SNOW, SPINNING, AND SWIMMING.

All the S words in one morning.

Apparently, my "snow fence" (imaginary) I put up on the Iowa border has gotten drifted over, as the snow is coming our way today for the first time in weeks. I had hoped to keep it west of here as long as possible, but it is January, so it has just been a matter of time. It does add one more challenge though to getting to the gym by 6:30.

I decided after looking at my proposed schedule for the weeks ahead that I really did need, and could manage, to add one or two spin classes in a week, so today was number one for the week, and my second since I can't remember when. Now, I am not a novice at spinning. I started spinning back in 1998, back when the word spinning usually conjured up the idea of some sort of weaving or yarn work, not indoor cycling. In fact, my first class was the day I had a cyst on my ovary rupture (without knowing what it was), so it was a rough start. So it sort of irks me when I go to a class and there are new people there, and they all treat me like I don't know a bike seat from a pedal. Today, I struggled with the tightening levers on the seat, thanks to some he-man who tightened it almost to the point of the screws being stripped when it finally loosened, and had a couple of women come over to help, trying to explain how it worked. Thanks, but I have figured out a quick karate kick does the trick of loosening the lever. I guess I showed them.

This was a new instructor to me, and I had heard how tough he was. He is an age grouper triathlete and runner, very muscled, and hard driven. I think he is self-employed, so usually spends a considerable amount of time a day working out. Still, he has never attempted an ironman distance, which surprises me. Not that becoming an Ironman is a rite of passage or anything, it just surprises me.

As for his teaching technique, I had become used to the Y instructors, who are very technical in their workouts, with lots of explanation on hand placement, pedaling cadence, and form. We got none of that today. I couldn't help but notice too how my friend Jan, who complains about neck pain, hunches and keeps her arms quite ramrod stiff. Another guy, whom I don't know, keeps his toes pointed down. And another, apparently prides himself on being a "true" biker and uses the aero position for the entire class. All big no-nos according to the Y instructors. I got the impression that the instructor was really into his own workout and wasn't focusing on any of the technical aspects for his class.

Still, I figured I could get out of the workout as much as I wanted. I am hoping to gain more strength by going longer in workouts, without pounding on the treadmill. I also figure it can help with bike to run transition later on.

Right after the class, I hit the pool for another polar plunge. It was still take-your-breath-away cold, but I only had 15 minutes, so it was tolerable. Again, I'm not sure whether being warmed up first or the cold water helped me swim faster, but it definitely made a difference. I don't feel I am really getting faster yet, but it seems faster.

As for the on-line sites for swim wear, if anyone could pass those on to me, I would appreciate it. I have forgotten where I looked before, and it does look like I will have more luck finding a suit on line than shopping here in town. And it is likely to save me time as well. Thanks!