Yesterday I swam for the first time in more than a year.
I had been awaiting the “all clear”after my most recent reconstruction surgery. My surgeon had initially said to wait 12 weeks, but at my 10 week post-op appointment I was told I was good to go.
This would normally be very exciting news, but it’s extra exciting given that my glute and joints don’t seem to appreciate my other regular workouts. Swimming it is!
I felt like I was packing for an adventure as I gathered my goggles, found my swimsuit, and packed toiletries. I even remembered my flip flops. Woohoo!
I jumped in thinking, “let’s hope this is good…”
It was SO GOOD. That crisp water feeling, the smooth pull, the rhythm. The gliding.
Oh! And the other swimmers. I used to be bothered by people who went slow in the medium lane, or fast in the slow lane, etc. Now I’m just happy to be there, to be moving without restriction. I felt so much gratitude in swimming that even my thoughts were kinder. Fascinating!…and I plan to cultivate this new aquatic mindset of mine. I had a feeling that this year had taught me more patience and perspective and this is a tangible example.
I used to swim at least one mile each time I was in the pool. I knew that wouldn’t happen this time, and was curious how far I could go/ how long I could last. I hadn’t even finished my usual warmup set when I sensed that “noodly” (as in, wet noodle) tiredness setting in. My inner monologue was conflicted:
Me: “you’ve got this, Farrell!” (Always maiden name when sports-related pushing)
Also me: “Lara! Don’t be stupid. You finally found something you can do. Quit while you’re ahead!”
Yup, me: “You can definitely do one more set. Tiredness is not the same as pain. Let’s go!”
Me again: “Yeah, but- how sad will you be if tomorrow you can’t work out?”
It was that last thought that got me. I’m sort of famous for what I call Enthusiasm Injuries. (Why do 60% when you can do 100%? Well, because our bodies were not meant to go full throttle at every moment). So I stopped and called it a day. And patted myself on the back. So mature, Lara. Look how you have evolved this year.
Post-swim, walking home from the Stonestown Y through Stern Grove park. Pool-hair-don’t-care.
Normally I’d cringe at a 22-min swim. But I’m literally celebrating it, and I feel great the day after this workout.