Waterblogged

I just want to start by saying that pulling on lane lines during backstroke doesn't mean you're a bad human being or anything. I can't say I understand it, especially with Tim standing up there recording on his clipboard who is a puller and who isn't (what else do you think he's busy writing down?), but it's not the worst thing in the world. Still...why? Why cheat now, at this age? Didn't we all learn that pulling on the lane lines was a no-no when we were in the 7-8YO age group? Do these same people also run with scissors whenever given the chance? Anyway, again, normally watching folks next to me yank on the lines and break off little shards of plastic is mildly amusing at most, but today, well, I got a piece of lane line stuck in the crotch of my suit mid fin set. No bueno. Sharp. And uncomfy. So hey, lane line pullers? Grrrr. *warmup: 2 x 400's free (second 400 is every fourth length backstroke) add fins for: *100 back kick, 100 backstroke, 100 kick ...

Overheard this week in our lane: Guy 1: "I did 18,000 yards yesterday." Guy 2: "Oh. I went to work." Yah. So how do you people with jobs do this February Can Do nonsense? (I love it Tim, I'm just saying.) I suppose I could take one day off and just swim. Sure. But 30 days? 20? Even 2? Impossible. I think I should get 1,000 yards credit for every hour I work. At that rate I'll be winning the contest. *warmup: 7 x 100's *3 x 200's free, 4 x 50's IM transition, 5 x 100's free *1 x 200 IM, 2 x 150 free, 3 x 100 IM *5 x 100 free with back/breast at the start and end

Sometimes different areas of our lives just can't resist from converging. This week has been a large week of camel references for me, and I just can't help but share. First, The Blogess, a crazily popular crazywoman blogger that I love (because, yes, I'm crazy), wrote a blog post about Juice in the City and was able to work in a reference to the camel I was once almost traded for in Istanbul. Then, today, Tim used a "two hump camel" as a reference for our double pyramid set. I mean, what are the chances? Have you ever heard Tim use the camel example? Because I haven't. So, I feel that a third camel experience may be coming my way this week. All I can do is make certain it won't have anything to do with my pants. Today's double hump workout: *warmup: 200 free, 100 stroke, 50 kick *50, 100, 150, 200, 200, 150, 100, 50 repeat twice *100 strong, 150 float, 50 stroke

Noah and I definitely should have been interviewed for this piece .

Swimming reminds me that sips of cold dark morning air - okay, any air - are gifts. Just another cliched indication that yes, the best things in life are free and also must be earned with hard work. Today's workout: *warmup: 200 free, 75 breast, 200 free, 50 breast, 200 free, 25 breast *200 free, 4x25's fly to breast, 3x50's fly to breast, 100 fast free Repeat 3x *4x100's free including varying degrees of fly and breast

I haven't posted for months, so why today? Maybe it is because the swimming was so gorgeous this morning. On my back, fins flipping, the sky was a deep dark bruise of black that made me grit my teeth and enjoy the speed. I love the dark winter mornings, when sips of 32 degree air stolen from above feel like gulps of sweet ice water and every exhale is its own cloud. I love watching the moon fade with every 50, the sky turn the color of blueberry skin, then indigo, and finally the shade of a light blue tuxedo rimmed with white. And I love, especially, the coffee waiting for me just down the street. *warmup: 200, 150, 100, 50 free each followed by 50 back *25 kick half underwater, 50 sprint free, 25 kick half underwater, 75 sprint free, 25 kick half underwater, 100 sprint free repeat 3x, 2nd time back, 3rd time half and half free/back add fins for: *3x50's kick on the 45 *100 back recovery *150 free sprint *100 back recovery repeat 3x

Some people think this is over-scheduling, but I beg to differ. We've got two games today, one of which I need to coach. Tomorrow there are three games, one of which I need to play in. In addition we'll be watching the Stanford football game tonight, and attending a dear friend's birthday party tomorrow. Somehow I've got to find time in there to work. BUT I LOVE MY BUSY WEEKENDS, and there is only one way to start them off...with a great swim. warmup: 300 free, 3x100's kick, back, breast, 6x50's paced at same interval at threshold pace: *200, 2x100's, 4x50's at recovery pace: *3x50's kick, back, breast Repeat 2x at threshold pace: *100, 3x50's at recovery pace: *150 easy Repeat 2x