Venturing Upwards

I’ve wanted to try indoor rock climbing for ages, but my late running coach, Max, would never allow it.  He was worried I’d get injured.  I finally did it on Saturday (with Marty and the kids).   I always thought it required upper body strength, but learnt that you use your legs to push you up, not your arms.  It wasn’t too daunting, being secure in a harness, but  I found it better not to look down.  I made it to the top of three different (easy-medium) walls.  I have no desire to do it again soon though- it’s not my thing.   As for getting injured on the ‘rocks’- I just can’t see that happening.

Donna

Do you want a tip?

Something great happened to me at the pool last week.  I’d only swum a couple of laps, and a man sitting on the edge called out to me, ‘Do you want a tip?’  I was intrigued, because without being too modest, I happen to think I’m a pretty good swimmer.  I used to swim with the Sandy Bay Swimming Club until early high school and trained 3-4 sessions a week.  But I am always willing to listen to how I can be better, and good technique is something I’m passionate about as a runner.  Lucky for me, the former swim coach who spotted ALL my ‘mistakes’ was only too happy to share them with me. 

I really was grateful.  To hear that I’m swimming inefficiently is fantastic news.  It means that when I learn what I need to, I’ll be able to swim faster and further with less effort.  I’m so excited!  I practiced the new technique with my new ’coach’ observing, but it was hard to remember everything at once.  We’ve got a date this week for a heart-rate session.  I’m keen, partly because I’ve always noticed the benefit swimming has on my ability to run well.

I went for a swim on the weekend to practice the tips (I wrote them all down there were so many!).  2km later, I had swallowed a fair bit of water, got water up my nose, run out of breath a few times and was feeling a bit dizzy.  I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it after a while.  I want to keep practicising but it’s not as easy as pulling on the running shoes.

Donna