Remember the first time you ran a mile without stopping?
Or better yet, remember the first time you ran a mile without stopping and felt like you could do it all over again? Yes, that time.
Well, yesterday I experienced that moment again, but this time in a different sport.
Today, after the warm-up and drills, I swam 20 laps without stopping and when I finished, I felt like I could swim 20 more. I was Rocky on top of those steps pumping my arms…sans the sweatshirt and heavy accent.
The first time I swam a few weeks ago, I thought I was going to have a mild panic attack in the midst of only eight laps. I stopped, had to catch my breath, and I feared that the 24 Hour Fitness staff may find me at the bottom of the pool. But yesterday it was a different story.
I’m in LA for work and noticed that my client has a 24 Hour Fitness right next door. Strangely, I forgot any shorts to run in (was going to test the hip out), but I brought my swim gear; thus, I headed for the pool. From the moment I jumped in and dunked my head under, I proceeded to find my groove.
For those of you that are experienced swimmers, runners, cyclists, or whatever, looking back at that moment when you accomplished the first step in your athletic future may make you giggle, but now that I’m experiencing it without any shame or embarrassment in a sport that I can confidently say is not my forte, I want to give myself a good ol’ pat on the back. I only swim two times per week and to me, this was excellent progress.
More importantly I want to remind everyone to not forget to celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments. It’s easy to peruse all of the endurance blogs out there and read about people your age running crazy mileage, swimming thousands of yards or completing Ironmans and feel a bit like you’re underperforming or not meeting your potential. But hey, as far as I’m concerned you have to start somewhere and just because I’m not swimming with Michael Phelps any time soon doesn’t mean that we can’t be proud of ourselves.
Sexy, no?
It’s like my dad always says, “It’s not about the goal — it’s about the journey.” So today, take some time to give yourselves a pat on the back too. We’re all taking those small steps to get to that end goal, but don’t forget to realize that the journey your on is amazing in and of itself.
Happy Running!
This is such a perfect thing for me to read right now. Getting back into running shape post-pregnancy is kind of frustrating sometimes because I’m so slow… but I need to remind myself that just getting back out there and slowly increasing mileage is progress, and part of the journey!
That’s awesome Page! I’m the reverse… I used to swim in high school but have now taken up running, so any time I run a bit further than the day before I consider it a major accomplishment. 20 laps is amazing!
That is awesome — I can’t even swim one lap without being winded. Great job!!!
Awwwww… Too cute. Great timing for me to read, I’m still beating myself over failing to obtain sub2 at Nike….but I should think and appreciate that I’ve come as long way.
way to go Page!
WAY to go! That is awesome! I remember the first time I ran more than 13 miles. It was awesome! I was so nervous and I didn’t know if I could do it but I did and then I was on top of the world!
I love this! I have friends who just started running and they say things like, “Susan, I know this means nothing to you, but I ran five miles WITHOUT STOPPING!” I still get excited for them even if that’s a walk in the park for me. That was me at some point in my life, and one day they will look back at that and laugh too.
Love this – CONGRATS Page!! You SHOULD celebrate these achievements!! Now you need one of those sexy “Bling Bling” swimsuits from Splish
Awesome, awesome job! It is so great to celebrate the small things! The other day I ran a 400 at a 7:22 pace and I was ecstatic! I know that’s not great, or even good, for some people, but it sure made my day! Swimming is awesome too, I’m glad you’re getting into it!
Congrats! I think one of the things I like best about trying a new sport (or hobby) is that you recognize the small steps and achievements along the way. And it’s such a great feeling to make progress!
Aw Page I love this post! Blogs can be breeding grounds for the notorious ‘comparison trap’ but we all need to try to recognize our INDIVIDUAL accomplishments. I was a competitive, national swimmer but hung it up when I went to college. I assure you swimming is not an easy feat so way to tackle it! You’re outstanding. I just gave myself a pat on the shoulder for my 4 mile run. =)
Concur. And 20 laps sounds like a helluva a lot to me! 5 sounds like a workout for me. Hell, I’m too scared to even get in a pool and swim laps. You’re my hero for even doing that.
I LOVE this. Such a great point to make! Awesome job on the swim and Happy Training
you know, i think this is why i often enjoyed the swim leg of my triathlons the most. it was the hardest sport for me when i started out, but i made it a priority to practice and over time i could see myself improving. it was humbling to go from an avid, fairly accomplished runner to someone who could barely swim a couple laps without stopping. just a reminder that you have to start somewhere, and hard work really does pay off!
“It’s not about the goal – it’s about the journey.” Love this quote!! Awesome job on the swim workout!
Congrats on a great swim and getting that ‘high’ from working out
It’s the best feeling and I’m glad you know how to embrace it!
yay! thanks for reminding me I really need to get swimming.