When we were kids my brother and I swam. A lot. Seriously, a lot. He trained 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day, I did 2-3 training sessions and 2 water polo sessions a week. And I loved it. And until I quit the gym I used to swim a lot.
But unfortunately, swimming isn’t free, and when you have little no money you look for the free things, so for a while I ran and I really tried to do it because running appears to be the cool thing to do (if my twitter stream is anything to go by you’re nothing unless you’ve done 10k a day!). But my knees have given up. They hurt pretty much all the time these days, and running only makes it worse – I even bought fancy shoes that are shaped to my feet and new knee supports like the running shop people suggested but they still hurt. So it appears I am just not well enough, or, maybe cool enough, to run. {Plus, I have boobs. Running is not the sport for boobs!}
So, you can keep your running – I am going back to swimming. I have found a pool that I can get in to at 6.30. The plan is to, hopefully, swim a mile{+}, be out by 7.30 to be at work for 9. I know it’ll make my days a bit longer but I need to do something. I am just not happy about the way I look, and driving 3 hours a day with a half hour lunch break that needs to be spent in the work canteen, isn’t helping me get more exercise, so on payday I signed up for pool membership.
I’m hoping to swim the equivalent of the English Channel a month, I’ve even found a place to record my efforts (and, yes, I know it’s not a Nike app so it doesn’t count, but I don’t care!)
Good luck, I miss swimming, don't do any these days.
I used to do a little swim in a morning before work then walk into Leeds. I balanced the cost of the gym membership with no bus/parking fees.
You might spur me back to the pool!
Thats exactly what I used to do. When I lived in the city centre and could afford esporta, I used to do a mile in the morning then pop to work.
Loved it.
You should try it – I bet Frazer would love swimming with his mummy. x
Ooh good for you, I am very impressed as I am hopeless at swimming! I agree about running, I actually enjoy it but my knees can't cope either so at the moment I am reduced to walking each day x
I only know my way around a pool as that was the sport we did as kids (you need to be able to swim if you're in a boat!)
I wish i could run still, not only bc its all everyone bangs on about, but because it requires little prep. Your walking is going to do you loads of good too! x
Swimming is definitely the way to go. I've tried running quite a few times, as I like the idea that it's free and relatively easy just to do (in terms of no driving there, no need for lots of equipment etc), but I just hate it. Then my chiropractor said that I have the worst possible body and skeletal structure for running so I shouldn't do it, which made me very happy! Swimming and cycling are way better and much better for the knees. That app looks great, thanks for the share.
My boss wants to do a big cycling challenge so I think i'll be trying that too – i am not sure how my knees will cope but we'll try. I might come to you for help with it now i know you cycle too.
The app can be found at swimming.org/myswimfit/ – there are loads of options on the type of challenge you can set yourself. x
Happy to help – and S is a massive cyclist too so has loads of good tips for beginners. He was correcting my posture this weekend when we went for a ride so it was better for my knees and I straightaway felt so much better.
I love a bit stuff like that, where you can set yourself a challenge. I've discovered it's the only way I can remain motivated to do stuff. I love running but only if I'm running for something – ie a race at the end. After my 10k in Sept I didn't run again until this weekend!
Much as I love running I obviously don't love it enough to actually do it for the hell of it.
I used to love swimming but couldn't tell you the last time I went. I don't even own a swimming costume – and I remember saying that over 2 years ago – so there's an indication of the last time I went near a pool!
Good luck in your Channel Challenge!