This week has been a refreshing change. Instead of lamenting my inability to run without pain (the foot's definitely improving, thank you so much for your concern!), I have been enjoying the break and hogging the pool. Granted, my style and technique leave much to be desired; and as far as speed is concerned, I am off the charts...and I mean way off every swim pace chart you will ever find. But given the fact that I have never taken formal swimming lessons, and that until last year, "swimming" to me meant floating in the pool while occasionally taking a few frantic stabs at the water, I consider today's performance somewhat of an accomplishment.
Monday: 500 yards
Tuesday: 1000 yards
Wednesday: 1600 yards - I swam a combination of freestyle, breast and back stroke, even threw in a few laps of the butterfly...and after 1600 yards, still had the energy to keep going. But the fear of falling asleep after 64 excruciatingly slow laps, not to mention the grand finale of American Idol made me throw in the towel and head home.
Speaking of American Idol...what a show! Every year, the season finale was somehow more spectacular and memorable than the previous year. This year's finale attracted 100 million votes and had almost half of Hollywood in attendance! The target demographic for this show is 18-49, so I don't feel out of place. Actually, DH is the fan of the show...(ahem...he even votes occasionally). I just watch random episodes, enjoy the theatrics, know who the contestants are...and most years, pick out a favorite. But I always watch the 2-hour finale. And DH is of course, glued to the couch for the entire 2 hours.
This show has special meaning for me. American Idol is as old as my marriage, and has been aired since the year I arrived in the US. It represents to me, what I have grown to admire in America...the voice of the people; reminding me that anyone can get anywhere by hard work and dedication; dream big and grow as big as your dreams. Congratulations, Kris Allen!
About Me
- I Run for Fun
- I grew up in a small town in South India. Sports was the only way for me to spread my wings and see a bit of the world - a world comprising neighboring towns and cities. My athletic prowess, unfortunately did not take me beyond the state level. After graduating from college and moving away from home, running faded into the background, resuscitated by the occasional jog in the park and nudges by my father, a compulsive runner. Then, I joined DH in the US. DH in his hey-day was a sprinter par excellence. But starchy foods and a sedentary lifestyle were equally appealing to him, and introduced to this way of life, I happily adapted. Needless to say, my waistline quickly adapted too, which my brutally honest siblings never hesitated to point out. I started a run/walk routine 2-3 days a week. Coaxed by a colleague, I completed my first 5K race, which gave me what I recognized as a runners' high. For the first time in my life, I raced for the sheer pleasure of running. I was hooked! Now, 3 1/2 years and several races (5K to marathon) later, I still enjoy running and the reason, I believe, is because I RUN FOR FUN.
21 comments:
oh this is the best tribute i've read to american idol!
Wow on the butterfly stroke!!
I would seriously injure myself attempting that ;)
Swimming is such awesome exercise! I was on swim team from the time I was 4/5-some of high school- love it.
I am a huge idol fan too. I have watched every episode!! I'm glad Kris won
very impressive with the swims, esp the butterfly stroke! uhh i can barely manage freestyle, i sink during breaststroke, and i end up 4 lanes over in the backstroke :)
That's a massive amount of swimming, mad props! I also had no idea that such things as swimming pace charts existed, but if I find one, I'm sure I will be much slower than any of the paces on it.
That's awesome that AI and your marriage are inherently linked in your memory. It makes the show far more meaningful!
I am so sad I missed AI's season finale. I caught a couple performances before and after getting in the pool... dang training gets in the way!
I loved the finale last night - some great performances!
Great job on all the swim workouts this week, especially last night. I'm impressed.
Way to go on the swimming! That's impressive.
I tivo'd Idol, but caught bits and pieces of it at the golf course after I finished my round.
1600 yards is very impressive. I have never tried Butterfly stroke but love to watch people do that.
Great swim workouts! I'd be bored way before 1000 yards, so I'm extra impressed with teh 1600 one.
nice swimming, girl! and i loved the finale too--i thought it was the best yet. when queen came on i lost my mind.
That is great that you have been able to go swimming. I really enjoy it and wish I had more time to get in the pool! I swim slow too but I think the important part is getting in the water!
Aw, what a cute tribute to American Idol! I like that.
Kudos to you for swimming! You're a fish!
I've never watched American Idol, but this almost makes me want to go check it out next season :)
I'm so impressed with the swimming!
Great job in the pool! Your swimming is going so well. Yeah!
k, you've inspired me, i WILL get back into the pool :)
awesome job on the pool!!!
AI was great... I usually dont like the big hoopla finale shows but I watched every second of that one :)
Great to hear the foot is doing better. And great workouts! 1600 is a LONG way to swim.
Whoa! Congrats on the swimming accomplishments. That is seriously impressive! I have no doubt I would probably drown if I tried that.
I love the swim workout report! Definitely something I'd like to look into at some point - to switch things up. does it get boring just doing the back and forth tho??
glad your foot is feeling a little better :)
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