Six out of seven days in the pool was one too many last week. Or perhaps the swimming gods have struck me down for talking smack about the breaststroke. Either way, according to my doc, I’ve torn or severely strained a left intercostal muscle, and I’m out of the pool.

Excuse me while I whine… Is it just me, or are there other U.S. Masters Swimmers who take two steps forward and one step back? I had two seriously huge breakthrough moments these past two weeks. I finally grocked the breaststroke kick, and I added a couple extra feet to my glide off the wall. By Saturday I was so amped and excited by my improvements that I actually considered signing up for the USMS Pacific Masters Short Course Meters Championships.

I went to Sunday’s open swim to hone my new-found techniques. I strained to reach something, heard and felt a pop under my left armpit along my ribs, and by Sunday evening I was on the floor writhing in pain.

This bump in the road isn’t going to stop me! Well, okay, yes it is for at least a week or two. However, I will be back!

Tags: breaststroke, Pacific Masters, U.S. Masters Swimmer