Next week, the pool is supposed to be shut down for repairs. Repairs? Yes. The builders installed something other than stainless steel railings, consequently the ones they did put in are corroding terribly in the salt water. So I won't have my liquid mistress next week.
What to do?
I plan to go the Delta State, back to the Mad Swimming Scientist and the old crew Tuesday and Thursday nights. The other days I will hit the weights extra hard and consider it a recovery week before cramming in all the yardage possible over the next seven cycles until the big meet on the coast.
This Wednesday I swam
2,100 37:44 (1:47)
4 X 50 decline 1 - 4
8 X 100 @2:05
1 - 5 swim
6 - small paddles
7 - 8 - medium paddles
total: 3,300 yards plus 250 kick with fins
At Plate City, it was bicep and shoulder day for me. Since I had some strange sensations in my right bicep tendon Tuesday night, I was wary last night and when I felt something funny there again, I stopped all my curls. All I worked was shoulders. Then after the workout, I took my shuffle, doing an 8:00 minute shuffle (to mimic the time it takes to swim 500 yards in the pool). I followed that with a 2:00 minute walk (to mimic the cool down) and finally, I added an additional 1:30 of shuffling to equal the 100. I am signed up for the 50, the 100, the 200, and the 500. I hope to build to an equal number of minutes shuffle as my events and their cool downs will take. I am only shuffling two days a week right now because I feel like my knee should be able to handle that.
My total shuffle for the day was .77. Not much, but something is always a thousand times better than nothing. Thank you, Jesus, for something. Thank you for everything.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Tuesday
I already wrote about being off work for the snow storm that never had a chance. And I already wrote about Monday, in case you are wondering. Monday? But I didn't see that one, you protest. Newsflash: I don't put a link on Facebook to everyone of my blogs post. Hence, it you want to read them all, you need to go to the site sometimes.
I have been posting a lot this year. In fact, today in January the 30th and I have posted 35 times already. Yesterday, I posted three times but only put two links on Facebook. I like to write and just can't help myself. I already admitted to liking to hear myself type.
Tuesday, I went to the pool and swam
2,100 37:40 (1:47)
4 X 50 decline 1-4
500 for time 7:27 PR which included a 400 PR in 5:59
500 small paddles
200 cruise 3:16 (1:34)
200 small paddles
150 middle 50 fast
150 small paddles
100 easy 50 with fins
total: 4,150 plus 400 kick with fins
Of course Plate City followed. I did upper back and followed that with 4:00 on the exercise bicycle. It was a strong day of training. I look forward to another one today.
I have been posting a lot this year. In fact, today in January the 30th and I have posted 35 times already. Yesterday, I posted three times but only put two links on Facebook. I like to write and just can't help myself. I already admitted to liking to hear myself type.
Tuesday, I went to the pool and swam
2,100 37:40 (1:47)
4 X 50 decline 1-4
500 for time 7:27 PR which included a 400 PR in 5:59
500 small paddles
200 cruise 3:16 (1:34)
200 small paddles
150 middle 50 fast
150 small paddles
100 easy 50 with fins
total: 4,150 plus 400 kick with fins
Of course Plate City followed. I did upper back and followed that with 4:00 on the exercise bicycle. It was a strong day of training. I look forward to another one today.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Monday
School, pool, and Plate City. That is the outline of a pretty typical day in the life of Zane Hodge right now. After my tour of duty, I come home and change into my swim jammer, grab a towel and my swim bag, and head to the pool where I get lost in the rhythms of my own swim stoke. That is why I always fish out the floating thermometer at Twin Rivers before I start my swim. Sometimes I zone out so much that I am swimming on autopilot, and then I hit that thermometer in the water. Not that it hurts, but I am so startled that I tighten up and am in danger of pulling something.
Monday when I got there, Linda Gail was doing her thing in the north lane, so I took my customary south lane and started doing mine which was
2,100 38:31 (1:49)
10 X 50 @1:12
300 small paddles
6 X 50 @1:16
4 X 100 medium paddle
total: 3,600 yards, plus 250 kick with fins
At Plate City, Trevor and I laid some more blocks while we lifted. It was bench night for me while Trevor benched and did some strongman stuff. I pressed
20 X 45
13 X 95
10 X 115
7 X 140
4 X 145
4 X 145
4 X 145
On the incline, I did
10 X 95
8 X 100
5 X 110
I also did squats and rotator cuff work. Plat City is looking good. I will post a video soon. Thank you, Jesus, for a good day.
Monday when I got there, Linda Gail was doing her thing in the north lane, so I took my customary south lane and started doing mine which was
2,100 38:31 (1:49)
10 X 50 @1:12
300 small paddles
6 X 50 @1:16
4 X 100 medium paddle
total: 3,600 yards, plus 250 kick with fins
At Plate City, Trevor and I laid some more blocks while we lifted. It was bench night for me while Trevor benched and did some strongman stuff. I pressed
20 X 45
13 X 95
10 X 115
7 X 140
4 X 145
4 X 145
4 X 145
On the incline, I did
10 X 95
8 X 100
5 X 110
I also did squats and rotator cuff work. Plat City is looking good. I will post a video soon. Thank you, Jesus, for a good day.
Cats
It is not true. They are not like that. You don't understand. Let me explain.
Cats are not aloof. They are not anti-social. They are not independent. They are misunderstood. Want to understand cats and have a better relationship with Fluffy. Then listen up, and I'll let you in on a few secrets.
Here is one of the secrets to cats. They are just like humans, and they want exactly the same things. They want others to notice them, acknowledge them, touch them, speak to then, and love them. Isn't that what you want? I do.
Here is another secret. Cats are socially awkward, they are painfully sensitive, and they can't bear embarrassment. Let that sink in. They want a relationship with you, but unlike with a dog, you have to understand them and you have to work at it. With dogs, it's practically automatic. With cats, it takes some time and understanding.
Let's apply these secrets. Your cat wants to get along with you, wants to be close to you but really doesn't know how. You come home from a long day at work, and Fluffy gets up from her nap and walks two steps towards you. Did you notice? More than likely you did not. That is your first mistake and one Fluffy will never forget. You just hurt her feelings. You ignored her. But surely, you say, she doesn't take it that way. That is exactly how she takes it, and it's exactly how you take it when people give you the snub.
Getting along with cats first of all involves awareness. You must be aware of what Fluffy is doing and any overture towards you by her must be noticed and responded to. This is where a lot of people miss it. I have had people do this to me. "Hi, Jenny, How are you?" I said with a wave and a big smile. She acted like I was invisible. I didn't speak or even look her way the next time we bumped into each other. This really happened to me and the name was not changed to protect the guilty. In fact, it has happened a lot just like it does to sensitive felines everyday. And they withdraw, become aloof, as we like to say, not because that is how they are, but because they are trying to protect their feelings and their dignity.
This applies when a cat follows you into a room. You must speak, reach down and touch the cat and invite her to follow you out. If a cat follows you into a room and you turn around and come right out (don't we usually do this?) you just embarrassed Fluffy. She is humiliated.
What to do when Fluffy gets at your feet and begins to meow over and over. This recently happened at our house. CC was doing that to Penny and Penny asked me, "What does she want?"
I answered, "She wants you to talk to her."
"I did, but she just kept on."
"Then you just keep on. Look her in the eye and tell her she's pretty."
Two lessons here. First, cats are more needy on some days than others. Second, cats love to be told they are pretty. Don't you? My wife scoffs at this and insists that a cat doesn't know what you are saying when you call them pretty. I beg to differ. I am absolutely certain they at least know they are being sweet talked and cats love being sweet talked. So do dogs. So do women. So do men. Do it to your cat. If she speaks to you, speak back over and over and compliment her or him on his looks. Tom cats especially love this.
In sort, it's really not complicated, neither cats nor our relationships with them. They are as sensitive and the most bashful introvert, and they will go to great lengths to protect their feelings. Make them feel safe. It doesn't happen overnight. Consistently show them acknowledgment and love and they will give it back to you in spades. I promise.
And one more thing. Sometimes they do want to be left alone. Just like you. When they are in that mood, let them be. Fluffy will come around when the mood passes, just like you do.
Cats are not aloof. They are not anti-social. They are not independent. They are misunderstood. Want to understand cats and have a better relationship with Fluffy. Then listen up, and I'll let you in on a few secrets.
Here is one of the secrets to cats. They are just like humans, and they want exactly the same things. They want others to notice them, acknowledge them, touch them, speak to then, and love them. Isn't that what you want? I do.
Here is another secret. Cats are socially awkward, they are painfully sensitive, and they can't bear embarrassment. Let that sink in. They want a relationship with you, but unlike with a dog, you have to understand them and you have to work at it. With dogs, it's practically automatic. With cats, it takes some time and understanding.
Let's apply these secrets. Your cat wants to get along with you, wants to be close to you but really doesn't know how. You come home from a long day at work, and Fluffy gets up from her nap and walks two steps towards you. Did you notice? More than likely you did not. That is your first mistake and one Fluffy will never forget. You just hurt her feelings. You ignored her. But surely, you say, she doesn't take it that way. That is exactly how she takes it, and it's exactly how you take it when people give you the snub.
Getting along with cats first of all involves awareness. You must be aware of what Fluffy is doing and any overture towards you by her must be noticed and responded to. This is where a lot of people miss it. I have had people do this to me. "Hi, Jenny, How are you?" I said with a wave and a big smile. She acted like I was invisible. I didn't speak or even look her way the next time we bumped into each other. This really happened to me and the name was not changed to protect the guilty. In fact, it has happened a lot just like it does to sensitive felines everyday. And they withdraw, become aloof, as we like to say, not because that is how they are, but because they are trying to protect their feelings and their dignity.
This applies when a cat follows you into a room. You must speak, reach down and touch the cat and invite her to follow you out. If a cat follows you into a room and you turn around and come right out (don't we usually do this?) you just embarrassed Fluffy. She is humiliated.
What to do when Fluffy gets at your feet and begins to meow over and over. This recently happened at our house. CC was doing that to Penny and Penny asked me, "What does she want?"
I answered, "She wants you to talk to her."
"I did, but she just kept on."
"Then you just keep on. Look her in the eye and tell her she's pretty."
Two lessons here. First, cats are more needy on some days than others. Second, cats love to be told they are pretty. Don't you? My wife scoffs at this and insists that a cat doesn't know what you are saying when you call them pretty. I beg to differ. I am absolutely certain they at least know they are being sweet talked and cats love being sweet talked. So do dogs. So do women. So do men. Do it to your cat. If she speaks to you, speak back over and over and compliment her or him on his looks. Tom cats especially love this.
In sort, it's really not complicated, neither cats nor our relationships with them. They are as sensitive and the most bashful introvert, and they will go to great lengths to protect their feelings. Make them feel safe. It doesn't happen overnight. Consistently show them acknowledgment and love and they will give it back to you in spades. I promise.
And one more thing. Sometimes they do want to be left alone. Just like you. When they are in that mood, let them be. Fluffy will come around when the mood passes, just like you do.
 |
| CC hanging out with me on snow day. |
The Blizzard of 2019
I'm in bed, the coffee is good, and I have the day off. Thanks to the Great Mississippi Blizzard of 2019, I am planning to drink an entire pot of coffee, hang out with the cats, and swim like its Friday. But it's only Tuesday.
I feel I must preface the comments I am about to make with a couple of disclaimers. First, I am a big believer in and fan of meteorologists. I am NOT a weatherman/woman basher. I think they are professionals who do an amazing job and are right way more than they are wrong. Second, I like a day off work as much as the next guy. Scratch that. I like a day off MORE than the next guy. But I tell you right now, I am not making this day up on April the 6th when I am scheduled to swim in the Mississippi State Senior Olympics because someone else doesn't understand delta weather. I am not! School should never have been cancelled.
Flashback. A few years ago, the weather was predicted to rain overnight and the low was to get to 33. MDCC cancelled classes. I never knew why, but before the day was over, a makeup day was scheduled. To say I was pissed is an understatement. And the makeup day was put way back in the spring when the weather is good, the water warm, and I had swims to train for.
Fast forward to today. We were supposed to receive "significant accumulation of snow." I have lived long enough around here to know that when we are predicted to receive a "significant accumulation of snow," we get a mild dusting in about one in twenty of those predictions. When it comes to snow, I believe it when I see it. It just doesn't snow here. They get more snow in Jackson, way to our south, than we get in the delta. I heard a meteorologist explain it once, but I have forgotten all the details.
Not only that, but the weather forecast changed "significantly" over the last few days. The last forecast I saw, before classes were cancelled, predicted all of our "significant snow" ending in the wee hours of the morning while the temperatures were to be 35 degrees. Oh wait, we cancelled classes once at a predicted 33. It rarely gets as cold as predicted around here. And the last time I checked, water begins to freeze at 32. If the laws of nature have changed, I missed the memo, but I've missed lots of memos in the past. Someone bring me up to date. Please.
It did get cold after it didn't snow. But the roads are clear while the grocery store shelves are free of milk and bread. Good eating to all you gullible people. You deserve to eat milk and bread for a week. And thank you, Jesus, for the day off. I needed it.
I feel I must preface the comments I am about to make with a couple of disclaimers. First, I am a big believer in and fan of meteorologists. I am NOT a weatherman/woman basher. I think they are professionals who do an amazing job and are right way more than they are wrong. Second, I like a day off work as much as the next guy. Scratch that. I like a day off MORE than the next guy. But I tell you right now, I am not making this day up on April the 6th when I am scheduled to swim in the Mississippi State Senior Olympics because someone else doesn't understand delta weather. I am not! School should never have been cancelled.
Flashback. A few years ago, the weather was predicted to rain overnight and the low was to get to 33. MDCC cancelled classes. I never knew why, but before the day was over, a makeup day was scheduled. To say I was pissed is an understatement. And the makeup day was put way back in the spring when the weather is good, the water warm, and I had swims to train for.
Fast forward to today. We were supposed to receive "significant accumulation of snow." I have lived long enough around here to know that when we are predicted to receive a "significant accumulation of snow," we get a mild dusting in about one in twenty of those predictions. When it comes to snow, I believe it when I see it. It just doesn't snow here. They get more snow in Jackson, way to our south, than we get in the delta. I heard a meteorologist explain it once, but I have forgotten all the details.
Not only that, but the weather forecast changed "significantly" over the last few days. The last forecast I saw, before classes were cancelled, predicted all of our "significant snow" ending in the wee hours of the morning while the temperatures were to be 35 degrees. Oh wait, we cancelled classes once at a predicted 33. It rarely gets as cold as predicted around here. And the last time I checked, water begins to freeze at 32. If the laws of nature have changed, I missed the memo, but I've missed lots of memos in the past. Someone bring me up to date. Please.
It did get cold after it didn't snow. But the roads are clear while the grocery store shelves are free of milk and bread. Good eating to all you gullible people. You deserve to eat milk and bread for a week. And thank you, Jesus, for the day off. I needed it.
 |
| The great blizzard of 2019 |
Monday, January 28, 2019
1/21 - 1/27
The weekly rundown, in my best Jack Webb voice. "Just the facts, Ma'am. Just the facts."
Monday
Swam 3,199 meters
Lifted weights
Tuesday
Swam 3,656 meters
Lifted weights
Wednesday
Swam 2,879 meters
Lifted weights
Ran .56
Thursday
Swam 2,787 meters
Lifted weights
Friday
Swam 6,763 meters
Lifted weights
Saturday
Swam 3,742 meters
Lifted weights
Ran .55
Totals:
Swam 23, 031 meters
Lifted weights six times
Ran 1.11 miles
That's good training right there. I don't care who you are. Thank you, Jesus for some Beetsdown training.
Monday
Swam 3,199 meters
Lifted weights
Tuesday
Swam 3,656 meters
Lifted weights
Wednesday
Swam 2,879 meters
Lifted weights
Ran .56
Thursday
Swam 2,787 meters
Lifted weights
Friday
Swam 6,763 meters
Lifted weights
Saturday
Swam 3,742 meters
Lifted weights
Ran .55
Totals:
Swam 23, 031 meters
Lifted weights six times
Ran 1.11 miles
That's good training right there. I don't care who you are. Thank you, Jesus for some Beetsdown training.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Saturday
Saturday was another good day: good training and some enjoyable experiences. The training started at the pool with
2,100 warm up in 38:28 (1:49), then
The Man Maker set
400 @7:43 in 6:09 (1:32) ties PR
300 @5:50 in 4:36 (1:31)
200 @3:55 in 2:59 (1:28)
150 @2:58 in 2:18 (1:31)
100 @2:00 in 1:28
100 @2:00 in 1:29
100 @2:00 in 1:28
100 @2:00 in 1:30
100 @2:00 in 1:30
50 @1:00 in :44
50 @1:00 in :45
50 @1:00 in :44
50 @1:00 in :43
50 @1:00 in :44
total Man Maker = 1,800 yards, then
200 small paddles cool down
Total: 4,100 yards = 3,742 meters.
Later in the day, I had an appointment to show a part of the land in Carroll County. That gave me some walking. After the showing, I did my shuffle for .55 in 8:11. Presently, I am only attempting to shuffle twice per week. I am tired of breaking down, and I plan to build extremely slowly. In fact, the running at this point is only to aid my swimming. With a 500 and a 200 in the pool in my future, I feel like the added aerobic capacity can only help me. I am breathing less heavily and recovering faster when I do my Man Maker set. But anything outside the pool, and I am huffing like an old man. You are an old man, you say. Maybe I am, but I am not giving in to old age yet. I'm fighting it like an ageing boxer getting his last crack at the crown. I want the belt, one more time.
When it got dark, I went out to Plate City for some weight work. It was my fifth weight session of the week and third workout of the day. I did some benching, rotator cuff work, dead lifting, bicep and shoulder work. It was a full day and an enjoyable one.
Thank you, Jesus.
2,100 warm up in 38:28 (1:49), then
The Man Maker set
400 @7:43 in 6:09 (1:32) ties PR
300 @5:50 in 4:36 (1:31)
200 @3:55 in 2:59 (1:28)
150 @2:58 in 2:18 (1:31)
100 @2:00 in 1:28
100 @2:00 in 1:29
100 @2:00 in 1:28
100 @2:00 in 1:30
100 @2:00 in 1:30
50 @1:00 in :44
50 @1:00 in :45
50 @1:00 in :44
50 @1:00 in :43
50 @1:00 in :44
total Man Maker = 1,800 yards, then
200 small paddles cool down
Total: 4,100 yards = 3,742 meters.
Later in the day, I had an appointment to show a part of the land in Carroll County. That gave me some walking. After the showing, I did my shuffle for .55 in 8:11. Presently, I am only attempting to shuffle twice per week. I am tired of breaking down, and I plan to build extremely slowly. In fact, the running at this point is only to aid my swimming. With a 500 and a 200 in the pool in my future, I feel like the added aerobic capacity can only help me. I am breathing less heavily and recovering faster when I do my Man Maker set. But anything outside the pool, and I am huffing like an old man. You are an old man, you say. Maybe I am, but I am not giving in to old age yet. I'm fighting it like an ageing boxer getting his last crack at the crown. I want the belt, one more time.
When it got dark, I went out to Plate City for some weight work. It was my fifth weight session of the week and third workout of the day. I did some benching, rotator cuff work, dead lifting, bicep and shoulder work. It was a full day and an enjoyable one.
Thank you, Jesus.
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