...Well, different is more appropriate than "funny". I went to the gym. I wasn't planning on it, it just sorta happened. Have you ever lent a book, or a movie to a friend, and then had an overwhelming urge to read that book, or watch that movie? Well, ever since I got home from the hospital and was healing from the procedure,
knowing that I wasn't able to go swimming, all I have wanted to do was swim. Knowing that my gym has a pool, and is open 24hrs during the week has only made the desire more intense.
As I have been out and about, the thought keeps coming to me that I want to be in the pool...but it never happens when I can actually GO to the gym. But tonight as I sat in front of the computer, it
occured to me that I could. I had already walked the dogs
thru the park earlier and there was nothing stopping me. So I pack my gear and head out. Then, on the way to my usual gym, I remember that a brand new facility opened not too far away at Loop 101 / Union Hills.
I walk in and realize just how run down my old club looks. But then that's to be expected with
any new building. I also realize that I don't know where anything is here! But it's not hard to find the locker room, and from the the pool area.
So, after changing out, I head through the showers and find myself in the chlorine soaked room of water. The pool and jacuzzi are here and as a reward for getting this far, I hit the jacuzzi first.
There are a couple of people there already, guy and girl who are talking as if they know each other, and they completely ignore me. Well, that's not unusual. After a few minutes they leave, and I decide to swim for real. The temperature difference between the jacuzzi and the pool is amazing, but it's not long before I am acclimated to it. And off I go!
One lap, taken at a nice easy pace. I get to the end of the lane and just...relax. This is nice! Time for more. The second lap is still slow and pleasant. With a break at the end...just because. On the Third lap I realize I am not kicking my feet enough and make an adjustment. Big Mistake! The extra energy requires more oxygen and that's harder to come by when your mouth is in the water...I make it to the end, panting and weak and realize I need a longer break.
This isn't the first time I have had this experience, but it's the first time in a long time. Finally, I do one more painful lap and head, once more to the jacuzzi. There are differnt people in it this time, but one of them actually strikes up a conversation with me. That made the whole thing worth doing. It's nice to know I am not incapable of talking to folks I don't know. Somehow, it's a validation for me and I needed it more than I knew. In fact, I didn't realize that until just this moment as I typed it. hhhmmm...funny 'bout that.
