Taking the high jump for fun

By Virginia Winder
Sometimes it's OK to dive into a bit of fun.
This windy and, at times, wet weekend my exercise has been all about swimming.
Clocked up 30 lengths yesterday and would have done more but ran out of time and was distracted by my teenagers and French daughter. They were playing about in the diving pool and then a bloke swimming next to me headed over to perform a double backwards flip off the top board.
He made it look easy, so I thought I'd jump right in. Then I got out there, teetered on the end of the board, and was overcome with fear.
I walked back to safety.
Standing on the landing, I watched the backflipper do another spectacular display, so this time I walked straight out there, with out thinking and jumped. How easy was that!
Then I executed a few graceful(ish) dives from the low board and got back into the main pool for training.
See how easily distracted I am!
But it was so much fun.
Today, I bought new swimming togs (a one-piece bathing suit) and it was size 18! That's much smaller than the size 24 togs I was wearing and I'm sure I swam much faster today because I was more streamlined. The old togs are baggy and getting holes in them, but a good back up.
Did 42 lengths freestyle today and did walked two more to slowly stretch my calves.
I have been doing a lot more stretching and it feels great, almost like quenching a thirst in my muscles.
My sore foot seems to be getting better, but I'm not pushing it. The night splint isn't working though because I wake up in the morning and it's off. Will have to ask for a moonboot and might ask for a double to help my left achilles at the same time.
May as well make the most of rest time, though I am craving to go for a fast walk with my headphones on.
But as Coach Clint says - restraint, restraint, restraint.
Yeah, and a little patience.
Sigh.

This weekend, I:
Swam 72 lengths (of a 50m pool)
Worked for a few hours only
Had an afternoon nap today
Drank a lot of water
Drank five coffees
Drank two glasses of pinot gris
Ate wonderful, healthy seasonal food - cherries, strawberries, salads, steamed artichoke, asparagus, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries...mmm.
Spent time with friends and family
Decorated the Christmas tree

Help, there's an alien in my instep

By Virginia Winder
The weight's still falling off, but my training has hit a hurdle.
Have injured the instep of my right foot and it hurts to walk. I did it doing step-ups at the gym and it's been getting worse and worse.
It's quite painful most of the time and feels like my foot is constantly cramping. When I put it up, you can see it going into spasms like an alien creature is growing in my instep.
Luckily, it's fine when I'm swimming, but I do get cramp in my feet and my calves when I'm doing lengths.
Have been doing a bit of research (hallelujah for Google) and have found out that cramp in the far-flung bits of my body could be caused by three things:
1. Dehydration. Yes, drinking water has been an ongoing challenge for me. I think I'll need to write notes around the house, saying, "Drink water", "Water is good for me", "Go with the flow - get hydrated", "Time to go for H2O". Sounds like a scene out of Alice in Wonderland - drink me...
2. Lack of vitamins. Apparently, I could have depleted levels of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium. Will find out what's unbalanced about my diet and how I could be missing some of those vitamins. More Alice - eat me...
3. Overdoing it. It's possible I might not be getting enough rest and recovery. "Restraint," says Coach Clint. I need to nap like Alice and go off for adventures while I'm sleeping... can you get fit dreaming?
Sigh. I'm sitting here with a glum face and pouty lips. I am too impatient for setbacks!
So, I've been forced to slow down, but will focus on my swimming and maybe my biking (will see how I feel), until I'm better.
Yes, and I will make an appointment with the physio - just paused to write the note.
It's late now and I need my rest.
Time to head down the rabbit hole...

Today, I:
Worked for 6 hours (all interviews)
Hosted two radio shows (3 hours)
Slept for 8 hours (fitfully)
Ate moderately well (Warren's away... say no more)
Did no exercise (glum face)
Drank 3 glasses of water (terrible!!!)
Drank 1 cup of coffee (what was I thinking?!)