Bridges Through Life

The Mile That Wasn’t

July 19, 2023 by Alicia 2 Comments

I signed up for my second 1 mile open water swim for July 18^th. I went to a workout swim session last Saturday that went well. The day of though, I didn’t feel full of energy. I didn’t sleep as well Monday night as I would have liked. I also was in multiple meetings so I didn’t get outside at lunch time as I usually do. A walk at lunch makes a difference but I worked through lunch instead, as happens on busy days.

I left work a bit early and got dressed and had a smoothie before. I thought the smoothie would be a good light dinner. I did pair it with a bit of shrimp that I had made though. I had a good hour to digest my food before, but maybe I ate it a bit too fast. I always eaten before the swims so I didn’t think it would be an issue, but I felt a little too full.

I arrived at the swim and checked in. I had about 20 minutes before my swim time. The water was so warm when we got in. When the guy said GO, I was ready to go all out. Perhaps that was my mistake. I really wanted to get a faster time and keep up with some of the other swimmers, but also keep a distance to not get kicked and be in the way. In the river, you can’t really see until you are right next to a person.

We start swimming upriver, which is against the current and it was strong. When I made it around the first two buoys, I even passed a person, when usually I am towards the back. Then I thought, ok, now the current is in my favor, I can keep swimming fast and strong. Then my right toes cramped. Ugh already! It was only the first lap of 2 for the mile. I managed to push through the cramps alternating breaststroke and trying to point and flex my feet during it. I slowed down a lot, but now my goal was to make it around and see how I could do. When I made it around the next turn, it was time to decide, do I do another lap or stop at the half mile? I knew the smart thing was to stop at the half mile. I would be fighting against the current again and my toes were still cramping. It would either be a really slow second lap or I’d have to get one of the people in the kayaks to take me back in. I didn’t want that to happen so I decided to get out at the one lap or half mile point.

I was sad that I had to stop, but I know it was the smart thing to do in that moment. As I think back on my first ½ mile where I was so anxious, I’ve come a far way this summer. I’m proud of finishing the one mile the last time. Even if my time is slow, I did finish it. That time, my toes cramped at the very end. I guess I’ll have to amp up the electrolytes the day before and the day of. The thing with swimming is that you don’t realize how much you are sweating when you are in the water.

I can still do practice river sessions through August and September. I was planning for this mile swim to be my last of the summer only because work gets busier in August. I am glad I was able to accomplish my goal to swim a mile in open water the last time. Also just to swim a half mile in open water is an accomplishment. When I tell people at work about my swims, so many of them say they can barely swim a length in the pool or something. I’m always shocked because I feel like swimming is such a life skill that everyone should know.

All this to say, it was not my day, but I won’t quit. Even if I don’t do another timed open water swim for a while, I will still have practices in open water and look forward to doing more swimming, pool or open water.

Mid Year Reflection 2023

June 20, 2023 by Alicia 3 Comments

I don’t know where time has gone recently, but here we are about mid way through 2023. It seems fitting to write this as I’m about to pack up my current apartment and move around the corner to another. Hard to believe that just over a year ago, I got my job offer and was searching for a place to live in the Philadelphia suburbs. I’ll continue to say how magical the last year has been.

This post is inspired by Ashley. She posed some good questions to reflect on 2023 so far and I wrote out some answers to some.

What’s one area where you have really excelled so far in 2023? How can you do more of that?

Swimming. I completed my goal of swimming a 1 mile open water swim. If you missed my first 1/2 mile swim, the recap is here. I’ve now swam in the river 4 times, 2 being practice swims. I feel so much more comfortable now than the first time. My 1 mile time was just under 39 minutes, which is slow, but I achieved my goal of finishing. I signed up for another 1 mile in July to see if I can cut some time off, but all of this is purely for fun to challenge myself.

My goal in the summer months is to swim 3 times a week and now incorporating river swim practices when I can. I always tend to repeat “just keep swimming, swimming, swimming” in my head since there isn’t a wall to bounce off of in the open water.

Something that you are proud of so far in 2023?

I wanted to add this question because as of May, I have been with my company for 1 year. To some that’s no time at all, but I just find myself more excited to work for this company each day. I think of my new job in terms of quarters of the year. I’ve completed a full cycle of each quarter and have a better understanding of what tasks need to be completed each quarter. While things are certainly not where we hoped to be by this time in terms of software and processes, I’m excited for more learning and growing ahead. Also my type A brain is glad to know a bit of what to expect for this second half of the year to be more organized and work ahead when I can.

Second thing I am proud of is being able to do 3 pull ups unassisted. It has been years, (pre COVID), that I could do pull ups unassisted. I took a 2 week pull up challenge in February and made it my workout program. After about 10-12 weeks, I tested my unassisted and surprised myself getting a few.

What’s one area where you really need to make some improvements in the second half of 2023?

I want to rework my weight lifting routine. As mentioned above, I reached my goal of doing a few unassisted pull ups. I’m still working on getting more than 3 in a row, but proud of my progress. My current program is 4 days a week. With swimming, it’s more realistic that I get 3 weight sessions a week. I’m trying to brainstorm the best split for 3 days to continue to build my strength. I would like to incorporate bench press again and unilateral exercises as I know one side is much stronger than the other.

What are some fun activities you want to do by the end of 2023?

In terms of activities, I am using my vacation time this year for more ‘staycations’ around Philadelphia. I want to take a day trip to the beach, paddleboard with a friend and continue to explore more parks.

In the past, I constantly used to think about where can we fly this year? With my focus on saving money, I’m not taking any flights this year. It’s strange, but this year I’m so excited because there is so much to do around Philadelphia, including many outdoor activities.

What’s one thing you want to do for your health by the end of 2023?

Continue to find ways to eat more protein. I don’t know about you, but I’m struggling with getting in enough protein. Can I increase the meat portions in my lunch and dinner? Sure, and I have, often eating 5-6oz at a time. However, I then get tired of meat. I’ve been trying to make more bean salads to have on the side of my meat, that way both items on my plate have protein. I make most of my food on the weekend so I can just heat it up or assemble a salad quickly. Trying some new recipes to switch things up and will see how it goes.

recent bean salad with chickpeas, kidney beans, tomatoes, cilantro and onion

How do you want to feel at the end of 2023?

I want to continue to appreciate each day and feel that I am right where I need to be. I have so much gratitude for the last year and how the stars aligned with my job and new friends that have come into my life. I couldn’t have pictured this life a year ago, but it’s so fulfilling. I even find myself to be more outgoing than my past self. I try to make new connections with people I meet. I go to activities like yoga and swimming to meet people. I’d like to meet more people in my apartment complex.

Do you want to adjust your goals to finish out 2023?

I would say adjusting the “buying a house” goal in terms of it will come when the time is right. At the beginning of 2023, I was so set on trying to buy a house by spring that I became so anxious. By signing another 12 month lease for an apartment, I feel peace and calm. We have time. I love the area where I live, so if we can find a house not far from where my apartment is, that would be ideal. I want to be able to find a house I can see myself in for many years and I don’t want to rush that. The housing market is crazy in the Philadelphia area. I’m happy to take more time to save money and find the right house for us. I’m casually searching and watching the housing market, but not ready to put in any offers yet. In winter, we will reassess and see what is happening with the market.

Did you set any goals this year?

Have you achieved some of your goals or do you need to adjust them?

Currently May 2023 – 12 Things Tuesday

May 23, 2023 by Alicia 1 Comment

Happy Tuesday!! Who is already counting down to the weekend? I’m excited for a 3-day weekend since we go from January to May without a holiday. I’m going to continue with the 12 things Tuesday style (credit to Jordan) to catch up.

First I want to mention the Disney 100 exhibit that I went to with Brian at the end of April at the Franklin Institute. I do wish the exhibit had something more interactive, besides listening to songs from Disney movies, but overall it was a great exhibit. I loved some of the Walt Disney quotes at the start.

2. If you missed it, I did my first open water swim (1/2 mile) and have a whole post about it. It was scary at first, but I’m so happy I completed it and next month I’m going for the mile. I still have only been swimming 2 days a week. I have to get back on my Tuesday/Thursday swim days and then one weekend day.

3. I feel like I’ve done quite a bit of socializing recently. I made a new friend at the swim event and we met up to swim one day, which was fun. Then I had lunch with another friend the following week.

4. While I consider myself an introvert, I really do like making connections with people. As I get older, I love hearing about how people got to a certain point in their career or what they are up to. I’m just overall more curious these days. I see now how curiosity has helped me grow as a person, both personally and professionally.

5. This time last year I had my first day at my new job!! When I say this last year has been magical, I mean it!! Of course, there have been bumps along the way, but I am a new person this year compared to last.

6. In the last 6 months, I’ve started cold showers and journaling. Those are just two practices that have contributed to me feeling like a new person.

7. Next month I move into a 1-bedroom apartment. I’m excited for more space, but I’m also a little sad to leave my studio apartment. At first, I couldn’t imagine living in such a small space, but for just me, it was perfect and we found the best furniture (IKEA everything!) to make it a cozy place to live. The new place will better for me and Brian to share a place together again, so I’m looking forward to that.

8. The apartment pool opens this weekend!! It was the best laying by the pool to read. It’s not really big enough to swim laps, so I would swim at the Y and then sit and read by my apartment pool on weekends last summer and that worked well. I went through so much more sunscreen last year so this time I stocked up with the Supergoop 20% off sale to get me started. I like the smaller size to keep in my purse as I often put sunscreen on for my lunch time walks or if I’m out for a longer period than I expected.

9. I just did a restock of liquid IV. They had 20% off plus I got 20% cash back after that with Rakuten. I don’t often get the high percent cash back, but when I do, I love it! Liquid IV has been key for me with 5am workouts because I don’t eat before. I’ve noticed that having the electrolytes vs plain water makes a difference and keeps me from becoming starving during my workout.

10. May was the month of scoring deals, because one night I happened to pull up Brooks Running and saw my favorite shoe was on sale. I bought a New Balance shoe a few months ago and while they are OK, I still love the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. I just couldn’t stomach the $140 price tag! When I first fell in love with Brooks, I scored the shoes for $99 in 2018. I know inflation…but still. Sale price was $120 and I rarely see the Brooks Adrenaline on sale. I absolutely love them for all the walking I do.

11. A couple weeks ago I took a tour of a water plant with my work. I learned a lot about the filtering process for drinking water and can appreciate it even more. I sometimes think about how these everyday things, like running water, we can take for granted. It was also good to learn more about the business since I work on budgets.

12. Reaching my 1 year at my current job has me feeling like I’ve come full circle in some ways. I have taken lots of notes over the past year. I know a bit more of what to expect and work on without being told, but there is still a lot of learning and growing for me that I’m excited for.

Thanks for reading!

What are you looking forward to this summer?

My First Open Water Swim – Half Mile

May 12, 2023 by Alicia 1 Comment

On Tuesday May 9^th I did my first open water swim, a half mile. Years ago, I thought about doing an open water swim. I learned about Swim Across America and I’ve gone on their website from time to time to see where their open water swims are. While that was my original plan for this year, the costs to travel to one (because I was looking at Florida) were costly when I need to be saving money for a house. I reached out to a fellow yoga teacher who does a lot of open water swimming and asked about the pool she trains at and open water swims in the area. Since January, I have been going to coached swim sessions on some Saturdays, usually 2x a month right now as my schedule allows. I then swim 1-2x at my local YMCA each week. The outdoor 50M pool just reopened on May 1^st and I’m so excited to have that again this summer.

The swim club that I go to for coached sessions holds monthly open water swims in the local river. It’s very affordable to do one swim and it’s less than a 15-minute drive from me. Given that this would be my first open water swim, I thought it would be a great place to start. I also loved the idea of doing a half mile and then the next month signing up for the mile if the half felt good.

Please enjoy this long recap of my half mile swim.

When I told some people I was doing an open water swim, they asked if I was doing a triathlon. No, I just wanted to do the open water swim to see if I could do it. I mean I knew I could do the half mile given that I can swim 2 miles in the pool with few breaks but open water is still different.

Over the last year I have gained so much muscle from adding swimming to my routine. Swimming has also improved my endurance which was not great before. I did weightlift, but did not have much cardio in my routine aside from walking. (Walking is great, but doesn’t get your heart rate up like swimming and running can). With that, my only goal was to finish. I didn’t have a specific time in mind. I knew I could swim a half mile in the pool around 16-17 minutes. I knew it would take longer in open water because there are no walls to kick off of.

So I bought myself a wetsuit back in March because the river could be cold in May. Turned out it was 65 degrees. I still wore my wetsuit but I expected the water to be around 50-55 degrees. I think the mild winter and the warm weather we had a few weeks ago contributed to above average temp for May. No complaints though, because it was easy to get in with the wetsuit and I didn’t need the gloves or wetsuit socks I had.

My swim was at 5pm. I actually took a half day from work and Brian was able to come down. I was very thankful his schedule worked out to come because a new wetsuit is hard to put on and I needed a bit of help. We got there early, about 4:15. I wasn’t sure if you could warm up before swimming. I think I could have but I just watched the volunteer crew go at 4:30. I got in about 5 minutes before we started, filling up my wetsuit with water to adjust to the temp and floating on my buoy. Then it was go time.

I think I started out too fast, but I was struggling with the collar on my wetsuit being so tight around my neck. I started to panic a bit as I was stroking. I was wondering how I was going to make it. I read about how in open water swimming you can’t see a thing in the water typically. That was definitely true and made it difficult. It’s really a mental battle because you can’t see where you are going. Then add wearing a new wetsuit and not being used to the feeling around my neck. I told myself to calm down though, take breaths each way if I needed and I needed to slow my breathing down. I felt so out of breath in that start.

I’ve been taking cold showers since November to help anxiety and as a way of meditating. I think practicing cold showers for months really helped me in this swim. In a cold shower, you have to learn to breathe slowly and that’s what I needed to do to stop panicking during the swim. I began slowing my breath down, thinking of the way I breath in the cold shower to try to catch my breath. I switched to breast stroke for a bit to try to see ahead. One thing I often worried about with open water swimming was if I had to swim freestyle the whole time. I have issues with swimming long distance freestyle because of my right shoulder, but I have strengthened that over the last year with weightlifting and swim sessions. However, I still like to balance out freestyle and breast stroke whenever possible. No one was stopping me from switching. It was also difficult because my goggles kept fogging up. I need to figure something out for next time, but I would almost stop and tread water while wiping my goggles quickly every so often.

I felt I was drifting far right as I swam. I tried to keep a person within sight the whole time. Once I got to the first buoy and quickly the second to turn back towards the start, I felt a lot better. My strokes were also feeling better. By the time I made it halfway I was giving myself pep talks like “Alicia you can do this. You’ve made it half way.”

When I could see the finish, I got excited. I was getting tired, but knew I could make it. I had no idea how much time I was swimming because my watch doesn’t measure open water so I left it with Brian. I turned around the last buoy and tried to increase my speed to go through the finish.

I came through the finish, touching the white banner and was so excited to get out and truly catch my breath. Brian said I was going so fast when I came back in his viewpoint. I didn’t feel fast, but my time was 20:20.

finish open water swim — smiling at the finish

Only about 3 minutes longer than a pool half mile for me which I don’t think is bad. I was very glad I stuck with a half mile for my first. I don’t know how I would have made another lap. I do still want to go for a mile next time. I felt like I was more than prepared except for the wetsuit feeling and panic at the start. I was fighting a bit of a current upriver so that could have been my reason for feeling so out of breath at the start also.

Afterwards, I took my wetsuit halfway down and chatted with people. The weather was perfect 70 degrees and I air dried. I didn’t even need my towel I brought. I was really happy to have finished. Knowing my time is great but I wasn’t after any time goal.

One of my friends asked how I did in comparison to the other people and honestly I did not notice nor care. What mattered to me was that I completed it. It was me against the water and I wanted to finish. I was successful. When I reflected on that, I was like wow I need to think this way with weightlifting. It doesn’t matter what others are lifting, it’s you competing against you (and in a safe way/with proper form please).

Why did I do an open water swim? To see if I could (knowing I could)

I did this purely for fun, for a new challenge. In the end, I achieved my goal to finish. Next month I’ll try the mile swim.

We stopped for ice cream after since we skipped dinner.

And thanks to Brian for being there because that helped me feel less nervous and also taking awesome photos with my camera and zoom lens.