Swimming Challenge

Yesterday I finished my swimming challenge with a test day.  I wanted to see how far I could actually swim.  I had met my first goal of 100 earlier last week.  So that was bare minimum goal met.

On Tuesday, I was able to swim a 150.  Which I was very excited about.  It felt good.  But, I knew I was tired.  The thought of trying a 200 (which was my next goal) seem unreachable.  

I was nervous about trying this test.  The night before Ed brought the kids to meet me after swimming so we can go to dinner.  They got to see me swim just a little.  Ed volunteered to go watch me swim and count my laps.  I really appreciated  his support. 

I did a short warm up of 2 x25 and 2x 50.  I decided that I would just swim.  No pressure no race.  I just had to do the distance.  An easy run for those runners.  The nice relaxing long runs where you just run.  Not time crunch.  I did my first 50 with just my arms.  (I swimming for a triathlon.  I want to save my legs for the bike and run parts)  I felt good.  Then I got to 100 stilling feeling good.  Relaxed.  I got to 150 and I started to freak a little.  I had same any farther then that. 

I got to 200.  I thought I could stop here and consider it a good job.  But, why stop at a good job when you can do great!!!! Right??  So I turned and went for another 50.  I was feeling myself struggle with my breathing. I did what I do in a stressful situation.  I sang my ABC's. It got my mind off the stress and I relaxed again. 

I stopped at the 250.  I wasn't sure that I counted my laps right.   I asked Ed.  He said I did a 250.  But, by that time I couldn't turn again.  My legs were cramping.  I did meet my ultimate goal!!  But, afterwards I'm still kind of disappointed.  I think I could have done a little bit more. 

I am so pleased with this challenge.  I could not have ever imagined this kind of success.  I really feel I gained a lot from this.  Not just physical strength.  I think that was there the whole time.  I think what I gained most was confidence in the water and in myself.  I love to reach or smash a goal.  It drives me.  I am a very driven person.  I love the challenge.  That is a part of me.  It always has been.  But, as time goes by, it wasn't a priority.  Now I'm hooked again.  (Sorry Ed!!  I will probably come up with another challenge soon)  I just cant help myself.  I promise it wont be as involved as 21 days straight. : )

I still have a lot of work to do before I still feel 100% confident in the water.  But, I know I can swim! And not just look like I'm splashing around in the water.  I can't say that you will see me going off the high dive anytime soon. (Or ever!)  But, you may see me swimming in water deeper then 4-5 ft.  I think that is progress!  Another goal is to be able to jump into deeper water.   

Here is a lovely picture of Ed and I after swimming my test.  I look horrible and Ed looks ticked!!  He was just sticking his tongue out!  LOL!  I promise we will have a better pic taken soon.  : )

I'm going to take a week off from swimming and do some running.  I have been dying to run more this past 21 days.  But, swimming has taken up all my free time.  I also will be happy to not smell like chlorine all the time!! :)

Thanks for all your support!!