Posted By Rich Bryant on December 10, 2009

Previously I have made note of a decided decrease in the temperature at the pool, and I must report that this is a trend that has continued in recent weeks.  However, through a graduated program of acclimation I have begun to restore my daily pool workout to some semblance of its former summertime glory.

I find that I’m having to recover from the disruption of ten days of Fall vacation probably as much as the reduction in temperatures.   Perhaps more insidious than these two exercise-disruptors, however, is the effect of daylight savings time coupled with the natural shortening of the days as we approach the end of year.  Somehow it’s more difficult to motivate oneself to swim in the cold water in the dark than in the light of day.

Excuses?  Perhaps, but good excuses none-the-less, and just additional factors which must be overcome.

So far this week I’ve not missed a day/night in the pool, getting in 20 laps on Monday, 30 laps on Tuesday and 40 laps last night.  My goal is to get in seven days of uninterrupted workouts this week, getting in at least 30 laps each day henceforth.

A couple of weeks ago I did experience a horrible cramp in my right calf while traversing the deep end of the pool, and I must say that this was one of those “near death” experiences that has caused me to change my pool habits a little.  Having experienced that feeling of cold, skeletal hands clutching my calf and dragging me towards oblivion I am in no way eager to repleat that experience.  As a result I:

• Went back into the water immediately the next day.  (I realized if I stopped now out of fear it would be permanent.)
• Started keeping a gallon jug of water with me during the day to stay better hydrated (I need to do better at this, as I’ve slipped on it a bit in recent days).
• Consume a little more banana (recommended to me by a master swimmer with whom I discussed swimmers’ cramps the other day.
• Start swimming closer to the side of the pool.

So, in summary I am finding that this time of year presents its challenges, but also provides great rewards.  The main reward is a sense of accomplishment and commitment.  Cold water quickly becomes tolerable, and even pleasant.  And the benefits continue, slowly, to accumulate.

Categories: Workout Diary
Tags: cramps, swimming