Literally!
Remember this…
For Christmas I got a swimming cap, so when I went to gym today, I went with my swimming costume, towel and cap specially packed. Gym was busy. I ran 5km (in 34 min 37 seconds) and then did a few exercises while the pool cleared a bit. Then I (bravely) went downstairs and got changed into my swimming costume. I have not done any serious swimming for YEARS! When we were on the ship we splashed around in the pool and swam a couple of short lengths, but I usually didn’t put my head and face under the water. Swimming at the gym is a different story altogether. I have been on the treadmills overlooking the pool and seen people swimming up and down. Today, I counted a guy swim 20 lengths before stopping for a break. Then he swam another 20. I was on the treadmill and counted! How hard can it be?
When I got to the pool there was a space free in one of the lanes. I got in and off I went, trying out my best form of freestyle. The first thing I noticed was the temperature of the water was very warm (27C). As soon as I got going, I understood I had to keep my eyes open because there are two people to a lane and I didn’t want a head-on collision. The second thing I didn’t expect was it to be salt water. Swimming methodically, I was breathing every second or third stroke. The third thing I didn’t expect was that it was so very difficult. I felt like I wasn’t getting enough air. I wasn’t used to having my head under the water. I am so out of condition for swimming. I used to swim in the sea, but it was most often breast stroke and always with my head above the water. After the first length, I swam breaststroke back. That at least I felt more comfortable doing. Then I did another length of crawl and it was no easier. I swam breaststroke back and repeated the sequence one more time. Then I’d had enough. I had tried it out. The only way to improve is to do it again tomorrow. I’ve booked the Grid and will have a swim after! I think.
#519 of my 1000 thanks is that I got to swim! And that I can go again!
Today has been a family day. We had most of the family here and had a game of 30 seconds again. Then this evening, we all went out for dinner. It was a combined celebration with much to be grateful for. Stacey is pregnant. David passes his Masters in Music & my niece Jessica has finished her teaching degree and has a teaching job lined up next month. Tomorrow Julian as well as Adrian and Stacey leave. Julian will return in a few days time. It’s been a wonderful three days of having them all.
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂