Battling the cold

The last two weeks have been bone-chilling cold outside. This is easily the coldest period I can remember since moving to Utah about 14 years ago. Although I've been keeping the house nice and warm, I still have a difficult time keeping my feet warm, because they have very poor circulation. Anyway, I'm glad I've been getting some use out of the warm workout clothing I purchased before the Turkey Tri last November, because they've been serving me well at the gym lately. It's still kind of cold in there, too.

Just after I got home from Planet Fitness today. As cheesy as I think these things are, my track suit has kept me warm during the past two weeks at the gym.

Today, I did a moderate 30-minute ride on the stationary bike while watching ESPN. My workouts fly by when I have a TV screen in front of me, which is a huge asset. I followed it up with some weight work on my arms and chest, which I've neglected a bit during the past week.

Total distance: 9.5 miles cycling

Crappy weather, nice swim

I was hoping to go for a run today, now that my legs have calmed down a little after last Thursday's hike. They were screaming at me for two days before finally healing a bit yesterday. However, the weather outside this morning was stormy and gross so I went to the rec center for a swim and some free weight work instead.

I lifted first, knowing full well my muscles would be tired when I got in the water. But I pushed it hard on my sets anyway.

Warm up
200 free
Core
4 x 300 free/50 breast

I didn't end up cooling down because I ran out of time, but the breaststroke interval on each set cooled me down some already, so I was OK. I haven't exactly been piling up the yards since Bear Lake, but I've at least been getting in once a week, for the most part. I can't fall out of the habit, but I have to be very careful not to overdo it and let my shoulder get some rest in the next few months. I'm walking a fine line.

Total distance: 1,600 yards swimming

Hiking, getting lost and more hiking

Trying to keep pace with the beautiful weather we've been having over the past few days, Wes, Kelly, Jessica, Jen and I all went for a hike this morning. Well, it started out this morning and ended up lasting longer than three hours. We took an 'alternate' route up Waterfall Canyon and ended up hiking for an hour before we even found the correct trail. By the time we reached the top, Jen and I snapped a few photos and went straight down.

Early in the hike, trying to find the right canyon

Thinking the other three would catch us fairly quickly, we went on without them. Big mistake. Jen and I ended up at the bottom of the 29th Street trail head when our car was parked at the 31st Street trail head. We humped through a golf course before finally running into Wes, Kelly and Jess. Apparently they took a much faster route down. By then, Jen and I were exhausted, so we all met up at Noodles & Company for some chow and went home. All-in-all, it was a nice hike right up until the end when I got lost. By then I was starving and pretty cranky. Hopefully the next hike will be a little less chaotic.

Not a bad little canyon hike, once you find it.

One-mile improvement, plus a short bike ride

It's such an awesome day outside! I wish Pineview Reservoir was warm enough to swim in, so I could enjoy the weather a bit more. The pool and gym had to suffice, though. First, I did a short 30-minute cycling session upstairs while reading my book. After working up a bit of a sweat, I went down to the pool.

Warm up
250 free
Core
1,750 free (28:47)
Cool down
150 breast

I knocked some serious time off my 2012 one-mile pool time. I even came within 17 seconds of my personal-best time. Perhaps, if I really push it, I can beat it next week. I didn't do a ton of yardage today, but all-in-all it was a good week, coming just 400 yards short of 10,000. Who knows, perhaps I'll jump in tomorrow morning for a bonus swim...

Total distance: 7.25 miles cycling, 2,150 yards swimming

"You're getting it back, Matt!"

What a wonderful day it has been thus far. The weather is beautiful, I don't have to work at my crappy new job and I got in another fantastic swim. Jen took my car to work today, so I walked to the Roy Rec Center, which is only about two blocks from my house. It was such a nice day out, I was glad to go for the walk.

Here's what I swam. I tried something different again. Haha.

Warm up
200 free
Core
4 x 500 free (1 minute rests)
4 x 250 free (30 second rests)
4 x 100 free (on 2:00)
4 x 50 free (on 1:00)
Cool down
200 breast

During my rest on one of my 100's Anita looked down at me from her tower with a big smile on her face and said, "You're getting it back, Matt," referring to the long road back from my shoulder injury. She really boosted my confidence and made my day. The descending ladder was kind of fun and I'll probably try to work a few more of those into my workouts every now and again. I also hit another new 2012 high for total yardage in one day. I enjoyed the short walk home and reveled in today's accomplishment and Anita's kind words.

Total distance: 4,000 yards