Bikini Bod...too old?

Okay, so I'm no Marissa Miller (or however the famous bathing suit supermodel spells her name)! I still want to wear a bikini when I'm learning to surf. Oprah, or some guest of hers, said that no woman over 40 should wear a bikini. Dark, one-piece suits should be the bathing/swimming uniform of those women. This attitude seems silly to me. I recently read the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" because of its recent popularity in the movie theaters. The story was quite different than the movie as is often the case. In the story, as Benjamin gets younger, he grows bored with his aging wife. While in his early 30s, his wife turns 45 and Fitzgerald writes, "'Look!" people would remark. 'What a pity! A young fellow that age tied to a woman of forty-five.'" 45???? That's not old. At 46, I've decided to defy the present-day Oprah and the 1920s Fitzgerald-esque society. I feel better than ever, and I plan to wear a bikini. Watch out all of you Benjamin Button-30-somethings! I plan to surf in a bikini. 

(Gym note: Spend more time on the ab machine)

Training must continue

While I trained yesterday (weights and cardiovascular exercise), today I'm feeling like a slacker. Instead of Pilates, I chose to visit a friend in town from Austin. However, yesterday I did weights and participated in the 6:45 spin class. The weights were good, but I was definitely feeling it in my legs and arms. I'm "pressing" only 15 lbs., but I can really feel some aching in my biceps. I know I need to increase weights, but it doesn't seem possible just yet. In fact, my right bicep is a little more sore than my left one. Maybe I've just been sleeping the wrong way. Who knows? I plan to work out tomorrow during lunch, both a cardiovascular workout as well as weights. Ummm...is there any way to prepare mentally? I want to buy some books about surfing, and, maybe, some "surfing knowledge" will soak into my brain before I leave for Nicaragua. Am I doing all I need to do to be prepared? I'm not sure.  

Only about 67 days until I learn to surf! Oh my, time will fly by.

Rapid heart beat

5 a.m. and while the rest of the world was dreaming of wine coolers and private beaches, I gasped for air as I jumped in to the pool at L.A. Fitness. I swam alone and I was glad about that. I decided the best way to strengthen my swimming skills was to force myself to swim. I would make my way to the other end of the pool. After only a few feet, I shortened my goal. If I only made it to the 4ft mark on the side of the pool, that would be okay for today. By the time I reached my much shorter goal, my heart was racing. Why? I had no idea. I had this same reaction in August while swimming in the hotel pool in Tucson. Halfway was a start, right? THE POOL IS ONLY 4'6" DEEP!  How will I ever swim in the Pacific Ocean after falling off of a surfboard?

Note to self: Swim at least two mornings a week instead of just one.