Post by Alkaiser on Dec 11, 2008 2:08:20 GMT 1
When you're underwater, just after you jump in there's a distinct moment of clarity. The bubbles settle and there you are, suspended in space, weightless, stressless and painless. Letting go and just letting the forces of the planet flow through you...its the kind of serenity that can tame the violent and enlighten the ignorant. It's simple, but for Alkaiser it's something you can't put a price on.
When you train constantly, you realize just how human you are. Limits are pushed, thresholds are met and shortcomings are noticed when all that is desired is strength. When all of these things happen, you need to be able to be brought back to Earth. The salt water tingles on bruises and scabs, making them all pruny. It's said that you shouldn't swim with open wounds, but not many people go swimming this time of year so Steve did not feel as bad for being such a contaminant.
As he moves through the water his muscles contract and expand effortlessly, revitalizing them in a way that medicines and short rests can't. The cool flow rushing past his skin makes him feel decreasingly vulnerable. It's true that there are immense benefits to overlooked muscle groups, stamina and concentration derived from swimming, but this was less about training and more about healing and protecting.
It was the flexibility that Steve got out of his workouts in the pool that kept him coming back. It felt like each time he emerged, he was that much less stiff and brittle. That much harder to break. He would stretch slowly, bending his body ever further into directions it shouldn't necessarily go. There's a confidence to be gained when it's just you and your body, challenging yourself silently and impressing yourself with the result. Steve was unable to kick above his head before the beginning of this year. Now, he could hold his foot there with little difficulty.
Being captain meant that Steve needed the capacity to take a lot of punishment, while having enough room for power and speed as well. This was where he made sure that well-rounded nature would not be lost. Nobody ever said you couldn't train all aspects equally and still be exceptional in most of them.
Around one-hundred leisurely laps made his muscles loose without getting them too worn out. Just the sounds of the water and his own breathing to concentrate on...this was Nirvana. The way they stretched left room to grow, and gave him enough energy to finish the week. He breathes deep as he emerges, feeling fresh and alert. Alkaiser is ready to take on the world.
When you train constantly, you realize just how human you are. Limits are pushed, thresholds are met and shortcomings are noticed when all that is desired is strength. When all of these things happen, you need to be able to be brought back to Earth. The salt water tingles on bruises and scabs, making them all pruny. It's said that you shouldn't swim with open wounds, but not many people go swimming this time of year so Steve did not feel as bad for being such a contaminant.
As he moves through the water his muscles contract and expand effortlessly, revitalizing them in a way that medicines and short rests can't. The cool flow rushing past his skin makes him feel decreasingly vulnerable. It's true that there are immense benefits to overlooked muscle groups, stamina and concentration derived from swimming, but this was less about training and more about healing and protecting.
It was the flexibility that Steve got out of his workouts in the pool that kept him coming back. It felt like each time he emerged, he was that much less stiff and brittle. That much harder to break. He would stretch slowly, bending his body ever further into directions it shouldn't necessarily go. There's a confidence to be gained when it's just you and your body, challenging yourself silently and impressing yourself with the result. Steve was unable to kick above his head before the beginning of this year. Now, he could hold his foot there with little difficulty.
Being captain meant that Steve needed the capacity to take a lot of punishment, while having enough room for power and speed as well. This was where he made sure that well-rounded nature would not be lost. Nobody ever said you couldn't train all aspects equally and still be exceptional in most of them.
Around one-hundred leisurely laps made his muscles loose without getting them too worn out. Just the sounds of the water and his own breathing to concentrate on...this was Nirvana. The way they stretched left room to grow, and gave him enough energy to finish the week. He breathes deep as he emerges, feeling fresh and alert. Alkaiser is ready to take on the world.
