This has been a good week for swimming. On Tuesday I made it through the entire speed workout I have been building on and today I made it through the entire 3,000 meter endurance swim workout I have been working on completing over the past three weeks. After a 900 meter warm up I went into the main set that offers no recoveries.  The key is endurance, so just as a race does not offer a break, neither should endurance swims. It is a combination of 4 x 100 meters on decreasing send of times and 400 meters straight. I was able to keep between 2:00 and 2:05 on the 100’s and my two 400’s were  first at 8:35 and my second was even better at 8:28. I feel I have jumped a hurdle with two strong swims so far this week, both at 3,000 meters.

Thursdays are also my active rest days so I only had the swim workout. Without a second workout after work, I still have this feeling that I have time on my hands. I worked a bit later than usual and I am sure I will find something to get done around the house. So much for resting…

While I have had a lot on my mind this week, it has not stopped me from noticing just how beautiful the autumn leaves are. Several times now I have shared pictures. I have lived in my neighborhood for just over ten years, but for some reason just this week I noticed something. The brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the maple trees that are so prevalent in Geauga county remind me of the lollipops I had as a child – Charms Sweet and Sour Pops. Here are a few pictures, see for yourself…

Every day has something to enjoy. Something to make me smile. Something to remind me of the carefree happiness of a child. Today it came in the form of maple trees and Charms. All in all, a charming day.