Recuperating muscles -- not for long

Although some of the bruises are still visible and the aching in some of the muscles continue, I still look forward to trying to surf in Galveston. I've researched several surf sites through Google, and I have a few names to call. Until then, I'm continuing my pre-trip training except for the 5 a.m. swim. I put it off another week because of a cold I seem to be fighting. My workout routine will include cycling, yoga, spinning and weights. I got back on the bike for the first time in two weeks today. The air temperature was very nice... in the 70s. The wind was low, and the sky was very clear. It felt like spring. I'm glad I waited until the afternoon. The morning was quite cool and a ride then wouldn't have been as pleasant. Hopefully, I'll get to ride sometime during the week; maybe even with the bike group on the Tuesday night 20-mile loop.

I am also continuing my pop-up practice, as well as push-ups several nights a week. But most of all, I'm continuing my "study" of the art of surfing by reading and watching others in the sport.

Post-surfing yoga

So I'm home now, but my surfing adventure is really only just beginning. I must stay fit to continue my surfing practice. Although I'm still very sore and bruised, I'm continuing most of my pre-surfing activities. Today, I had my first post-surfing yoga class. Amy, my wonderful instructor, asked us to tell her about any aches or pains we had. I spoke up and explained that I was sore from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Many of my bruises are exposed so several in the class could express their concern. Amy took me through the session gently, offering me options for many of the moves. I realize that I have to keep moving to work out the kinks from last week. I also have to stay in shape, which includes not only yoga, but spin class, weights and swimming. I've decided to take this week off from swimming, but I plan to get restarted next Monday.

I've been scouting out Galveston surfing information since my Chica Brava crew isn't here to help me become a better surfer. I've not decided on anything yet, but hope to do so during the next few weeks.

"One of the greatest things about the sport of surfing is that you need only three things: your body, a surf-board, and a wave."

NAIMA GREEN, Surfing: Rules, Tips, Strategy, and Safety

I might have agreed with this a couple of weeks ago, but I know better now. It also takes a lot of strength and willpower.

Bruised, battered...spectacular

One of the things I keep remembering about San Juan del Sur is that it doesn’t have a hospital. It’s something I definitely haven’t had to think about though. Our Chica Brava surf guides always watch after us, cheer us on, warn us about possible hazards and help us learn about the waves. I’m staying positive. Thursday was another great day on the waves as was today. However, today was the first day I was so worn out that I had to go stand on shore for a break. Although I’m very fit and have been preparing for this surf trip for months, I obviously have some more work to do. My cardiovascular system is great; it’s my muscles under my arms and at my hips that are screaming. These muscles are part of the pop up. Some of the others in the group and I are promising to keep practicing our surfing when we get home. We’ll have to use the small waves in Galveston, but that should be perfect for us. This will require work, but all good/fun things require work. I also need to retrain my muscles, which have strengthened in a particular fashion to support my cycling habit. For surfing, my muscles have to be retrained. Yoga will definitely help. I’m a certifiable surfer girl!