Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming. . .

Last weekend I completed my third triathlon.  Now before you get the impression that I am some kind of super athlete, let me assure you, I am not.  Until about 2 years ago, I was only a runner who occasionally went for a bike ride.  Swimming was not in my vocabulary.  I hated the water—loathed it—avoided it at all costs.  But that all changed on a hot July morning in 2009.

A friend of mine invited me to be part of a relay team for a local sprint distance triathlon.  She was going to do the swim portion (whew!), another girl was going to bike it, and I was asked to do the running portion.  No problem.  I love to run.  At this point I was running regularly, but not training for anything in particular, so I decided to join team “Hell’s Belles” for the Mission Man Triathlon.  I had never even been a spectator at a triathlon before, so when I arrived I was overwhelmed by the equipment, the transition area, and the athletes.  What an incredible event!  What a challenge for your mind and body!  The bug bit me right away and I began to wonder if I, too, could complete a triathlon.  Run—sure thing!  Bike—ok!  However, there was this one little problem.  I couldn’t swim.  Like sink to the bottom of the lake kind of skills. Doggie-paddle only skills.  You would think that would stop me, right?  WRONG.

I went home after the race and registered for a super sprint distance women’s only triathlon and “hired” a swim coach.  I had 7 weeks to train and I was determined to finish that race, come Hell or. . . . yep, high water.  My first swim session was laughable, at best.  I had taken swim lessons as a child and again in college, so I had some basic idea of what was required to move through the water in a forward motion.  But to do that and breathe for 250m was another story.  Did I mention that this was an open water swim? 

After seven weeks of lots of running and cycling, and a taste of swimming, I stepped into a lake with 440 other women and totally freaked out.  Full on hyperventilation and panic attack.  BUT, I did it.  I finished last in the swim leg of the race in my group of 103 novice competitors.  But, I finished and that is what counts, right?  Overall I finished 57/103 in my group—not bad for my first Tri—and I was determined that it would not be my last.

6 weeks later, I found out I was pregnant with The Little Guy.  I didn’t let this little detail derail my plans, though.  I got in the water and I swam.  Twice a week, my growing belly and I made friends with the lifeguards at the local YMCA and I swam lap after lap (with a kickboard) to keep myself in shape and keep my “head” in the water.  90% of my battle in the water is between my ears—I had to get past fear to improve my swim.  I swam until I was 36 weeks pregnant.  My doctors were pleased with my weight management, and I had the skinniest ankles of any pregnant lady around. 

Last year’s Triathlon season came and went.  The Husband completed his first Triathlon while I changed diapers and nursed a baby instead of competing, but the dream didn’t die.  As soon as I was cleared for exercise, I started walking.  Walking led to jogging, and then running.  Eventually I got back in the pool.  It was like starting over in so many ways, but I had this new found confidence in the water and was determined to improve. 

This season I have completed 2 Triathlons so far,and have my sights set on 4 more.  I am not in the race for a top 3 finish.  I may not set any records, but I am setting an example for my children about the importance of physical fitness, challenging the mind and body, and providing mental stability by taking time for myself to continue to achieve my own goals.  Just because I am now the mother of two doesn’t mean my dreams have to be pushed aside. 

And my swimming skills? 

2009--250 meter time: 11 minutes, 14 seconds

2011--300 meter time: 7 minutes, 45 seconds

I’ll just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming. . .