HydroPower!

So I went to my first water spinning class. . . a whopping three other people were in the class. I brought my aqua shoes with me and was easily set up with a bike. Then I waited 10 minutes for everyone to get into the pool. OK, I can be patient. I had my trusty heart rate monitor on and started pedaling slowly while everyone else get ready. This is actually the lowest I've ever seen my heart rate - 88! The pedaling itself was not a problem, but my right foot did seem to have trouble finding a comfortable place in the clip. Not sure if this is as a result of my non-straightening leg, or just the fact I've never been comfortable in clipped pedals. Either way, unfortunately, my heart rate never got any higher than 142. I have to admit that I didn't really enjoy the class, but I will give it another shot next week, maybe try to hit it with the other instructor and see if that makes a difference.
On the upside, after the class I did a quick 6 laps, kicking for the first time since the broken leg. I felt so great on the first lap, I almost forgot to breathe - I felt so fast! Turns out I did it in 5:42, faster than year ago and with the weak leg pulling me. My goal is to work my way even faster in the next month. After all, if I am going to only complete the first leg of the Pittsford Tri for a team, then I want to be an awesome member of the team!

Swimming Pool

After more than two months of only swimming, I have finally been cleared for biking & running . . . . in the pool. Ok, so it is just aqua jogging and hydropower bike class. But I have also been cleared for more strength training. Hip abduction and calf raises are now in my future. I can also now add a few more machines to my circuit training. Hopefully by strength training at the gym 2-3 times a week, I will be able to accelerate my recovery - or at least keep it on pace. I also noticed today that my cardio is simply not what it used to be. Five minutes/1.2 miles on the bike is leaving me on the verge of panting and definitely working up a sweat. I really need to get my strength back up. So, tomorrow I will do my first water spinning class and also strength training. I still can't straighten my leg completely, but I am crutch-free and am trying to be grateful for each small step.