Working out on the Beach

I've been thinking about attempting my first triathlon.  I love to mountain bike and run, but swimming is not my forte.

Sure I've been in a pool or the ocean several times over the years but I just go wading, tread water, or relax on a boogie board.  I haven't swam laps since I was about 10 years old so I've lost the proper breathing method.  I can only do about two or three strokes before I gotta stop for air.  And usually I'll try to swim a lap without ever getting my head (mainly my ears) in the water...I'm afraid a big wave will come and take me away.  Or my long hair gets in my face and makes swimming... unpleasant.

About a week ago I mentioned to my personal trainer that the idea of doing a triathlon would be fun and exciting; however, since I haven't swam in a long time I'm just not sure its for me.  So she suggested that we meet at the beach the following week (yesterday) instead of our usual spot at the park.  She would help me work on my breathing.  So that is exactly what we did. 

It never crossed my mind that you can get a really good workout at the beach.  Usually when my feet hit the sand my first instinct is to lay out on my beach towel and catch some rays.  At six in the morning it wasn't warm enough to get my towel out.  Instead, I had my trainer by my side ready to have me run laps in the sand, then do a series of squats, lunges, pushups, tricep extensions, etc....

After my torture of a killer workout, we made our way to the water - complete with swim cap and goggles.  It took a bit to get used to the water, then I showcased my lack of swimming skills.  My first lesson was to watch how to stroke (placing my head further in the water and rotating as I come up for air).  I gave the new method a try and did better than my first attempt (the swim cap helped keep my hair out of my face too).

Although, I will still need a lot more practice.  And with practice I will get better.....who knows maybe eventually I'll feel more confident in the water and will decide to actually give the triathlon a try.

OMG was I sore this morning.  I decided to sleep in for the first time in weeks (and by sleep in I woke up at 9:15 instead of 5:30am.  As I rolled over to climb out of bed I could feel every muscle in my body aching....my glutes, my hamstrings, and my triceps hurting the most.  The pain felt sore, but it also felt good.  I know my body is working it's way to a better, healthier, more fit me and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

A good workout on the beach is just what I needed.  And I can't wait for my next one.   (Shhh...don't tell my trainer....she might torture me even more).