Swimming is improving, still running and kitchen almost done

Last night was swim class number 8 (out of 10). The last couple weeks I was suffering from a cold and had a lot of trouble with the breathing, which played havoc with trying to learn the proper freestyle (crawl) technique. I arrived a little early at the pool and warmed up with 300 meters of breast and freestyle before the class. I noticed that my breathing was better, but was still nervous as the class began.

As we warmed up with two laps (one trip down and back in the 50 meter pool) I concentrated on relaxing and concentrating on my form. We then launched into 45 minutes of various swim drills that really got the heart pumping. I continued to concentrate on relaxing, my breathing and correct form, somehow I survived without panicking like I sometimes do when I don't get enough oxygen. If my practice sessions are similar I hope that by next week I can finally start progressing with my swim training.

I ran three times this past week, Friday through Saturday, a trade show kept me away from my normal routine. I managed to get in an almost 22 km (13.5 mi.) run on Sunday afternoon with Ironman Bernd - RB accompanied us for 17 of the kilometers. On Monday night I did a single 6.6 km (4 mi.) loop around the local research center with two Walter and Horst L. from my running club, then headed to the swimming pool for 600 meters. Tomorrow night I hope I can return to the pool for some more laps - practice makes perfect, especially while trying to learn swimming.

Our new kitchen is in place, the only thing left to do is to cut out the slots for the sink and stovetop in on the large counter tops. A friend of mine is coming over Saturday morning to help do this - we should be able to cook our first meal by Saturday evening. I will try to take a couple pictures for those who wonder what a German kitchen looks like. My wife did a super job of coordinating all the colors, the room is worlds brighter than it was before!