Pool running and belly dancing

I made it to the pool today. It was just starting to rain when I got outside. Of course, it got heavier as I rode down to the pool, but I was really enjoying being in the rain for a change. I figured it didn't matter if I got wet on the way to the pool.

Today was the first time I'd ridden my bike since I got it serviced. The ride was smooth as silk. That may have had something to do with the fact that the tyres were much more pumped up than when I do it. I'm getting oil on myself when I go near the bike though. I'm hoping that won't last for long.

Today's session was a series of 2:30 hard, 0:30 easy, with a warm up and cool down. We cut it short because Sally had to get to work earlier than usual. I'm feeling the effort in my legs though. It amazes me that I can be sore from pool running, but sore I am. Just sore enough to be feeling the workout.

Mind you, I'm even more amazed to discover that belly dancing hurt! Clearly I don't use my muscles in quite the same way as I do when belly dancing. Holding my arms up in the air was a real effort after a while too. I can see that this class is going to be a useful addition to my weekly routine.

I got the giggles a few times. I struggled with the hip movements when walking forwards or backwards. I couldn't manage the shoulder shimmy while I was using my feet. I kept lifting my feet off the floor when I was meant to be keeping them still. I can see that there's going to be a lot to learn.

I was amused to find out there are accessories! It seems that everything I decide to try requires me to spend money. Well, provides me with an opportunity to spend money. I want one of those triangular pieces of material with silver coins all over it. I also need lots of bangles. This is going to be fun.

On a more serious note

One of the fabulous group of women in our running group has been diagnosed with breast cancer. We're all still in shock but the Team Black Women are rallying together to support her through this difficult time. I urge all you women out there to check for lumps. Do it now!

Absolutely Fabulous

Kathryn gave me a fabulous award. I feel really honoured.


Now for the difficult bit - choosing five bloggers to pass it on to. I was going to check to make sure that I didn't double up, but then I realised that it would be cool to be nominated more than once. :-)

Celeste - I discovered blogging through a link to Celeste's blog on the Runner's World Forum. Celeste's enthusiasm encouraged me to start my own blog. I'm enjoying seeing that familiar sparkle as Celeste is able to run again after injury.

Em - Em's hard work and dedication during her recovery from stress fractures and her sensible and successful return to running has been inspirational.

Isabelle - I often check out the links on people's blogs and I came across Isabelle that way. I love her stories, her way with words, her beautiful garden and her kitten photos.

Angela - I love the way Warrior Woman slogs it out. I am sure I would never have thought of running to work if WW hadn't written about her running commutes.

Stopping here is really difficult. So many of you inspire me. Others entertain and amuse. To all those people in the list of blogs I'm reading, I love visiting you to see how you're going. Thank you.