What Swimming Taught Me About Starting Over (and Why I Keep Coming Back)
When I was a child, organized sports were only accessible to boys. Girls could be cheerleaders, but there were no team sports available for girls until Title IX passed in 1972. Since its passage, the impact it has had on women’s sports has been significant, with a 545% increase in women playing college sports and 990% increase in high school sports. Remarkably, the women's hockey team secured a gold medal at this year's Olympics.
My mom, who taught physical education at my catholic grade school, signed me up for tennis in the city recreation program. Having my mother at my school three days a week was mortifying for a pre-teen, but that is a story for another day.
What I loved about tennis was that you only needed tennis shoes and a racket to play. I stayed involved through high school and thoroughly enjoyed being a pseudo-jock.
As I progressed in my life, physical challenges were replaced with work challenges. Playing any sport was too time consuming.
Returning to Michigan later in life, I decided to try golf. I have never been very good, and it involves so much expensive equipment and grounds fees that I grew weary of the summer activity. No matter how much I practice, I am mediocre at best.
The other wrench in golf is time commitment. Given my hyper disposition, I find that it takes far too many hours to play 18 holes.
Overuse of my elbow in the kitchen deterred me from returning to tennis, so when I learned that the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim was going to take place right outside my front door, I started training for open water swimming.
I have learned, from the last year of training, the massive benefits derived from swimming. It’s like tennis in the equipment aspect—I only need a suit, a cap and goggles. The YMCA has a lap pool, and for six months out of the year, I can swim in Lake Huron
The physical benefits are obvious. It is a comprehensive workout, toning muscles and improving my cardiovascular health, all low impact. Having passed the mid-60’s and moving towards the end of the decade, this workout has been invaluable to my physical fitness. It reduced my visceral fat and increased my core strength-both of which are immensely important to active longevity.
What I was unaware of with open water swimming, are the mental and emotional health benefits it provides. Last year I ended a difficult and unhealthy relationship. It left me feeling regretful. Additionally, I was also experiencing a noticeable reduction in my self-esteem.
The consistency I found in swimming offered a rhythmic and meditative solace for me. I was alone with my thoughts. With each stroke, the waves of lucidity washed over me, clearing my head.
Other than the Garmin announcing how far I swim, there are no digital distractions. External pressures fade away, followed by mental acuity, reduced anxiety and emotional clarity.
In open water, the sun glistens off the rocks on the floor of the lake as you swim. The waves gently move you, and the embrace you feel from the water is unique every single time. Especially on the Great Lakes where winds, waves, and currents are in constant flux.
Given the stress and concerns many Americans are experiencing, it may be beneficial to view this activity as an opportunity to decompress…step away from everyday pressures this morally bankrupt regime is forcing on us. Let swimming be that mindful activity we need.
Now, if I miss a few days of swimming, my body feels sluggish and writing becomes a chore.
They say it takes 30 days to create a habit. I felt at home after my first 200 meters. Creating a new habit with a group is easier than trying it alone.
I have a core water group of friends that take their swimming very seriously. We support each other, and it is refreshing to be a part of the group. A group is something that adds expectations, support, and a sense of shared understanding.
I have a goal this summer to swim the Escape from Alcatraz marathon—and training for open water in the lake will be far different than swimming in the Pacific. In the lake, one doesn’t concern themselves with sea otters and sharks.
Many years ago, I swam in the San Francisco Bay when I lived there. Although I prefer fresh water, the saltwater challenge will be a fun experience.
We are never too old to start. I could hardly swim the length of the pool when I began. Now I can swim well over 2000 meters. It just takes practice, commitment, and helpful supportive swimming buddies.
Want to join me for a swim? I’ll be back in Lake Huron this May.
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