Um, “ma’am” 
[quote]Bill Roberts wrote:
The real barrier to the swimming is having no place to do it.
[/quote]
Same problem here. Except I live 5 minutes from two Olympic size pools and have belonged to their respective swimming clubs and been asked in both to swim for both competitively.
What stops me?
The facilities are terrible and absolutely dilute a love for the swimming experience into sufferance.
When the facilities are good the pool is the size of a bath tub.
One hour is really a long time to travel. Which is a shame because your location is warmer and sunnier than mine.
Keep us posted on your recovery.
[quote]Manseed wrote:
Just like you guys, I really enjoy lifting the heavy weights and very rarely go above 8 reps on the basic lifts.
[/quote]
When I am having a weak spell I go up to 10 reps, or 15 if injured.
To avoid injuries either deload or do a different sport for one week after every 12 weeks - this way you don’t feel you are stopping completely, have some fun and come back reinvigorated for the iron.
What Bill said about investing in exercises you feel less valuable: try not to neglect your stretching, and or do mobility. If you are terribly addicted to the gym go there once a week just to stretch and do conditioning ( lunges with no body weight for example. Or just to focus on your technique ).
Sauna - you can stretch some after 15 minutes in intense heat, you can do whilst taking a shower. It doesn’t have to be a whole “Operation Stretch”: This has put me off all those years. Now I stretch my hamstring whilst taking a bath, for instance. Better than nothing.
Invest in a good sports massage once in a while: Your body will thank you for it.
Be more aware when you go into the gym to train and you are:
a. Too angry
b. Too hungry
c. Too weak
That is when I usually fall imperceptibly into the trap of overcompensation and that is when I noticed I am more prone to minor implosions.
: )
Good luck.