About 3 months ago I said to Col that I really wanted to get back to swimming........... I prefer swimming to any other sort of exercise. There is a pool 11 miles away but I'd never driven there and had only been to the pool once and that was about 30 years ago...................and I hadn't been swimming at all for about 15 years maybe even more.
Colin said we would go that way sometime so I could see where it was. But we didn't get there.
So I put on my grown-up head and drove cross country to their 50+ swimming session. Filled in a form for an active fitness card which takes £1 off each swim so only £2.10 a time. The lady showed me where everything was and I found I hadn't forgotten how to swim!
Might take me a while to get back to doing the half mile I used to do in Leiston pool way back in the late '90s but at least I've got started again.
I loved the comment by Lisa R on the last post I did when she said I might be able to fit in a new hobby between gardening, baking, reading, car-booting, grandchildren cuddling, sports watching and blogging. Now I can add swimming to the list because I'm determined to keep going.
Back Soon
Sue
Thank you Sue! I went swimming quite a bit last year but then stopped when school holidays meant that the pool was too full of children. You've inspired me to get the swim suit out again.
ReplyDeleteThis pool keeps it's over 50s sessions even in the school holidays which is good news
DeleteGood for you! I know exactly what you mean about putting on your adult head! X
ReplyDeleteI'm 63, I ought to be able to do anything! but sometimes I still feel 16 and nervous
Deletegood for you Sue. Nothing would get me in lycra in public, so I am full of admiration! x
ReplyDeleteYou would be horrified at me in a swimsuit but I'm past caring!
DeleteThat's brilliant Sue, well done. I like the adult head idea, we call it putting on your big girl's pants here. And I need to do it.
ReplyDeleteI have Big Girl Pants on all the time! Need them for the big bum!
DeleteGood for you Sue!!! I found that taking up new things, walking and exercise classes in my case, really helped after the sudden hole that the death of my fil left in my life and I have met new people and got fitter and it has really helped me to move on with the new stage of our lives. I wish I had the confidence to swim, but I need to lose a bit more weight before I think I can bear to be seen in a swimming costume. I am glad you have found and enjoyed something new in your life.
ReplyDeleteThe lady showed me the dry-side exercise room too but I'm not sure that sort of exercise ..treadmills and the like is really me.
DeleteWell done Sue. Onwards and upwards. x
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteWell done Sue, little changes.
ReplyDeleteLove
Hazel c uk
Yes thats the way forward
DeleteYou really are a star Sue even though some days you won't be able to shine as brightly as others. You've done something new to mark day 2 of your new normal and, what's even better it's something you'd talked about with Colin. Maybe in time you'll be taking grandchildren too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll soon be increasing the distance you swim. You can get rid of a lot of anger and “It's not fairs” thrashing the water.
Sue
2 Year old Jacob is having toddler swimming lessons already! so he'll be better than me soon
DeleteYou're a brave woman (do you say that about women?). I like swimming as well but these days it's hard to find a time that you can actually SWIM. At least where I live. There are always women (never men), talking to each other in the middle of the lanes so you can hardly pass.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice a quiet at the pool, only about 8 other people swimming and not too much nattering, although they did all seem to be regulars who knew each other.
DeleteWell done with the swimming, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good experience
DeleteGreat exercise, Sue, as it supports your body as you work out. I love swimming because I’m not good at it so have to really work hard to power through the water. The only downside for me is that it makes me sleepy afterwards but maybe that’s the relaxation part.
ReplyDeleteSwimming makes me hungry and thirsty which rather defeats the object
DeleteWhat a great idea. Water is invigorating and relaxing. Sounds good that there are not many in the group. It will be good to keep up with the grandchildren. I really should go. I used to hate getting my hair wet. I haven’t any hair now to speak of so no excuses really.
ReplyDeleteIts open to anyone over 50 so numbers vary, I think there might be more people at other times of the year
DeleteThis post made me smile, brave of you to get back into the water again after a long time of not swimming. You go girl xxx
ReplyDeleteI'd only done a few strokes in the sea a couple of years ago and can't remember the last time I swam in a pool, but it's like riding a bike and I hadn't forgot
DeleteYou are brave. I'm not sure I could pluck up the courage to be seen in a swimsuit these days.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
I'm not a pretty sight myself, but past bothering!
DeleteGlad you have took up swimming again , It's my favorite form of exercise too but i don't like having to swim around the other people at the pool too so i am doing yoga at the moment xxx
ReplyDeleteI'd like to find somewhere to do pilates I think
DeleteAttagirl. Learning to live a single life is a bit daunting but you are doing well so far..........Love and best wishes
DeleteI haven't been swimming for years even though we live by the sea. I remember doing 50 lengths on my 50th Birthday, Phew, I must have been fit them, and I used to ride my bike there and back.
ReplyDeleteI expect your days will be a bit up and down for a while but I know your will be okay. I look at Tom sometimes when he isn't so good and wonder how I will cope when the time comes.
Keep trucking Sue.
xxxxxx
Briony
I'm sure you will be OK and hope you don't need to find out for many more years
DeleteThat is amazing, well done you 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeletePleased it made you smile, it made me chuckle!
ReplyDeleteForgot card crafting from that list!
DeleteYou are an inspiration and a role model. I wish you much peace and joy in the future.
ReplyDeleteI have a swim group at my local YMCA...I don't get there often anymore as I ride my horse with a friend in the mornings, but I love the ladies who go and they're a great group...I'm glad you've gone back to an old passion, to make a new " normal". Much love.
Thank you
DeleteYou really are inspiring. I admire how well you are doing with everything right now. I'm glad you decided to return to something that brought you happiness in the past. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteNever been called inspiring before - thank you
DeleteYou'll be doing that (very impressive) half a mile again before you know it!
ReplyDeleteI was much younger then, sounds like a long way now!
DeleteSwimming is excellent for the body and mind. I am so impressed with all the things you do.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteVery good for the joints...I really should go myself...good idea to buy a pass...you're not going to let it go to waste. x
ReplyDeleteNot too expensive at all I thought, pity it's several miles but an easy drive
DeleteI love swimming but haven't been either in many years. Good for you!! We don't have a public pool to swim in but there is a private club that does but it's quite expensive. I was walking everyday, but recently had a lot of foot pain and found out it's a stress fracture. Maybe time to check out the pool...
ReplyDeleteIt's good to try new things during this difficult transition period.
Hope you give it a go
DeleteNo point in standing still is there Sue.
ReplyDeleteGot to keep going forward it's the only way
DeleteWell done you! Wish I could swim.
ReplyDeleteNever too late to learn. Lots of pools have adult lessons
DeleteYou keep those big girls pants well and truly in place, life is hard but we have to carry on. Well done. I've promised myself I'll re-join the gym next pay day!
ReplyDeleteThe machines in the gym looked like hard work!
DeleteGood for you! I have not been swimming in many years but as a child it was my favorite activity. I wish they had an over 50 swimming session here. I might feel a little better about it if not surrounded by the 20 year olds! I know the exercise makes a difference. Congratulations on getting out there! You are my hero!
ReplyDeleteGoodness, never been a hero before!
DeleteGood for you. Just remember to be gentle with yourself about the bad days. I lost my husband 18 months ago after 40 years of marriage and I'm just starting to really feel normal again. My daughter had days of what she called "radical self-care" where she would come and get me and take me to a used bookstore, or for a massage or to lunch. It helped, especially since the person who had been taking care of you, when you didn't, isn't around any longer!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your husband, I guess I will have lots of down days
DeleteWell done on the swimming. I don't like indoor pools but might if we had an over 50's session.
ReplyDeleteToo chilly for outdoor!
DeleteI hope to see many more pictures of your cossie on the line Sue.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too!
DeleteWell done Sue, like you swimming is my favourite exercise. Always worked for me in times of stress,sorrow,and low points in life. I find the water somehow uplifting. Keep at it you will be swimming your half mile in no time xx a
ReplyDeleteWahoo! I'm proud of you! I'd love to see a photo of your pool. I swim 3 times a week for an hour each time and I know my heart is happy about that. So, it's neat to know you're a fellow swimmer now! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteGood for you. The perfect way to get out and meet people, get exercise and, well, add another hobby to your list.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I think this a very good start on the road to recovery. Its funny how we know we can do something for ourselves but if the other half usually does it we soon get out of the habit to the point we don't think we can do something so well done you for going back to something you loved and it will be a good distraction of everything else you have been dealing with of late.
ReplyDeleteMitzi
It sounds as though you're very busy already and have loads of hobbies, but yes it will be nice to start something new to maybe help you through the tough times. I didn't know Col personally but I felt I got to know him through your blog and he was an amazing man.
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm 65 and have medical insurance again, they add in Silver Sneakers which is free gym memberships. The gym I've chosen is 5 minutes from home and they have swimming and yoga for seniors. Next week I'm going over.
ReplyDeleteThe funeral sounded wonderful, We had Lord of All Hopefulness sung at my moms funeral in February. There is a Green Hill Faraway was one of my first organ pieces as well.
I hope your garden overflows and you have more than enough to keep you busy.
I love swimming , just the feel of the water, the ripples on the surface and the constantly changing shapes on the bottom of the pool . Doesn’t matter how tired I am, if I go for a swim I feel absolutely energised .
ReplyDeleteGood for you, rediscovering swimming xxx