The Amazing Human Body

For the first time since this hair-brained notion entered my head, I actually think I can physically do this!! I've never doubted my mental capacity, I'm just crazy enough to think I can do ANYTHING, but I was becoming a little unsure of whether or not my body was going to allow it. Tonight was my answer! I can absolutely do this and my body IS going to let me!

After my coach heard that I did so well with the kickboard workout last night, he decided to let me just swim and see what I could do. He encouraged me to try some of the Total Immersion techniques I'd watched online and see if I could figure some of it out on my own. I wasn't sure what to expect but headed to the Y with moderately high hopes.

I started out visualizing what I needed to tell my body to do based on the videos I'd watched. (A very useful skill taught to me by my mother.) I wasn't sure if I could get everything in sync as it needed to be but I sure was willing to give it a shot. I began by kicking off the side and gliding in the water until my progress started to slow then I took my first full breath and new arm stroke. I could immediately tell a huge difference in the way my body was moving through the water. I quickly found that I couldn't get the kick synchronized with the arm stroke as shown in the video so I decided to just do without it. Randy has been telling me that he's going to tie my feet together and make me swim using my arms only so I figured, "what the heck, I'll just do it on my own today"!

I finished the first few lengths and started to get excited. I felt great in the water! Everything felt so natural, like I was born to do this. I could feel my body sliding through the water, my arm strokes efficient, even without kicking my legs. For the first time, I wasn't out of breath at the end of each length!

I continued to focus on my movements, trying to make my arms move both in and out of the water the way they should. I found myself entering into a good rhythm. If not for counting the lengths to keep track of my progress, I'm sure I would have easily slipped into a "zen" state. This is how swimming should feel! This is why I love it!

I completed 60 lengths, all freestyle, and would have kept going but the lifeguard kicked me out.....end of lap swim for the night. I know that doesn't sound like much to a seasoned, well-conditioned swimmer but to me, this is HUGE!

Is it the tar and nicotine finally leaving my system? Has my body just been waiting for something like this? Am I just a giant ball of untapped energy and potential? I guess we'll find out. Tonight gave me a glimpse of all the great opportunities that lie ahead. I know I'll be ready to compete in the Big Shoulders 5K in Chicago a year from now and I'm excited to see what other challenges I can tackle between now and then.

Lesson - never think you're too old or it's too late to do something you've always dreamed of! Never tell yourself you can't accomplish your goals! YOU CAN DO IT!