What's goin' on: swimming lessons and physical therapy

I haven't had much time (or taken much) for the blog lately. It seems like there has been a lot going on, though it doesn't really take much for me to think there's a lot. It probably hasn't been that much of anything... other than a bit of physical pain, and mental anguish.

SWIMMING LESSONS
On the bright side, we have finished our 7-week swimming lessons! We missed one week, so it was really only six. However, I thought this a very worthwhile endeavor. I can actually say, my swimming improved dramatically in a month and a half!

While it's true we could have accomplished much the same without taking lessons, it's also probably true that we wouldn't have done it (without taking lessons). There's something about the commitment and discipline involved.

Other than the first night - when there was one other man - Jane and I were the only two students for the two teachers. So we basically each had private lessons every week.

I was finally able to get the front crawl/freestyle stroke down (and breathe at the same time!), as well as learn the backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and elementary crawl. And I/we can swim laps!!

My main goal in taking lessons was (1) to feel more confident that if I were somehow stranded in a lake I could keep from drowning (for awhile), and (2) to be able to lap swim. It is such good exercise, and I really want to start incorporating lap-swimming into my regular routine.

So, I was pretty happy about how this turned out. I can swim!

PHYSICAL THERAPY
On the not-so-bright side... there has been physical therapy. Ugh. For as positive as swimming lessons were, PT was at least that painful. Oh my gosh! I don't think I have ever experienced pain quite as intense as the scraping on my right foot, ankle and calf. I would literally break into a sweat.

I went every Monday and Wednesday for three weeks. Finally, this past Wednesday, we agreed that maybe I needed a break - if not to stop altogether. Not only was I not improving in the original areas I started therapy for (left knee, right ankle), but it seemed to be causing more damage elsewhere. Plus I simply couldn't stand the pain any longer.

I do have to admit, when she discovered the tender areas on my foot and calf, the therapy was effective in cleaning them up by scraping. It also helped that I started ice massaging my foot and ankle at home, and I learned a ton of good exercises which should help with running. That is, if I can return to running...

So the plan is, I am going to take a week or two off from therapy, and if I think I need to start back in again, I have an appointment already made. Otherwise, I am basically done with it. Whew!

I have to say, this was as mentally grueling as it was physically. I felt like a big baby writhing around on the table during the scraping. But I honestly have bruises in several spots on my right leg! I would dread every Monday and Wednesday because I knew it would not only hurt, but it would damage my pride. And... who knows if I will be able to run again regularly... So, it's a little depressing, and I'm a little stressed about the possibility of losing my identity and pretty much the only thing in life I felt like I could do. We'll see...

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So, that's pretty much all that's been going on around here...

When it sucks

This is a picture of my right calf. At physical therapy yesterday they used suction cups. Apparently it's called 'cupping therapy.' Webmd says,

"Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage."

My PT used a pump to attach the cups. It didn't hurt, but I guess these marks will be around for a few days. It's WAY better than dry needling as far as I am concerned!

Actually, PT did not suck yesterday. It was much better than Monday. I said I didn't want anymore needles, and didn't do as much scraping, but concentrated more on my posterior tibial tendon. This is what I told the doctor at FWO I thought my problem was. He pretended not to hear me (I guess). My PT seems to agree with me though, as it is one super sore tendon.

So, yesterday I got a calf and foot massage, the cupping, then I did a series of exercises to strengthen the foot, ankle, calf and glutes. I tried to pick up a towel with my toes for several minutes, did some balancing maneuevers, resistance band stuff, and jumped around a bit (plus a few things I'm sure I am forgetting). I was tired, and a little sore, but not near like my Monday session was.

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Our swimming lesson went pretty good last night too. Aside from the first class, we have still been the only two pupils. Last night the female instructor was absent, so the guy instructor kind of just let us swim laps. He gave a few pointers here and there, I suppose to justify his getting paid and all. I made every lap without stopping, and for the first time was able to do the front crawl (free style) and actually breathe! That's something I'd struggled with since the first night, and it felt good to finally find a rhythm.

The only bad thing is... I can't seem to fall asleep when we get home from swimming lessons. They don't get over until 8:15 pm (which is my normal bedtime), and then I take a shower, and it's after 9 before we get home. I feel plenty relaxed, but I suppose the physical exertion that late is keeping my endorphins going strong. I think it was after 1 am before I fell asleep. The alarm comes awful early at 3:50 am. It's not near so bad when I'm sober though. As Warren Zevon said, "I can sleep when I'm dead" (not really, because I need my sleep, but...).

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We had snow last night - just a couple inches - and it was pretty pretty this morning. It still is as I sit at work watching the flakes float to the ground in downtown Fort Wayne. Not a bad day again. So... I'm waiting for a catastrophe, ya' know.

Swimming (so far)

We have now had three swimming lessons. We've also tried to go to the pool once more each week to practice.

I was getting a little discouraged until last night's lesson (the third one). The first stroke they taught me was the Front Crawl (or Freestyle). I could get the movements down, but I am having such a hard time getting the breathing down. I either suck in water, can't breathe in when I'm supposed to, or I just hold my breath the whole time. I suppose it hasn't helped that I've had a head cold. Still...

Last night we worked on the Breaststroke though, and that was much better. It wore me the heck out, but at least I can get the breathing rhythm down. I actually swam one who length of the pool without stopping (twice)! Even though it's only 25 yards, it was far better than I'd been able to do up to that point.

Here are the strokes we've learned so far:

• FRONT CRAWL/FREESTYLE - I want to do this so bad.
• ELEMENTARY BACKSTROKE - easy peasy. I like this one. It's a good energy conserver.
• SIDESTROKE - I haven't quite got the hang of this yet, but haven't worked on it much.
• BREASTSTROKE - my favorite so far, but it really works the legs and arms.

Next week I am supposed to learn the Backstroke.

I also found this quite helpful post with an overview of common swimming strokes (https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/swimming-strokes.html). It was nice to watch the videos and simply see how it's supposed to be done.

I admit I am an ignorant swimmer. I've just not been around it much. I still can't see myself going and swimming laps, but I can understand why it is such good exercise. And... it may be one of my only exercise options at some point.

My instructor said when he lap swims he does the breaststroke down and the backstroke back. Back and forth. I could maybe do that. Though I still want to try to learn the Front Crawl/Freestyle better. That's supposed to be the most efficient and fastest. If I could just get the breathing part down...

Anyway, I think we have four lessons left. Since the first night we have been the only two pupils, so we each have our own private instructor. Jane has a youngish girl (like 19), and I have a guy about my age. It's also weird that there is no one else in the pool during lessons - other than a lifeguard. So, it's a little awkward at times, but kind of nice. I'm glad we are doing it.

Swimming lessons

What's that old saying about old dogs and new tricks? Well, at 57 years old, yours truly started taking swimming lessons (along with Jane)! I'm hoping the adage proves wrong and we survive.

We signed up for a group class at the Y. It just so happens there was only one other person in the first class last night (a 68 year old man). There were actually two instructors! I kinda think the main instructor had the wrong class roster. I have access to the roster at work, and we were all on it - and only one other name. The one the instructor had didn't include any of our names, and there were way more people. Oh well.

Anyway, for the next 5 or 6 weeks (no one knew exactly how many classes there are supposed to be) we will be taking these 45 minute classes once a week.

I don't really know why we're doing it. We both "can" swim... but neither of us really know what we're doing. I suppose we would like to feel more comfortable in the pool. I've always felt like a 'fish out of water'... in the pool - since I can't see without my glasses. And, if I'm honest, I guess in the back of my head I am thinking of a possible triathlon or something down the road. Maybe. Swimming is also supposed to be a GREAT form of exercise.

But let me tell you... even though I thought I was in pretty good shape... I was wiped out from just the little bit we did last night! We mostly worked on simple freestyle technique and breathing. I swam several laps back and forth, but couldn't make any of them without resting partway. It was really tiring, but also felt really good afterward.

So, I'm glad we took the plunge and signed up. It's good to have new hobbies. It's good to find a new form of exercise. It's also good to simply try new things. We're not dead yet, ya know!