3-17-11
After dropping a little at the first of the week from another storm passing through the water made up lost ground and was a cool 50 degrees. As strange, or even crazy, as it sounds the last few weeks I have been a little let down not really feeling any effects of our swims. It's not that I want to put myself in serious danger but the reason I'm participating in this group is to be a part of something few people even try, and to push my limits. Today I reached that limit and tip-toed over the line, venturing into the unknown. Gordon walked down the boat ramp and started swimming towards the island, while Josh and I made our way to the south pier where we would join him on his return. The swim was on par with previous attempts; the initial shock of the water, breathing was under control, etc. The last 75 yards I was really starting to get used to the cold and slightly counteract the effects. When I reached the finish at the ramp my body had the usual tiny bumps but to my surprise I couldn't really tell any difference in my skin pigment. Trying to get out and take my goggles off that seemed to be glued to my eye sockets I was a little off balance and thought it was just the slimy rocks I was trying to avoid stepping on. After falling a couple times I walked out and over to my towel. While standing there a got a little dizzy and was still off balance for a good minute or so...mild hypothermia. I only went about 180 more yards than last week but that extra couple of minutes seems to be the boundary for me personally. Look forward to seeing how far I can go next week!
I'm sure the first words out of the Dr.'s mouth when I was born weren't "It's a swimmer!", nevertheless that was life's ultimate plan for the years ahead. All growing up we spent summers in our grandma's pool and for a lot of us Gram would be our first coach. With my brother and sister along with cousins we would learn basic technique and the water became our second home. 'Reunions' were weekly if not daily. Swimming was my first love but sometimes life forces us to give up the things we love. At the age of 3 I was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure, more specifically Prune Belly; A kidney disease effecting 1 in 40,000. Attacking the immune system, reducing energy, and holding kidney function at 12-14% getting out of bed in the morning is nothing short of a miracle and everyday truely a blessing. When I was a Jr. in high school my swimming times began to slip and at first I didn't pay it much attention but I soon realized I was headed down a difficult road, a road that only went in one direction. Physically I didn't feel any different and for the next several weeks I wrestled with myself as I practiced. "Should I stay? Is it worth it anymore? What about the team?" Failure was knocking at my door and threatening what I loved. Without my hand on the knob the door opened and passion died. There was a moment standing waist deep in the water inbetween sets, everything slowed down and reality settled in my heart and sank to the bottom of the pool. Failure was not a choice but something I had to accept...or so I thought. For years after quiting the team I was bitter and angry, I didn't want to swim or even hear about swimming. I dont think my family understood where I was and quite frankly neither did I. Part of me died when I left and for those who have had a broken heart for whatever reason understand what I mean. Somewhere along the way my brother started to dabble in triathlons and other athletic events, soon my sister joined and before I knew it I had been sucked in as well. Emersed in a new journey, high school was in the past and another chapter in life was starting. Bitterness melted away and anger faded. "If you love something, set it free..." I don't recall who originally said this but for me this came true. I had a renewed love and a refined understanding and acceptance of the past. I moved on and gained a burning desire to rise above circumstance. Before I layed down and didn't fight, life will always find ways to knock us down but we only lose when we give up or give in. I'll push through the pain, I'll kick a little longer, I'll reach a little farther...I'll swim towards redemption
Seems like you, Gordon and I all noticed the same thing...the "cold water high" from the first few weeks has worn off a little.
ReplyDeleteGood swim today!