Kathy, that is awesome. Also, while I don't swim, reading what you post about it has been very motivating when it comes to my own exercise program.

Seriously, I think it is something about the nature of swimming. It's a solo activity, but you're there in this big bath with others barely clothed. You've heard my crazy tales. Actually, I think it is true of a lot of solo activities performed in a group situation. When I walk around the lake, people are always cheering each other on, commenting on stuff like that. And that's runners and walkers and bikers and skaters and dogwalkers. Seeing others strive and enjoy makes others want to be like that. Plus endorphins are happymaking!

When I used to go to laundromats, I'd keep my detergent in the car. First winter in B'more, I had to go buy more detergent after my new bottle froze solid.

Actually, I think it is true of a lot of solo activities performed in a group situation.

Yeah, I see some of that in the weight room.

I had the same problem with my liquid Tide when I was using the laundromat about 13 years ago.

And you're right about the solo activity/group situation! It's nice when people are being supportive of exercise, instead of mocking you for getting out and moving.

Speaking of, I really should be adding walking to my exercise routine. The swimming is great, and the weight is coming off, but I have to start building up how long I can walk before having to take a break. I keep meaning to go for a short walk on the days I don't swim, but I keep blowing it off. The current excuse is that it's too cold, but I can always go downstairs to the treadmill at work, or at home, I can just walk up and down the stairwell, so that excuse won't work.

Yeah, I haven't been around the lake since it got cold and dark early. It's something I try to do at least once a week in better weather. It's a mile to the lake, then each circuit is 1.5 miles or so, thus a decent distance even if I just do one lap.

Oops. 1.3 mile loop.

Kathy, a couple years ago I found a collapsible stairclimber on amazon for around 100$. I was failing on getting to a gym or pool and I figured if I did stairs for 20 minutes, it was at least 20 more minutes of load bearing exercise than I'd been doing. Then I figured out I could catch up on hulu at the same time. It lacks the obvious benefits of the pool, but I can't tell myself it's too long a drive.

I'm certainly not saying it's perfect or even the right fit for Anyone but me. It made a difference having it right in my office. Plus, I could make Working Girl jokes now and then.

Eta: too busy jabbering about my dumb machine to say what I thought: you are inspiring - swimming 33 laps is beyond me. I'm not surprised that others are following in your wake.

Speaking of light, it was light out on my way home tonight! So exciting.

I'm excited that it's supposed to get up to the low 20s tomorrow. And then 39 by Sunday, and stay up there until Tuesday, at least!! It was so frigid on the way to the pool this afternoon that I thought I'd never stop shivering. I am sooo ready for spring, and it's going to be at least another six weeks of this winter crap.

Go Kathy!

it's going to be at least another six weeks of this winter crap.

Yep, about 37 days and 21 hours, according to my Spring widget. But only two and a half weeks to the end of meteorological winter, so, yay!