Last winter and spring I swam one day a week at an indoor pool owned by our school district. Its primary use is for high school swim teams, but they are open for lap swim at mid-day and late at night. Though it is a heated pool, the water was always cold. I asked why, and was told that competitive swimmers like the water cold because it improves their times. I didn't understand, and I didn't like it that my toes were numb for the first 200 meters I swam.

Our outdoor neighborhood pool opened over the weekend. Last night I succeeded in finishing my yearbook work in time to join my husband for lap swim. Yesterday was the second day of record-breaking heat, and the water in the pool was very warm. I started my laps and I felt like I was trying to swim through pudding. Suddenly I understood why racers like cold water. I would say to myself, the next lap I'm going to sprint, but my arms and legs were barely moving through the water.

Normally I have plenty of time to swim 1200 meters. Last night when they blew the whistle to close the pool, I had 2 laps to go. Note to self: next winter when my toes are numb, appreciate the fact that I'm swimming faster.

Today I'm typing this blog again from my school computer. Lunch is the last of the lamb with turnip greens and black beans. I have carrots and sesame butter for a snack, but I'm hoping to finish the last three pages before my stomach says it's snack time.