What is it that drives me to the pool each day? I feel alive, happy, free as a bird and ready to face the day ahead. When I don't swim in the morning, I'm lethargic, lacking enthusiasm and negative thoughts seem to creep into my crazy head!
I dive in, feeling the water surround my body, gliding along with ease, sucking in those breaths of precious air. I approach the turn, tuck the head, around I go, pushing off the wall, streamlining out and into the next lap. The further I go, the stronger I feel, brushing those cobwebs from my tired body. I turn for the last lap home of a 400m freestyle warm up, kicking into the wall to finish. Sucking in some cool fresh water from my water bottle while I contemplate the next set.
And so, it's kick time with fins, WOW, if I do this set with effort, it will tone up my butt, thighs, calves and improve my swim times to boot! How can I NOT do the kick set. On with the fins, I grab the board, sink into the water, push off the wall. Kicking, fast, faster and faster building speed with every 25m until I finally come to the end of the 200m freestyle fast kicking set. WOW, that felt great! More water to drink. Never allow myself to dehydrate.
And so the training goes on..... What drives me to enjoy my swimming so much I ask myself?
a) Fitness as my body ages
b) Mobility as my body ages
c) Keeping my Heart and Lungs Healthy as my body ages
d) Meeting new friends
e) Thriving on the challenge of a great workout
f) Feeling ALIVE
g) Participating in swim competitions and enjoying the Fun and Camaraderie of fellow
enthusiasts as myself
Now honestly! Do I need to say more? There are many negative people out there in this sport as well. The backstabbers, the troublemakers and those who delight in putting others down. BUT, do I take any notice of people like THAT? NO! I love my life, my sport and intend to enjoy every minute of every day to the fullest. There are more POSITIVE people in this world than negative.
THANK YOU to all my colleagues and friends from all parts of the world. In particular AUSSI Masters Australia, Chico California, San Francisco and the USMS Forum. We are a FAMILY amongst ourselves. Not to forget one SPECIAL FRIEND FROM QUAKERS HILL N.S.W.
GOD BLESS ALL SWIMMERS WHO SHARE MY PASSION
THE Dolphin
Copyright © 2006 Dawn Thompson