Laps

My writing partner has become my swimming partner. When the doctor's office called about my cholesterol, they said she wants me to start exercising to elevate my heart rate for 30 minutes, "most days of the week." Sarah D was looking for someone to go to the pool with her. I am a lake snob who avoids chlorine except on the hottest days, but Dr J's advice compels me to relax my standards. So Sarah and I plan to go swimming every Wednesday and Thursday evening after our writing sessions. It costs $3 a plunge.

First night tonight: twelve laps with frequent breaks. I have never felt so out of shape before. It's alarming.

Phase two of the plan involves purchasing a bench and a few dumbbells for a semi-aerobic weight routine at home. I had to cancel my gym membership last year due to cost, but an investment of $250 at Honest Ed's (dumbbells) and Canadian Tire (bench) should cover everything I need. Weight-lifting I enjoy, so I'll treat it as a reward for going to the pool twice a week.