I'm A Triathlete, Sorta

Anyone reading this blog will recognize that I am a runner.  Perhaps the "Marathon" part of the title gave it away.  Or all my gabbing about marathon training, long runs, easy runs, and marathon recovery.  One of my first posts on this blog is one I copied from my other blog - it's called "Running - How I Began."  I've been at it for over 15 years now and finally have my first marathon under my belt.

A little over two years ago, in the middle of some serious running burnout, Les and I went to Catalina Island for our anniversary.  We rented bikes while we were there and I found a new activity.  I kept running, but I added mountain biking to the fun.  It really made a difference, switching up from running to cycling.

Now that summer is here, I've added one more activity.  Swimming.  Actually, spending time in and around the pool.  I'm not really much of a swimmer.  I can make it across the pool, but I've never gotten the breathing technique down.  But there is one activity that I really enjoy - water aerobics!

Several years ago Les bought me an AquaJogger.  I have the most basic model - just the belt (it can be found much cheaper here.)  It came with some exercise explanations, but what really made it work for me was when I bought the AquaJive cassette tape (it's now available on CD).  This is a 30 minute workout.  The instructor reminds me of an 80s aerobics instructor, but it's fun and I get my heart rate up, without stressing joints and tendons.  Today, I used it for the first time this year.  My plan for the rest of the summer is to do this 2-3 times a week on days when I have an easy ride or run in the morning.

I won't be registering for any triathlons, but it's fun to have other activities to supplement running.  What do you do to mix up your activity?