July cross training pays off!

Back in January, I decided to try Kim's New 2 U Cross Training Challenge. Seven months later, the program has paid off in more ways than one.

I've been promising myself for months that I'd "get back in the water." I used to swim laps regularly and could be found paddling around the beaches of San Diego whenever the weather was nice (read: always). Since moving, I've done a little kayaking, but have largely turned into a landlubber.

Blame the BP oil spill and ever-present tarballs for that.

Fortunately the CTC gave me the nudge I needed to get back in the water. Relatives came out to visit for a long weekend, so when we packed up for the beach, I made sure to pack my snorkel.

For the record, snorkeling might be the only thing I love more than running. I love exploring the underwater world, and the feeling of weightlessness in the water has no comparison on land. I could swim with the fish for hours and not get bored.

Why did I leave my snorkel at home for so long?!

Just being out in the ocean again would have been reward enough from this cross training challenge. But the universe threw in a little bonus.

I followed a school of fish, then paddled out into deeper water. While floating offshore, I noticed a piece of paper undulating in the current.

Then I realized it was green...

$10 bill found while snorkeling

While my nieces and nephews were digging up sand dollars close to shore, I dove to take a closer look at my piece of paper. I found a ten dollar bill!

Snorkeling for cash joins the list of other cross training triumphs:

• January = burpees
• February = cardio kickboxing
• March = stability ball strength training
• April = 100 ups
• May = I skipped it! (skipping drills to improve running form)
• June = shredded

Have you ever found anything really interesting while out on a run, swim, bike ride, or hike?