The gift of my swim beyond trepidation

There was something about today’s swim that was truly magical. It started with a point of view that I would not swim, could not swim. A storm was brewing, and there were waves on the usually calm lake. I was unsure.

And then I reconsidered.

I have a wet suit; I know the waters; I can swim close to the shore; I have a swim buoy to pull behind. Really, the only thing holding me back was my point of view.

With some trepidation, I entered the waters. They were comfortably warm after a summer of sunshine. There were weeds, but that had never stopped me before.

My warmup as prescribed by my coach Gabbi unfolds. I swim 250 strokes to get a feel for the water, waves lapping against my face.

The challenge is exhilarating. Knowing I am strong, knowing I have trained, knowing and trusting the waters, it becomes a playground.

What fun this is! I release an unheard, playful, childlike squeal. This workout cannot be duplicated in the pool. These conditions are a parasailer’s dream.

I play with breathing patterns, a pull practised hundreds of times on a vasa trainer, engaging my core, using my kick. Sighting the bright yellow water trampolines that adorn the accompanying cottages, this becomes a strength workout. I stop to look up at the sky, surrounded by the lapping waves. Clouds in the distance. I think I swim a few kilometers in total, and as I climb out my legs are wobbly.

I wonder when such beautiful and challenging conditions will present themselves again.

This day was a gift; this swim was a gift; my phenomenal body is a gift; this lake is a gift; and I am grateful.