BI - What???

Bilateral breathing, that is. It just sucks. Well, maybe not. I'm new at it and I know I need to give it more time. But I gotta tell ya - I drank a lot pool water while bilateral breathing on my left side today. Now, you'd think that that would be my dominant side to breathe huh, since I am left (wrong-whatevah!) handed. But, when I started lap swimming last year and decided to go from the doggy swimming style to actually putting my face in the water, I naturally started unilateral breathing on my right side. Now, after reading a couple of articles about unilateral breathing possibly being related to some shoulder pain, I am going to have to start tying this crap more often. Over my last few swim sessions, I've had shoulder pain afterwards and think it could be related. So, they're ya have it! Another freakin' reason to slow my arse down EVEN more. More technique changes... Blah.............. One day, one day, maybe I'll become a faster swimmer after all this technique changes. I know what I'm doing is gonna make me more efficient.

Last night, I had a 4 or 5 mile on my schedule. Time was tight. I had planned a 6ish gathering at the Hippie Mellow Mushroom. Mmmm.... loves me some pizza. Our sweet friend, Robin stopped by to say Hi and Happy Birthday to David. We got to chatting, and laughing and time flew away from us. I headed out for my run while David went to get the little lady. It was around 75 yesterday, and I could tell fo SHO. What's happened with our weather lately? Anyway, it was HOT for me (so far) and the humidity was around 50. Time for pollen season here... and my car can sure tell. After I left, I didn't know how much time I had to run, so I cut it short and did 3, but they were really the worst 3 miles I have done in a while. I had to stop several times to catch my breathe and stretch my calf. I'm glad I did just 3, because I started out at 5 and we left the house at 6, after my quick shower.

Run 3 miles - 31:49 (10:16/mi)

Today at lunch, I did lap drills. It was pretty boring, and I already mentioned the bilateral breathing drama.

200yd wu
200yd sidekicks
200yd catch-up
200yd kickboard
200yd cd
200yd bilateral breathing

Swim 1200yds

After work, we both needed to get in some exercise, so David went for a quick run that was in the 40's and light rain. See what I'm saying about our weather!!!! While I hopped on the trainer for 35 min. We had to hurry, so we could go to dinner and then for me to head out to meet a friend for a cup o' java! It was a fantastic time!

Bike (trainer) - 35:00 10:18 miles (17.45 mi/hr)

The bridge run had some obstacles for us last night. Long story short, our plans for a babysitter (friend and owner of the condo we're staying at) fell through and she had no reason to go down to Charleston. I told her that's okay, we'll figure something out. It's wonderful she's letting us stay in their vacation home for the weekend. So, last night - David nor I would say "I won't run it, so you can". But, I started to think that one of us would not run it. But plans change and my Mother and boyfriend are joining us for the entire weekend, so we're making a nice trip out of it. Yehaww.....

Time to pack for the trip. I'll read blogs first thing in the morning with my morning coffee and bagel.

18 comments:

Nancy said...

All this work in the pool will definitely pay off. Way to go!

streak said...

Good to hear the bridge run plans are saved and you both will have a great time. Good workouts yesterday and the swimming will all come together. Have a good weekend!

Ashley said...

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND! Have a blast... can't wait to read about the Bridge Run Adventures.

Viv said...

I really need you and Java in the pool with me. i am getting worst Mendy :-(
Your drills and improving technique will have you feeling great and improvements will be o' plenty! Way to work so hard at it all :-D

Yaa, on your Mom pulling thorugh for the bridge run. It will be a great weekend. Enjoy it!!! Go getcha ur PR chickie :-D

Wes said...

I can bilateral breath, but when I try to breath on my left, I tend to sink and suck in water :-) So I breath faster on my left!! LOL!! I think its because I pick my head up to breath on my left. I'm trying real hard to exactly mimic how I breath on the right. One of these days, I may *gasp* actually try to bilateral breath in a race...

Marcy said...

Dang, what ever happened to just throwing yourself in the pool and floating around? LOL So many things to learn in swimming.

Oooooo have fun this weekend chica! ;D ;D And GOOD LUCK!! ;D ;D

sunshine said...

Good luck and have fun this weekend!!!!

Eric said...

Hope y'all have fun in Chaz this weekend! Go fast!

On the bilateral breathing...I've never been able to do it...AT ALL! I seem to always hurt my neck and would advise you to be careful not to hurt yourself. I HATE breathing on the right side and NEVER WILL! HA!

The 311 Boys Mom said...

sorry there busy lady, btu I've tagged you

http://the311boysmom.blogspot.com/2008/04/what-me-you-really-picked-me.html

Paul said...

Good luck this weekend!! On the bi lateral breathing, learn how to do it so you can if necessary (like rough surf conditions that require it) otherwise just breath on one side and stretch out your shoulders, chest, and neck after swimming. It's generally faster to breath on one side and get as much air as possible. Once I went single sided I got much quicker.

Michelle said...

Have a great weekend, Mendi!!

Unknown said...

I'm left handed too and breathe the the right.

I practice bilateral breathing as well. The first two times were UGLY. But it got easier. But in a race or panic situation, I revert to right breathing.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Unknown said...

Great to hear that you are working so hard at it. I was never able to learn to breath on my right side. I just end up swallowing half the pool.

Have a great weekend.

Lily on the Road said...

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, maybe you'll see Marcy floating in the pool with her water wings and cocktail!!

;-X

Have fun!

teacherwoman said...

When I first started swimming again last summer, I had to reteach myself a lot of things, including getting my head under the water and bilateral breathing. Just like Wes, I can do it, but breathing on my left is a little harder for me and I sometimes end up sucking in some water. I don't konw why, but that is what happens! Good luck retraining yourself.. YOu will be glad you did!

Jess said...

Can't wait to hear your race report!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Hope U had a good weekend and way to work on that technique it will pay off....one day at a time:-)

J~Mom said...

You know I suck at bilateral breathing!! You are doing awesome!!