My regular lap pool at LA Fitness has left me feeling empty recently. Or rather, it’s been empty causing me to miss workouts and go elsewhere.
It was supposed to be drained, cleaned, and refilled by Friday, then by Monday, and supposedly open today…. I’ll believe it when I see it.
So on Sunday I went to another LA Fitness location to get my laps in. I looked at the pool, and it didn’t look right. I got in and swam, and it didn’t feel right. The whole workout didn’t feel right. I kept thinking, “This pool is small. This pool is small.” It was definitely small. I asked on the way out, and they said it was about 18y. I don’t think I’ll be going back there again. It’ll be the day when I can knock out 100y in warmup in one minute.
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The LA Fitness pool still being empty on Monday, I decided to go to the local rec center. I had never swum there before. It was actually a rather nice facility, and had a large swim complex.
My main set was a 500y pull followed by a 500y kick. The pull set came through nicely, but the kick set was murder. I guess I fulfill the stereotype of a triathlete with a poor kick. I can still feel it in my legs. I knew 500y straight would be tough, but yikes.
All during my swim there was a guy splitting a lane with me doing laps. He was keeping up with me when I was pulling, and I was like, ‘whoa, he’s pretty quick.’ He kept his set going, and swam the whole time I was kicking. I kept watching him to see how long his set would last, and if he was going to do anything else in his workout. He ended his 2,000y set when I finished kicking and we got to chat. He does tris, usually half ironmans (HIMs), and also leads out in spinning classes at my regular gym.
One of the great things about the exercise lifestyle (whether running, cycling, swimming, or triathlon) is the people that we get to meet along the way. It’s always great to meet other people on a similar journey as ourselves.
Laying Foundations 
I have an LA Fitness membership too. I’ve had it for several years. Though, I’ve never tried their indoor lap pool…I don’t usually go there to swim. I’m usually there for regular work outs (treadmills, bikes and rowers), and classes.. Reading your post made me feel like giving their lap pools a try. I like the atmosphere in LA Fitness facilities. I used to have a 24 Hr Fitness membership, but there wasn’t a facility near my neighborhood while I was living in So.Cal, so I decided to join LA Fitness since there was one close to home. I loved their facilities. I moved again and we don’t have one in the city I live in, but I do go down south often and still go to LAF to work out with friends.I’ll have to suggest the lap pool next time. Have fun out there!
The pool at LA Fitness was the deciding factor that made me pick the gym. It’s facilities are pretty decent. The men’s locker room could smell better, but I don’t know if there’s hope for that. ;)
Have you swum before? I never swam competitively. It’s something done only here or there. But I’m really coming to enjoy it.
How’s the marathon training going?
I bet the men’s locker room could use some improvement in that area.:) I like to swim, though at leisure, and I’ve never swam competitively.
As for the marathon, it was last Saturday. I suppose I should just tell you… I never wrote a post on it because I didn’t run after all. I’m sure you’ve heard of runners knee- that’s the current condition of my right knee. I continued with light training until I was advised that I should give my knee time to heal. Not being able to run on Saturday was a disappointment at first, but I realize that there will be other chances and for now I should just focus on taking care of my legs. I love being outdoors and running and I ran a short distance several days ago, but I think that will be my last run for a while. And no worries, I’m totally fine. I love running but it’s not something I take too seriously. I do it to unwind and to get a work out.
So, how is training coming along for you? I hope all is going well.:)
I had knee issues this year also. They ultimately prevented me from training for the Chicago Marathon. I had orthotics that cured my plantar fasciitis, but I’m pretty sure they were culpable for the knee issues. I’m wearing some inserts now that seem to be doing the trick.
Currently I’m swimming and biking and will be working back into running slowly, I think. I have a half marathon in February, but I’ll be good if I get up to nine or so miles. It would be nice if these little problems would go away, but such is life.
Right. And I’m so sorry you had a knee issue also. I’m glad you’re wearing inserts! I wish you a thorough and speedy recovery! As an active, semi-athletic person, I think there’s nothing worse than having to deal with knee issues. I spent most of all Sunday and yesterday with my right leg propped up and I’ve been trying the hot and cold treatment on it. I have physical therapy on Thursday, which is no fun. But like you said, such is life.
Take care out there! Have fun but take it easy.