#54-Feeling Olimpic (circa 1992).

The Piscines Bernat Picorell was a big pool to swim in as it was the competition pool for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Not often does one have the honor to check that box.  Although I have swum in two in the last 8 months (Los  Angeles).

The day started with a long (5 hour) bike tour of Barcelona with Jonathan, our American guide that has lived in Spain for over five years. It was on Sant Jordi day. He took us all over town from Born, Gothic areas to Barcelonetta and El Raval neighborhoods. The tiny winding alleyways were especially tight because of the holiday. After a lunch of fried sardines and sausage at a local tapas bar  followed by gelato it was time to check out a new part of town the-Olimpic Parc.

The Olimpic sporting venues took place on top of Montjuic overllooking Barcelona. What made pool #54 particularly fun was that it was a family affair (ex-Ryan). Walking onto the pool deck it was a big open feeling.

We were all suited up and ready to go until Shannon put her feet in the water and it was cold. Not refreshing cold but...cold!  I thought all three were going to walk away. With some encouragemt they all a finally got in first Shannon, then Sean and lastly Courtney.  They all swam 100 meters and the got out.

I must admit it took at least a 200m to begin to feel moderately warm.  I swam 1100m and then it was time to get out so as not to keep everyone waiting and it was...cold.

Yes-this was a big swim as it was in the Olimpic piscine but also it was Shannon's first 50m pool and her first outdoor pool. She did very well despite the cold water.

A refreshing and great way to end the day and to prepare for sangria time.

Who knows maybe my next challenge will be to swim in all the Olympic pools since I was born. I've already hit three!

#53 Real Canoe, Naticion Club, Madrid, Spain

Tapas muy bueno, sangria muy bueno y la natacion muy bueno but...not one after another!

Spain is the destination for spring break this year. It's a family of four for the first time as Ryan already had his break. Our itinerary has us in Madrid for a few days before we head to Barcelona.  

While we conquered the Plaza Mayor and a few sites yesterday today was the first full day. After a fairly leisurely morning we went for some culture at the modern art museum the Reina Sofia. There was some pretty funky art.  The piece below was in one of the last galleries we were in and I think apropos for this blog-Women in Swimming Costumes.

After the museum we went on a long walk through Parque Del Reitro, a large park in the middle of Madrid. It was a beautiful Saturday with a lot of people out and about. Below is a family pic in front of the Estanque where they use to hold mock naval battles. After our walk we went for tapas in the mid afternoon. Wow, they were good and different and they just kept coming and coming...

With weary legs and a very full stomach we came home for siesta. Not sure what got into me but I realized I had a couple of hours before we took off again so I set out for Real Canoe Natacion Club. My friend Maggie had her college winter training camp there so I thought I would give it a try. It's a health club with a focus on swimming . There are three pools at the club, two indoor 25m pools and a 50m outdoor pool.  The 50m pool was closed for the afternoon so I swam in the newer and brighter of the two indoor pools. With the late lunch I had I was thankful there was no pace clock on deck because I was feeling sluggish in the water after a big lunch and a lot of walking.

Nice clean pool and complex but a tad expensive €22 ($30) for 2200m or as I like to think about it 34 cents a lap!

Glad I sucked it up and did it...mañana I will siesta for sure!!!

Looking forward to Barcelona.

 The pic below is just for fun from the Palza Mayor

#52 North Shore Aquatic Complex, St. Petersburg, FL

Wow-what a great pool and setting and way to start the day!

It's been a while since I have been to a new pool and have blogged. This was certainly worth the wait. After a long flight delayed trip to St. Petersburg , FL I checked into my hotel at 11:00pm and slept so so until my 5;00am wake up for St. Pete Masters from 5:30am-7:00am. I did not want to get up.  Eventually I walked slowly, the short distance from the Vinoy Renaissance in the dark to the North Shore Aquatic Complex.  When I walked into front gate this is what I was treated too (actually this pic was post practice). 

There we're probably 35+ master swimmers in the water. I swam in the Shark group of about 15 people and clearly I was a bit over my head.  We (they) were doing 50's on the 33. I swam with a young fast guy that probably humored me.  I got in a bit late and did 4100 yards of the 5100 yard workout.  The coach of the masters workout was a friend of J. Dwyers from high school. 

After the workout I walked across the parking lot and was rewarded with the following view.  I can't wait to explore new outdoor pools.

What an awesome way to start the morning!!!! Wish I could do this everyday.