keep swimming....

This is the Ironman Triathlon symbol, the "M-dot". One day, I hope to do a half-Ironman, or even a full Ironman.

I got the pin out of my foot yesterday, and have to wear the air cast for another 4 weeks. So today I went swimming at the UNC Wellness Center, where my grandparents have very nicely paid for a month membership, since they have a pool and awesome, state-of-the art equipment. It really is an AMAZING facility, and I'd really like to write a lot so that I can maintain a membership there for a few months, especially leading up to the triathlon (it's somewhat pricey). But I swam in the pool there today, and it kicked my butt. I didn't realize how weakened I'd become since surgery, but I guess after almost 8 weeks of not exercising and not even walking nearly as much as I had been, I definitely lost a lot of strength. It was humbling, and upsetting, and frustrating. I don't like struggling as an athlete, but today I was struggling. It makes me nervous about the triathlon, even though I have 5 months to go. I thought the swim leg would be the one part of the tri that I wouldn't have to worry about, but now I'm wondering. Of course, I can't run until July, according to the orthopedic surgeon, so I'm thinking the run leg might be my most challenging. I am hoping that I have given myself enough time to train.

At any rate, it was really great to be exercising again. It felt natural to use my muscles, and feel the strain in my arms. The water has always been familiar to me; I had a pool nearly my entire life growing up, and I would spend hours swimming laps, diving off the diving board, and playing games with my brother and friends. Being back in the pool today felt nice, although I struggled.

As Dory from "Finding Nemo" said, "Just keep swimming...."