January 19, 2011- Lagoon Swim...

     I’m embarrassed to say that it’s been over six months since I took the time to get some real exercise.  I was swimming, walking/running, and practicing yoga two plus times a week before leaving for summer vacation in June, but since arriving back in July, I haven’t stretched on one yoga mat, worn out one running shoe, or broke one pair of goggles, which means I haven’t done much in terms of working on staying fit and trim.  I have always gone in stages when it comes to exercising. I enjoy it, but it tends to fall by the wayside when my schedule gets tight.  But, I know the benefits far outweigh the time and effort it takes to fit it into my schedule, so as part of the New Year, I decided to start again tonight with a swim in the lagoon. I began doing this last year in order to prepare for the Rusty Family event with my sons.  I was the swimmer, and then we all biked and ran together to the finish line.  I had never swum in the event before or even in that particular length of the lagoon, and it is amazing! How cool is it to swim in the world’s largest lagoon, the waves carrying you to and from your destination and enjoying the view as you go.  There are better snorkeling spots, but swimming in the lagoon versus any plain swimming pool, is like enjoying your own personal aquarium! When my goggles are not fogging up, I check out the various fish and corals present all around me while I rotate between breaststroke, freestyle, and even the occasional back and side strokes.  Today, the water was pretty choppy and full of silt, and tonight, I can tell it’s been a while since my muscles carried me along in that way, but it felt really good, and I know I will sleep good tonight to prove it!