The post is a little late, probably because it took me this long to recover after my first swim practice in six weeks. Yes, I’ve been procrastinating since my illness finally ran its course last week, but I’m blaming it on my birthday and the fact that the choice between a wine bar and a swim practice is not really a choice. A few months ago I would have chosen the swim. Ok, maybe not, but the choice would have been more difficult to make . . .
Note to self: long course meter IM sets are NOT the way to ease back into regular swim practice
Warm-Up 600 various (dove in late, finished 400)
2 Rounds
4 x 100 on 1:45
25 fly/75 free
50 back/50 free
75 breast/25 free (did not make it)
100 free
3 rounds (did two)
2 x 100 on 2:15 IM/free
2 x 50 stroke on 1:15
50 easy free
100 Cool-down
Completed two of the three rounds of the main set. It was pretty awful, but I felt great afterward. I’ve never been a big eater after swim workouts, but a glass of sauvignon blanc at dinner was quite tasty.
July 6 Swim
Up and running, part two
Ran: 2.25 miles
Felt like: 5
Pace: 8.43 minute mile
Deep thoughts: I need to find a route without so many hills. Hills take my current feeling of being out of shape and increase it one hundred fold. Also, people drive like maniacs in my neighborhood. I run in the bike lane because the asphalt tends to hurt my knees, and I almost had to dodge two drivers on their cell phones. They are also topping speeds of 40 mph. Given my recent tendencies to be in the wrong place at the wrong time whilst running, it is time to make some route adjustments for my personal safety.
Mission Viejo Relay Meet
Had a great time being a timer and watching new relay world records being set! During the meet I was talking to a teammate about my past running injuries and being lazy about getting in the water again. He recommended I do triathalons. I laughed. I had visions of me in the hospital. Two sports are definitely enough to keep me busy and I shudder to think of the trouble I could get into on a road bike.
Herbed romaine salad with strawberries
Annabelle Breakey
I fell in love with the idea of this salad last winter when the idea of fresh, in-season strawberries seemed a distant dream. I always seem to want certain dishes and desserts when their key ingredients are not in season. Sometimes I can swap this for that or use the frozen version, but there are just some recipes, especially those that feature strawberries as the star of the show, that simply need to be placed on hold. Don’t bother making this unless the strawberries are plump, red and in-season. The juiciness of the strawberries balance and enhance the goat cheese. I guess ideally the salad would make a nice lunch, but we made a lot and enjoyed it for dinner with some crusty bread and a bottle of sauvignon blanc.
Herbed romaine salad with strawberries
Adapted from Sunset Magazine
Serves two
12 oz. romaine lettuce hearts, cored and chopped
1/3 cup fresh tarragon, torn into pieces
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn into pieces
12 oz. strawberries, hulled and quartered lengthwise
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced shallot
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 oz. good quality mild goat cheese (or feta, cut into triangles)
salt to taste
Toss romaine, tarragon, mint and half of the strawberries in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the lemon juice, shallot, honey, and salt. Slowly pour in olive oil, whisking continuously, until dressing is thoroughly mixed. Drizzle dressing over lettuce mixture and toss to coat.
Divide salad among plates and top with remaining strawberries and goat cheese slices. Add a couple of grinds of fresh black pepper for a little kick.
Another setback
Girl versus strep throat since Tuesday. Strep throat had been winning, but the antibiotics kicked in around Friday. I can’t remember the last time I was in the pool, late May? Early June? At least I’m caught up on all things World Cup. My couch has worked overtime during the days I’ve spent sleeping on it.
Between injuries from the running accident and illness, June is a wash. I am ready for what July will bring.
Moxie Swimming and Running 