New YMCA

After being proposed and talked about for several years, then a couple of years of funding talks, and another year+ of construction the new wellness center run by the YMCA is open. This is a really nice addition for me because it is just 3/4 of a mile from my house.

It opened a couple of days ago, and the family went over to take a look. There is a really nice weight room/fitness area, treadmills, ellipticals and such. There is also a 1/8 mile running track which is the longest in the area. It's unique because it has a bunch of curves in it. That should keep things interesting during long indoor run/walks.

There is a 4 lane lap pool, along with a splash pad area for the kids too. Also a nice addition to the area.

Photo credit Duluth New Tribune

Tonight I stopped in for a couple of reasons. I of course wanted to try out the pool, but I also needed to try out my new swim skin. The last couple of years the swim at the MiamiMan event has not been wetsuit legal so I made the investment in a swimskin just in case.

So I walked out to the pool deck and was met by the lifeguard. She gave me the basic tour and then I hopped in to test out the new suit. I wore my race tri-suit as well. I had not swam in that either. The swim went great, put in a nice 1000 yards and called it quits. The biggest issue with the pool is that it is warm! I expected it to be a bit warmer than the pool downtown because it shares the water with the kids area, but this is kinda yucky warm.

I intend to contact the aquatics director to see. I know her from her lifeguarding times at the downtown Y. (Note: she said it is exactly 2 degrees warmer than downtown)

So I am very excited to have this facility so close to me. Even in the worst weather, it is not a far drive for me to get a workout in, either a swim or a run. The bike and most strength workouts I can do at my home gym. I intend to do my Tuesday swims at this pool, and then head downtown on Fridays for my group swim.