Yessiree! I ran a mile in two hours and 10 minutes. What? You’re not impressed? Well let me tell you about it.
After I hit my goal of swimming a mile a bit ago, I realized that I enjoyed the challenge of doing endurance type goals. So I thought, why not make it a goal to run a mile in the water? Most days I do 30-40 lengths of water running. I started doing some longer runs and Saturday was a beautiful day, so I decided that would be the day. The most I had done before then was 1/2 a mile (88 lengths.) I knew my water running was faster than my swimming, but I wasn’t sure if I would end up slowing down doing such a long distance. I was pleased that for the most part I was able to keep up my pace and came in at 2 hours 10 minutes. Since I am short, I run with the water shoulder deep, so there is more resistance than someone who is tall and is able to run in waist-deep water. I ran about 20 lengths, followed by two lengths fast-walking backwards, and one length of lunges.
It feels so good to run in the water. I feel like that picture you see of the perfect twenty year old running full out effortlessly. And then, as I said to my BF, I get out of the water, and I’m still a fat old lady. No matter. For me its a great form of exercise. Here’s a link to some of the benefits of running in the water (although its actually an advertisement to sell a water treadmill.) And here’s another article from Runner’s World.
I plan to keep getting in the pool for as long as I can stand it. But my next goal is to cycle (on the stationary bike) 40 miles. Right now I usually do 5 miles in 20-25 minutes. I’ll start doing some longer rides, and then one Saturday, I’ll just go for it.
debby weighs in 
Running int he water is such a great exercise! Great job! I think setting goals for exercise is a wonderful way to just make it happen! 🙂
Yeah, exercising regularly is not a problem for me any more. But setting these little challenges encourages me to try just a little harder.
OMG Debby that is fantastic!!! I’m so impressed! Love that you are creating your own version of a triathlon, and I love how you end up doing your big distance whenever the mood feels right. No pressure, just a random day that works.
P.S. I totally understand the feeling of a lithe (and in my head, tall) runner…for me, it’s until I see race pictures. Then reality hits, but hey – the feeling is real!
One thing I forgot to write about is how I’m the opposite of you–I’m a solitary exerciser. So it seems weird, but to me I enjoy doing these challenges even though no one knows it at the end.
But I am exactly the same as you–of COURSE its a lithe AND TALL runner in my head. Its taken a lifetime for me to start feeling like a short person. And I was wondering if land runners had that same feeling! Its a good feeling, your muscles working so hard and well.
I chuckled out loud when I first read your headline of “one mile in two and a half hours”. (I was thinking that it would take me that long too)…that was BEFORE I read on to learn that you did this in WATER. WOW!!! Debbie you are such an inspiration.
Haha, Mickie. I don’t walk a mile on land any more because of my knee. It just might take me that long to get through a mile! I think that’s why I’m so addicted to the water right now. For just that little time in the pool, everything works well in my body.
My hour in the pool is often the highlight of the day. It’s great isn’t it! Even though it’s solitary
esp. if swimming vs walking, you still get close to the other regulars in the pool over time.
That’s funny you mention “solitary, but get close to others in the pool.” Yes, there are quite a few I look forward to seeing. One lady I call “the social director” was persistent in including me and I am thankful for that.
Wow – over 2 hours of water running? That is amazing!
Thanks, Lori.
Wow! Super impressive!! Seriously, that’s a long time to do ANYTHING, let alone something that requires endurance. You go girl!! *highfive*
“highfive” back 🙂
I envy your water activities – I’m so awkward in the water. I think it’s fantastic that you are setting these mini goals and challenging yourself to meet them. And did you know that water running is what elite runners do when they are injured? Consider yourself elite!
Thanks Helen. I didn’t know that until I read these articles the other day. Yes, that’s what happened. I was well on my way to becoming an elite runner when my knee gave out 😉