Cross training

Because the hippo is a semi-aquatic mammal, I decided it was only fitting to do some swimming this weekend as my cross training exercise.

According to my buddy Hal Higdon and his training program, I only had to do 30 minutes of cross training. I mostly did alternating laps of freestyle and breaststroke, but I'll admit I cheated once or twice with the sidestroke and the backstroke. Every time I get in the pool I'm reminded of how much I enjoy swimming, especially in the summer heat. My muscles seem to "get in the zone" a little more quickly when I swim compared to when I run.

Mondays are "stretch and strengthen" days according to Hal. I intended to attend a yoga class at my gym tonight, but ended up having to stay late at the office. I am very bummed about missing the class, mostly because I feel about as flexible as a cement statue these days.

I'm meeting up with a friend for a 3-4 mile run on Tuesday night. It's supposed to hit 101 degrees, so we'll see how it goes. Having been born and raised a northerner, I'm still not used to summer in the South. It has been in the very high 90s and low 100s nearly every day for the past two weeks. As a kid I always marveled at people who said they hated summer. Now, after spending more than a few Augusts below the Mason Dixon line, I think I'm beginning to understand.