We found out today that our Y is closing at the end of the month. It's thrown us for a loop because we've had such a nice routine going: We drop the kids off at school, head for the Y where I swim and Ian uses the gym, home by 9:30 with a little time to breathe before going to work around 10:00.
I've been trying all day to track down another place to swim. The trouble with swimming as a chosen form of exercise is being dependent on someone having and maintaining a pool. I wish I didn't loathe running or something that didn't require needing more than myself and maybe a decent pair of shoes to do it. But I swim. It's pretty much the only form of exercise I don't hate. So I need a pool.
It looks like my only real option is going to be the local county pool, which is perfectly nice, except that they don't open until 9:00. They also don't have anything for Ian, so we will have to split up to go exercise, which is too bad because we were able to help each other stick to the routine when we went together. I haven't quite figured how this will work. I may have to keep a hair dryer at the violin store since I will likely have to go straight there from the pool. It's cutting it all very close, but again, I don't really have options.
I'm more sad about Mona losing her Swim Team. I don't know if I will be able to convince her to try a different one, and I will miss our whole family going to the Y on those two evenings a week.
Anyway, not the end of the world by any means, but disappointing. Maybe once we figure it out it will be for the best. The county pool and a gym membership will be cheaper than the Y, and both are much closer to home.
Still, I'll miss the Y. We originally signed up when we were eligible for six months of free membership while Ian was deployed the first time. It was a great place in the winter to let the kids all run around when I was going stir crazy at home. We've enjoyed many a wacky hour in the racket ball courts, I appreciated the towel service, and every lifeguard was unfailingly nice.
We have until the 31st before they close their doors, so in the meantime we will just keep swimming. Not too thrilled to have to give up a routine that's worked so well, but I'm sure we'll adapt.
I thought about your family when I heard the news. (Mike's sister met her husband when they were both working at that Y, and my nieces and nephew were practically raised there.) What a bummer.
ReplyDeleteHave you looked into the Milwaukee Rec pools. Mike used to do an early morning weekday swim thing at South Division.
The information online about the Milwaukee Rec pools was confusing. There was one school with pool use hours listed as 7:05 to 8:20! I can't seem to find up to date information about South Division, but I think I'll be able to make Pulaski work. (Although, I think they close it for cleaning for a month right around now....)
DeleteWell that just sucks. Hope you find a solution that works for everyone. Why is the Y closing?
ReplyDeleteA bunch of Y's around Milwaukee went into bankruptcy last year, and they've been trying to find a buyer for the one we go to on the South Side, but apparently no takers. It's a shame to imagine all those nice facilities and the gym, etc., just boarded up so no one can use them.
DeleteOh no!! How frustrating! Having a workout routine messed with can really throw you for a loop! I hope you can figure something out!
ReplyDelete-Lisa
I know! I think the key to success in exercise (and anything repetitive) is to have a steady routine. I'm sure I'll find a new one somehow, but I will miss that my kids will not have regular access to swimming anymore.
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