Open Water Swim

My open water swim was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Since joining a swim team, I feel as connected to swimming as I did back when had Junior Olympic qualifying times.  During practices, we dive off of blocks, do ridiculous drills, and get timed. Each of us critique each other’s strokes, offer support, and laugh. It's a great experience. So, Ed (the fearless leader) asked us last weekend if any of us were interested in open water swimming. I totally was in! On Tuesday after work we headed to the lake.  A friend of Ed's had offered us their dock to swim from.  The water was deep, like 50 feet just a few yards from the dock.  We got in and the water was warm.  We selected a course and started swimming.  We swam approximately 1,300 yards total. I chased Ed at first because the water was so deep, dark, and I had no idea where I was in relation to the rest of the world. I bilaterally breathed so I could spy the water for boats, snakes, and dead bodies. Caroline swam behind me and I looked back several times to make sure I could spot her hot pink swim cap.  Then I got comfortable. I swam with my heart. What an amazing experience! I cannot wait to go back!




(By the way, the photo is all about firsts... My first open water swim, Joyce's first visit to Lake James, and Ed's first selfie! What a trip!)

CoachTime

Anyone who has followed this blog or knows me personally, knows I am a die-hard running fool.  In October of 2015, I ran my fourth full marathon and things went great.  The next weekend, I noticed a slight pain in my heel.  I ignored it and continued running.  The pain intensified over the next couple of months and by March of 2016, I could barely walk. So, I took time off.  I focused on my second love, swimming and increased from hitting the pool 2x a week to living at the aquatic center! Ha!

During that time, I decided to try my hand at health coaching. I got back into weight lifting. I read lots of blogs and listened to podcasts.  I even joined a swim team!  5 weeks later, I ran again. I've run 3-5 miles a couple of times a week and run up to 12 miles on Saturdays, but I have not gone back to the intensity that I once did. Now, I use running to meditate and think again - not to compete or try to prove that I'm worthy. Hell, I'm out there now, just exploring the beautiful world! 

So here's the thing, I've determined through my injury and through the help of supportive folks all over the world, that I am worthy of many things. I don't need to prove myself, by keeping up with faster runners, by running myself ragged,  BUT I do need to share my love and experience with others.  Next week, I hope to start putting a little more effort into coaching. I want to provide insight and learn from others. So that's my intention.  I want to add positivity to lots of folks lives. I want people to be healthier through nutrition, fitness, and mindset.  I'm super excited about this journey! My life is changing and it's an amazing thing!