Deep end of the pool, Shallow end of the ocean

The title describes my comfort level with swimming for the past 20 years.  

I grew up surrounded by water in Hawaii and absolutely loved wading in the shallow end of the ocean.  But it was a bummer not being able to join my friends in swimming and snorkeling.  As an adult I took countless swim lessons at the YMCA or community centers. But I still could not get over my terror of deep water.  Totally unfounded terror too.  There was no big traumatic event that caused this fear.   

Then 20 years ago, my mermaid friend Judith worked with me at the pool and everything clicked.  I was able to coordinate side breathing, with crawl stroke and kicking!!!  I would swim laps and cling onto the edge of the pool in the deep end.  

Over the years, I kept up with my swimming and received more swim coaching. It seems as though one day I went out into the ocean and just felt comfortable in the deep.  It was such a liberating experience to be able to snorkle in deep waters, to get smashed by waves while learning to surf, kayak faraway from the shoreline.  I felt as though a whole new world opened up.  

I really thought I would never be able to swim.  That I was a "sinker".  Then when I learned to swim, I thought it could only be in the safe confines of a pool.  Then I graduated to swimming close to the ocean shoreline.    I am not some superperson with the will to overcome or anything that noble. I am just someone who kept on practicing and one day, it all came together.  

Marathon Memories from a Year Ago

Honolulu Marathon 2015 took place today and I was fondly remembering my experience at this marathon last year.  I've decided this is my favorite marathon to date.  Fun beautiful course with no time limit.  The course will stay open until the last person crosses the finish line.  How is that for being inclusive.

A few things I love about this marathon:

• Starting with huge fireworks display gets the adrenaline going.  
• Early 5am start in the dark with downtown Honolulu lit up with Christmas displays
• So much energy.  Gotta love the Japanese cheering groups with their enthusiasm and energy.
• Costumes, costumes everywhere.  
• Running in WARM rain.  No overheating.  
• Seeing the elite runners on the route to the finish.  Amazing.
• Breathtaking scenery.
• Malasadas at the finish.

Yes, I did see a few rainbows.

Funny running form but gotta love the Flirt Skirt and the scenery.

Hurray, now time to recover.

My biggest smile of the day.

Marathon Bus Ride on The Barf Route

Having just returned from a wonderful visit to Oaxaca, Mexico, I am savoring memories from that trip.  Day 1 land in Oaxaca City at midnight.  Day 2 off to Huatulco, area known for their beautiful bays on the Pacific coast.  Well, actually to the town of Pochutla which is one the Highway 175 to Huatulco.  The friends we were staying with advised us that trip is slow and long, 6 hours on a winding road with many curves.  We would be traveling in minivan with 12 passengers.  My husband Mark gets carsick on winding roads but decided he would be okay if he sat in the front seat by the window.  At the terminal, my friend Alma kept asking if we needed Dramamine.  "Oh no" we both replied.  "Linda never gets carsick and Mark will be okay in the front".  HAH!  Stupid last words.

We stopped 2 hours after departure at a rest station for bathroom breaks and to buy beverages and snacks.  No one was eating on the van but I was starving.  It was about 8 pm now and my last meal was lunch at 2pm.  I bought the biggest bag of potato chips I could find and chowed down.  Damn, this is a longg drive.  I kept checking my watch and we haven't even been on the road for 3 hours.  This is taking a lonnggg time.  And then it began...Thank goodness for the LARGE potato chip bag because I filled it up for the next 3 hours of the trip.  

My heart sank everytime I saw another winding road sign. This road trip is a marathon that will never end.

 

Meanwhile, I was surprised Mark did not appear to be getting sick.  Until it got unleashed.  While I was quiet and dainty about my sickness, he was LOUD.  I'm sure everyone in the van plus the driver was horrified.  The funny part (in my opinion) was when he stuck his head for another LOUD round while going through a sleepy quiet village, the dogs all started howling and barking.  

For the return trip back to Oaxaca City, we got smart.  Compramos medicina para no vomitar.  Just like in English.  

Running in the Rain

I've learned from my cat to just turn around and go back in the house if it is pouring outside.  Kinda rough on the training schedule since it has been pretty damp here in Seattle.  But if I can get outside BEFORE the big drops arrive, I am okay.  I've come home looking like a wet rat many times and always feel so virtuous for sticking to my running plan. 

This fabulous group of women placed FIRST in the walking team category of the Barrel 2 Key Relay this summer in Oregon! How can you not smile and have fun when your team is called "Don't Worry Be Hippy" and you are speed walking from Barrel 2 Keg. 

Time Flies

I have been quite lax with my correspondence this past year--both personally and professionally.  Overwhelmed with too many things to take care of. Wen I decided to resurrect my blog, I was quite shocked to discover that my last post was from October 2013.  And here I am now, still undertrained again for the 2014 Columbia Gorge Marathon. 

About a month ago I felt a sharp pain in my knee during a short training run.  Well that pain has not disappeared so finally went to see a sports medicine doctor.  Surprise, surprise I have arthritis in my knee. 

I was happy to learn that I didn't tear or break an important body part.  And with the knowledge that I have a lifetime condition that I have to live with anyway, I am putting my running shoes back on.  I will dial back my running--lower mileage and fewer days/wk.  But I'm still running my marathons.  Well maybe run/walk with more walking. 

I'm a slower marathoner anyway.  Knowing that I need to take it easy on knees makes me feel okay and smart about being at the back of the back.  Whereas I would put imaginary pressure on myself to train harder and get faster.  Now I just feel fortunate for any running I can do. 

Fall running in the gorge



Am feeling a bit undertrained for this event and have wondered if I should proceed. Oh what the heck.   I feel as though I can do the mileage but it could be kinda slow...  At least the scenery will be gorgeous and dry weather is in the forecast.  This area is one of my most favorite in the Pacific Northwest. 

http://www.columbiagorgemarathon.com/event-info/registration/