to the west. Maybe David is over there, I thought. I'd like to confirm that I'm not trespassing. I made my way over there and saw a bunch of workers in the pond socking up some fish. I didn't see David so I kept going. When the road I was running on dead-ended, I turned and came back. This time one of the workers was at the edge of the road and I asked him if David was around. He just pointed and there he was.
When I told David I was worried I might be on Scott, he pointed south to where I had turned around. "That ditch right there is the line."
I then told him where I was, pointed to the feed bin a mile away. "I swam the pond right in front of that bin."
"That's a good one," he said. "There's no fish in that one." Darn I'm good.
So I swam 1.15 miles and ran 4.12. A pretty good day, but still a long way from the distance I need to swim. Now I have a pond and two pools. As one company says, "Just do it." Today, I need to do it. Next week I have to do it.
Thank you, Jesus, that I get to do it.
I turned where he said turn and rambled around. He had said something about 28 and 25. I never found those numbers but I did find a 23. Right across from 23 was a fresh looking pond. I could tell it had no fish in it. How, you might ask? After years of swimming ponds, I just knew. The water was a little more clear, and it had that fresh look. I texted David and told him I was out there somewhere. I was still a little concerned that I was on Scott instead of Tackett. David told me he would be in the area, but the only trucks I saw were about a mile away.
 |
| The first time I tapped up in a year and a half. |
I taped up and waded in. The water felt about 78 degrees cool and I started swimming. Like most of the ponds out here, it orients east and west. On the north side the water was choppy as I swam down the long levee headed west. A storm was blowing in from the south tossing the water a bit and giving me a real open water experience.
 |
| My new pond |
Just looking at the pond, I guessed it to be about .6 of a mile around. When I crossed over to the south side, the levee blocked the wind and gave me some flat water. That is when I got into that all-day rhythm that is so important in long swims. When I made the full lap, I stopped to look at my watch: .58. Darn I'm good.
I swam another lap giving me 1.15 miles. Then I decided to run. I put on shoes and began to shuffle. I headed for those trucks a mile away to the west. Maybe David is over there, I thought. I'd like to confirm that I'm not trespassing. I made my way over there and saw a bunch of workers in the pond socking up some fish. I didn't see David so I kept going. When the road I was running on dead-ended, I turned and came back. This time one of the workers was at the edge of the road and I asked him if David was around. He just pointed and there he was.
When I told David I was worried I might be on Scott, he pointed south to where I had turned around. "That ditch right there is the line."
I then told him where I was, pointed to the feed bin a mile away. "I swam the pond right in front of that bin."
"That's a good one," he said. "There's no fish in that one." Darn I'm good.
So I swam 1.15 miles and ran 4.12. A pretty good day, but still a long way from the distance I need to swim. Now I have a pond and two pools. As one company says, "Just do it." Today, I need to do it. Next week I have to do it.
Thank you, Jesus, that I get to do it.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Huh?!
Sometimes you have it, that fire, that desire to work hard, to bust your butt in the pool, on the road, at the gym. Then there are days like Tuesday.
Maybe I'm growing soft. Maybe I'm getting old (no maybe about that). Maybe I'm lazy. But Tuesday after work, I went to the big pool at Twin Rivers and couldn't deal with the TWO robots running. Yeah, two of those "man-eaters" as John calls them.
I dealt with them Monday and even did intervals. I always groan when I see one of them in the pool when I am about to swim. I rarely do intervals if a robot is running because crossing that line slows me down and destroys my rhythm. But somehow Monday I had the inner wherewithal to swim, swim intervals, and not feel like being violent with those little monsters.
Tuesday, however, was a different story. They were set on opposite sides of the pool so I was bound to cross at least one on every lap. On my first trip down the pool, I crossed the one set on the far side of the pool not once but twice. Then the other one was set in the far corner insuring that I had to cross it twice every single trip up and down. I found that extremely irritating. I glanced at the Garmin after two laps and saw that my time was horrendously slow. I swam one more and got out. There is always the little pool, I thought.
At the little pool, I had no robot to deal with; I only had myself. After a couple of 50s I looked at the watch and to my horror I was swimming slower than 2:00 minutes per 100. Of course I felt like crap, and I don't know why. I only swam 4,200 the day before. But I didn't have it in the body or the mind Tuesday to work hard or even to work easy. I swam 800 yards only through sheer determination and got out.
Maybe I should have refused to tap out. But when you are in the pit, I always thought it's best not to keep digging. I swam
300 long course in 6:55 (2:18, Monday I was doing intervals @ 2:15)
800 short course in 16:13 (2:01, I have never swum that slow)
total: 1,031 meters
What was wrong? I don't know. I am thinking it's just accumulated fatigue from my job (the end of a semester is always a time of high stress for me) and the workouts I've done over the past few months.
Last week, I fell off to 16,640 meters from 28,332 the week before that. This week I am slipping from what I did last week. What to do? The month of May is prime time for Chicot training. Now is the time to build endurance, to swim every meter possible. I have to get it turned around soon, like today.
Thank you, Lord, for the hope that I can do that.
Maybe I'm growing soft. Maybe I'm getting old (no maybe about that). Maybe I'm lazy. But Tuesday after work, I went to the big pool at Twin Rivers and couldn't deal with the TWO robots running. Yeah, two of those "man-eaters" as John calls them.
I dealt with them Monday and even did intervals. I always groan when I see one of them in the pool when I am about to swim. I rarely do intervals if a robot is running because crossing that line slows me down and destroys my rhythm. But somehow Monday I had the inner wherewithal to swim, swim intervals, and not feel like being violent with those little monsters.
Tuesday, however, was a different story. They were set on opposite sides of the pool so I was bound to cross at least one on every lap. On my first trip down the pool, I crossed the one set on the far side of the pool not once but twice. Then the other one was set in the far corner insuring that I had to cross it twice every single trip up and down. I found that extremely irritating. I glanced at the Garmin after two laps and saw that my time was horrendously slow. I swam one more and got out. There is always the little pool, I thought.
At the little pool, I had no robot to deal with; I only had myself. After a couple of 50s I looked at the watch and to my horror I was swimming slower than 2:00 minutes per 100. Of course I felt like crap, and I don't know why. I only swam 4,200 the day before. But I didn't have it in the body or the mind Tuesday to work hard or even to work easy. I swam 800 yards only through sheer determination and got out.
Maybe I should have refused to tap out. But when you are in the pit, I always thought it's best not to keep digging. I swam
300 long course in 6:55 (2:18, Monday I was doing intervals @ 2:15)
800 short course in 16:13 (2:01, I have never swum that slow)
total: 1,031 meters
What was wrong? I don't know. I am thinking it's just accumulated fatigue from my job (the end of a semester is always a time of high stress for me) and the workouts I've done over the past few months.
Last week, I fell off to 16,640 meters from 28,332 the week before that. This week I am slipping from what I did last week. What to do? The month of May is prime time for Chicot training. Now is the time to build endurance, to swim every meter possible. I have to get it turned around soon, like today.
Thank you, Lord, for the hope that I can do that.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Truncated Monday
Only my play was truncated. The work day was extended.
We
are in exam week. It's tough for a few days. But it is about to be over. I had to work pretty late, almost like a regular job. I didn't get up early and run and do the rowing thing. I slept in because I needed the rest. After work, I went to the pool and swam long course. I did
1,000 21:03
3 X 200 @ 4:15
1 - 3:38 (1:48)
2 - 3:42 (1:50)
3 - 3:42 (1:50)
1,000 20:58
6 X 100 @ 2:15
1,000 21:15
total: 4,200 meters.
Two hundred long course at a moderate pace is harder for me than 200 short course at a hard pace. I think speed is best developed in a short course pool. I have heard other swimmers, swimmers better than I, say that.
I went home and waited for dark then went out for a run. I did 3.15 at a 13:13 pace. But, I am feeling better while out shuffling.
So it was a double not my usual triple for Monday.
Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to run.
We
are in exam week. It's tough for a few days. But it is about to be over. I had to work pretty late, almost like a regular job. I didn't get up early and run and do the rowing thing. I slept in because I needed the rest. After work, I went to the pool and swam long course. I did
1,000 21:03
3 X 200 @ 4:15
1 - 3:38 (1:48)
2 - 3:42 (1:50)
3 - 3:42 (1:50)
1,000 20:58
6 X 100 @ 2:15
1,000 21:15
total: 4,200 meters.
Two hundred long course at a moderate pace is harder for me than 200 short course at a hard pace. I think speed is best developed in a short course pool. I have heard other swimmers, swimmers better than I, say that.
I went home and waited for dark then went out for a run. I did 3.15 at a 13:13 pace. But, I am feeling better while out shuffling.
So it was a double not my usual triple for Monday.
Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to run.
Monday, May 6, 2019
4/29 - 5/5
Last week was a slim one for swimming but a fat one for running. Monday I stroked 4,100 meters in the long course, outdoor pool. I also rose early, ran, and did 5:00 minutes of rowing on that nice machine. Besides all of that, I lifted weights at Plate City.
Tuesday I swam again in the big poo where I did 4,200 meters. Wednesday, however, I was back indoors because they shocked the big poo. I swam 5,027 meters, and ran 3.5 miles on Wade Road.
Thursday I went to Minter City for the open water swim I already wrote about. I shuffled 1.15 miles, and swam 1,303 meters before getting spooked and crawling out of the water. Friday is usually long swim day, but I didn't have the fire in the belly and only did 2,010 meters before shuffling on Wade Road for 3.68 miles.
Saturday I only ran, but ran much better, faster, and longer than I have anytime this year. I did 4.64 miles which included a summit on the big hill on Humphrey's Highway.
For the week, I
ran 15.99 miles,
lifted weights two times,
rowed 5:00 minutes, and
swam 16,640 meters.
Not a bad week, but a little short on swimming. For me, Chicot training starts at 20,000 meters. This week is going to be challenging because of exams and graduation. Praise the Lord anyway.
Tuesday I swam again in the big poo where I did 4,200 meters. Wednesday, however, I was back indoors because they shocked the big poo. I swam 5,027 meters, and ran 3.5 miles on Wade Road.
Thursday I went to Minter City for the open water swim I already wrote about. I shuffled 1.15 miles, and swam 1,303 meters before getting spooked and crawling out of the water. Friday is usually long swim day, but I didn't have the fire in the belly and only did 2,010 meters before shuffling on Wade Road for 3.68 miles.
Saturday I only ran, but ran much better, faster, and longer than I have anytime this year. I did 4.64 miles which included a summit on the big hill on Humphrey's Highway.
For the week, I
ran 15.99 miles,
lifted weights two times,
rowed 5:00 minutes, and
swam 16,640 meters.
Not a bad week, but a little short on swimming. For me, Chicot training starts at 20,000 meters. This week is going to be challenging because of exams and graduation. Praise the Lord anyway.
Saturday
Collins and I attending the Greenwood Mentoring Group's Thirteenth Annual Prayer Breakfast Saturday morning. I believe in what Bill Clay is doing and support him both morally and financially. But of course, this threw a monkey wrench into my training.
I didn't go to the pool all day. By the time I got home, my brother was wanting a copy of a map I had to drive to Carroll County to get. I drove out, realized I had forgotten my phone that I needed to take a picture of the map so I had to go back to town and come back. I'm efficient like that.
On the way back the second time, I stopped at Hill View Baptist Church and took off up the highway. For the first time this year, I felt like a runner. I have been shuffling along at over 14:00 minutes per mile. That's embarrassing and it both hurts my heart and my pride. Saturday as I started out in the rain, I felt good, more fit, smooth, faster. A glance at the Garmin showed I was cruising along at just under an 11:00 minute pace. Who would a thunk that I ever would be pleased with that? But right now, it represents progress.
I went up the big hill. My time for the Big Hill Mile, as I call it, was 14:40. Heck, that's what I've been running in Greenwood. I felt so good that I shuffled for 4.05 miles straight before I decided walking might be good for my knee. I did some more shuffling, and finished with 4.65 miles of running and some walking added to that for over five total foot miles.
The rain never relented so I did not lift. My energy was pretty much poured out with the run so I did no more physical activity.
Praise God for a good run.
I didn't go to the pool all day. By the time I got home, my brother was wanting a copy of a map I had to drive to Carroll County to get. I drove out, realized I had forgotten my phone that I needed to take a picture of the map so I had to go back to town and come back. I'm efficient like that.
On the way back the second time, I stopped at Hill View Baptist Church and took off up the highway. For the first time this year, I felt like a runner. I have been shuffling along at over 14:00 minutes per mile. That's embarrassing and it both hurts my heart and my pride. Saturday as I started out in the rain, I felt good, more fit, smooth, faster. A glance at the Garmin showed I was cruising along at just under an 11:00 minute pace. Who would a thunk that I ever would be pleased with that? But right now, it represents progress.
I went up the big hill. My time for the Big Hill Mile, as I call it, was 14:40. Heck, that's what I've been running in Greenwood. I felt so good that I shuffled for 4.05 miles straight before I decided walking might be good for my knee. I did some more shuffling, and finished with 4.65 miles of running and some walking added to that for over five total foot miles.
The rain never relented so I did not lift. My energy was pretty much poured out with the run so I did no more physical activity.
Praise God for a good run.
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Friday Short Day
The errands I ran all Friday morning didn't do me any good. By the time I made it to the pool-- pool you say-- yes, the rain convinced me not to take my almost clean truck to a messy fish pond levee. By the time I made it to the indoor pool, I had little energy for swimming.
Sometimes I start swimming when I feel that way, and I get over it, break through, get warmed up and going strong. Friday, not so much. I swam
1,650 31:07 (1:52)
11 X 50 r :15 medium paddles
total: 2,200 yards = 2,010 meters
That was it? Yeah, that was it. I tapped out like a sissy and went home.
With that little fire in the belly, one would think I spent the rest of the day in bed. Instead, I put on running garb and went to Wade Road. I shuffled 3.68 miles, my longest of the year. Then I went home and went to bed.
Some days are like that. It was training, but it did not advance my swimming endurance which is what I will need for the Chicot Challenge. All you praying people, give me a prayer. I need some help. I'm sagging in a bad way.
Sometimes I start swimming when I feel that way, and I get over it, break through, get warmed up and going strong. Friday, not so much. I swam
1,650 31:07 (1:52)
11 X 50 r :15 medium paddles
total: 2,200 yards = 2,010 meters
That was it? Yeah, that was it. I tapped out like a sissy and went home.
With that little fire in the belly, one would think I spent the rest of the day in bed. Instead, I put on running garb and went to Wade Road. I shuffled 3.68 miles, my longest of the year. Then I went home and went to bed.
Some days are like that. It was training, but it did not advance my swimming endurance which is what I will need for the Chicot Challenge. All you praying people, give me a prayer. I need some help. I'm sagging in a bad way.
Friday, May 3, 2019
First Open Water Swim of the Year
It's time. Time to swim outdoors, time to swim open water.
I had a craving and contacted Susan Walker for permission to swim a tail-end water recovery pond that she and her husband either own or jointly own.
It's big. A single lap is over a mile. Thursday afternoon, I found a high gear in my truck and headed to Minter City. I don't know why I didn't take a few photographs. After I parked I decided to shuffle around the levee on foot, and I got an easy 1.15 miles. Then I got into the water.
I didn't take a reading, but the water felt to be about the same temp as the outdoor pool, 78. I started swimming and it wasn't long before I knew my muscles were not used to hundreds of strokes in a row without a flip-turn rest. This is one reason you swim open water if you swim open water. Clear enough?
I made it to the north end of the pond, crossed over, and started back towards the truck. I hadn't swum too far south when something hit me in the back. That gave me a fright and I stopped, stood up, and turned to face behind me. Immediately my mind went to an episode I watched of When Animals Attack. A young woman was swimming alone in a river in Florida when something hit her in the back. Then an alligator grabbed her arm. To make a short story long, obviously the woman survived to tell the story. But at the end of her segment, the camera panned down revealing that she had lost her right arm in the incident.
I saw nothing although the dark water could have easily concealed a whole herd of gators. I knew that if I got out of the water, I would likely never get back in here again, so like falling off a horse, I started back swimming. Almost instantly, a big swirl of water hit first my right hand and arm and then my left one. That sent me scurrying up the levee. I felt a little silly, but not silly enough to get back into the water. There is a paved road on that side of the pond. I was standing out there almost naked, about a half mile from the truck. People drove by a looked at me like I was crazy. I gazed up towards the truck. My bare tender feet didn't want to make the trip, but it was either walk or swim.
I walked.
Then left and drove home. I swam a mere .81 miles (1.303 meters).
Sigh.
Back at the house, I paid Plate City a visit. I did a little bit of everything since this was only my second lift session of the week. On the bench, I pressed
10 X 95
11 X 100
12 X 105
14 X 110
12 X 115
10 X 120
I guess it is back to the fish farm for Friday. Besides the shock to the big pool, Robert told me they are doing something to it that will mean no swimming for 48 hours. I'll call David and see what he has.
Thank you, Jesus, for options.
I had a craving and contacted Susan Walker for permission to swim a tail-end water recovery pond that she and her husband either own or jointly own.
It's big. A single lap is over a mile. Thursday afternoon, I found a high gear in my truck and headed to Minter City. I don't know why I didn't take a few photographs. After I parked I decided to shuffle around the levee on foot, and I got an easy 1.15 miles. Then I got into the water.
I didn't take a reading, but the water felt to be about the same temp as the outdoor pool, 78. I started swimming and it wasn't long before I knew my muscles were not used to hundreds of strokes in a row without a flip-turn rest. This is one reason you swim open water if you swim open water. Clear enough?
I made it to the north end of the pond, crossed over, and started back towards the truck. I hadn't swum too far south when something hit me in the back. That gave me a fright and I stopped, stood up, and turned to face behind me. Immediately my mind went to an episode I watched of When Animals Attack. A young woman was swimming alone in a river in Florida when something hit her in the back. Then an alligator grabbed her arm. To make a short story long, obviously the woman survived to tell the story. But at the end of her segment, the camera panned down revealing that she had lost her right arm in the incident.
I saw nothing although the dark water could have easily concealed a whole herd of gators. I knew that if I got out of the water, I would likely never get back in here again, so like falling off a horse, I started back swimming. Almost instantly, a big swirl of water hit first my right hand and arm and then my left one. That sent me scurrying up the levee. I felt a little silly, but not silly enough to get back into the water. There is a paved road on that side of the pond. I was standing out there almost naked, about a half mile from the truck. People drove by a looked at me like I was crazy. I gazed up towards the truck. My bare tender feet didn't want to make the trip, but it was either walk or swim.
I walked.
Then left and drove home. I swam a mere .81 miles (1.303 meters).
Sigh.
Back at the house, I paid Plate City a visit. I did a little bit of everything since this was only my second lift session of the week. On the bench, I pressed
10 X 95
11 X 100
12 X 105
14 X 110
12 X 115
10 X 120
I guess it is back to the fish farm for Friday. Besides the shock to the big pool, Robert told me they are doing something to it that will mean no swimming for 48 hours. I'll call David and see what he has.
Thank you, Jesus, for options.
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Last Day
Today is the last day of regular classes. The students are like the walking dead. I am like the walking dead. The other teachers are like the walking dead. It always happens. Yet there is hope.
The hope lies in the fact that we have exams next week, graduation Friday, and then we are off work. I need to be off work. Here are some things I need to do.
Sleep. I am a bit behind on my rest. Maybe I can start catching up after this semester finally comes to a conclusion. More than likely, I will simply expend more energy than ever and wind up more tired than now. Maybe not.
Work on the house. I really don't want to talk about it.
Sleep. Yeah, I mentioned that one already.
Cycle. For some reason, I am having difficulty getting going on this. Maybe when I have more leisure, I will ride some. I used to have so much fun doing that, exploring the neighboring counties. I want it again.
Swim. I don't even need any motivation for this. I will swim until my arms fall off and if that happens I will duct tape them back on and keep swimming. Well, I will want to. My arms have fallen off in the past and it is not so simple as duct tape and determination.
Run. Despite the fact that I now say with my mouth that I am a swimmer who tries to run, in my heart I am still a runner who swims. It won't go away. I keep putting my shoes on and heading out the door even though I now run like the walking dead (see what I did there?).
Pray. I need to pray a lot more than I do. There are always excuses. I invented most of the excuses. If you need some, just ask me.
Study. I have grown a bit lazy over the past few years in this regard. I used to study around the clock. Now, not so much. I watch too much TV, too many YouTube videos, and I take too many naps. Scratch that. You can't take too many naps. Naps are good for you. My momma tried to teach me that when I was a little boy. At the time, I hated naps. Now I believe her and cherish a good rest break during the day. It is amazing what a ten minute snooze can do for energy and outlook.
Spend time with wife. See what I did. She is the last one on the list. But she will be at work every day and our time together will be a day here and there. Maybe we can take some trips. I'd like to go back to Hot Springs. We used to go often, stay on Long Island, and I would arise early every morning and circumnavigate the island from the water. I had a lot of fun doing that. One lap is over 2.5 miles. Also we can make some day trips. Just get in the truck and go. I need to make a list of places we need to see, places in Mississippi that we have never visited.
Hang out with cats. They need me. I will make myself available to them.
The hope lies in the fact that we have exams next week, graduation Friday, and then we are off work. I need to be off work. Here are some things I need to do.
Sleep. I am a bit behind on my rest. Maybe I can start catching up after this semester finally comes to a conclusion. More than likely, I will simply expend more energy than ever and wind up more tired than now. Maybe not.
Work on the house. I really don't want to talk about it.
Sleep. Yeah, I mentioned that one already.
Cycle. For some reason, I am having difficulty getting going on this. Maybe when I have more leisure, I will ride some. I used to have so much fun doing that, exploring the neighboring counties. I want it again.
Swim. I don't even need any motivation for this. I will swim until my arms fall off and if that happens I will duct tape them back on and keep swimming. Well, I will want to. My arms have fallen off in the past and it is not so simple as duct tape and determination.
Run. Despite the fact that I now say with my mouth that I am a swimmer who tries to run, in my heart I am still a runner who swims. It won't go away. I keep putting my shoes on and heading out the door even though I now run like the walking dead (see what I did there?).
Pray. I need to pray a lot more than I do. There are always excuses. I invented most of the excuses. If you need some, just ask me.
Study. I have grown a bit lazy over the past few years in this regard. I used to study around the clock. Now, not so much. I watch too much TV, too many YouTube videos, and I take too many naps. Scratch that. You can't take too many naps. Naps are good for you. My momma tried to teach me that when I was a little boy. At the time, I hated naps. Now I believe her and cherish a good rest break during the day. It is amazing what a ten minute snooze can do for energy and outlook.
Spend time with wife. See what I did. She is the last one on the list. But she will be at work every day and our time together will be a day here and there. Maybe we can take some trips. I'd like to go back to Hot Springs. We used to go often, stay on Long Island, and I would arise early every morning and circumnavigate the island from the water. I had a lot of fun doing that. One lap is over 2.5 miles. Also we can make some day trips. Just get in the truck and go. I need to make a list of places we need to see, places in Mississippi that we have never visited.
Hang out with cats. They need me. I will make myself available to them.
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