Swim, Brenda, Swim?

I've been hearing for more than a year now what great cross-training swimming is, how it helps your body to naturally flush out the junk that running builds up on your muscles, etc. etc., but never had access to a pool or interest in seeking one out, other than the BSC on Boylston which I'd need a second income to afford.

Fast forward, I recently learned that you don't have to be a student to get a gym membership at MIT, and that you can be "sponsored" by anyone within the MIT network and join as a "Friend of MIT."

Before I commit to joining, however (I haven't yet), I wanted to check out the facility. So on Sunday, after an uninentional week off from working out (sadly, my job got in the way of my fitness), I went for my inaugural visit, bought a day pass and took Noah along as one-part gym buddy, one-part swim instructor and one-part tour guide (he's a member).

If you ask him how my first time swimming since childhood lessons went, he'll tell you I swam about a mile in total, that I pretty much kept up with him lap-for-lap and that my form wasn't too atrocious, once he gave me a few pointers. My own feedback from the swim session is much shorter and a little less glowing, though -- Swimming is exhausting and I think I swallowed half the pool.

Nonetheless, I'm going to join the gym and give up my swanky Healthworks membership. I've invested in a trainer for my bike so I can ride in my living room (woo hoo for Craigslist!) and I'm hoping to not get injured this year, meaning I'll do my marathon training outside. That just means I need to find a place where I can swim and lift - and for the "Friend of MIT" price, which is $20 cheaper a month than what I pay now, I get access to all MIT fitness facilities, easier street parking and a pool. Sold!