So I FINALLY got a gym membership last week, as I have been promising myself for months.  The winter months are always precarious for me to have a consistent workout schedule.  As I much prefer the outdoors to working out inside, the cold and lack of snow this year have just made outside less than desireable. 

Following the advice of my brother Mike (34 w/CF), which has come full circle from my advising him on the same years ago, I am pursuing swimming as my primary workout, and doing weights, elliptical, and/or bike as secondary.  I have been five times since last Wednesday, and feel such a tremendous difference in my lungs already.  Being sick in early January really took a toll on both my energy and my spirit.  The thought of “what if..” that started to circle around in my head was exactly the kick I needed to stop making excuses about why I haven’t been exercising as much as I would like to be, and just doing it!

Can I afford it?  When can I make time for it?  Am I going to stick with it?  Are my injured shoulders going to start flaring up again?  Whatever… just do it! 

So I did.  And it has reminded me so clearly of why we are doing what we are doing.  The improvement in just days that I feel in my lungs is remarkable.  I don’t wake up with a slight rattle, or desire to cough anymore.  I’m spitting stuff out more throughout the day, that just was hanging out in my lungs before.  I have more energy, and sleep better.  I can focus better on my work, not feeling the guilt that I “should” be working out more. 

It’s amazing how swimming has come back to me, from when I used to swim competatively in high school.  The breathing, the rythm, the reaching, the pace.  I am quite lucky that I grew up learning to swim, and know how to do   I’ve started with 100m of free-style for warm up; stretching; 100m more of free-style; 100m of breast; 100m of side-stroke (50m per side); 50m of back stroke; and 50m cool down free-style. 

I know this isn’t an incredibly heavy workout, but I am starting soft and building as I go.  My shoulders have felt good, my lungs have felt better, and the muscle pain of getting back in shape is starting to go away.  I’ve got a good start, and look forward to it each day.  I need to spend some time on creating a workout schedule, and try to pace myself from not over doing it. 

Someday the snow will return to VT, and I’m hoping to be ready for it!  And if not, I may have to go chasing snow-country in Virginia… or Texas?  Until then, we’ll see if I can grow some gills! - Peace, Brian