I spend a lot of time with my head under water these days. It gives me time to think. The thoughts that have entered (or entertained) my mind as of late: what the heck is going on with my body and why do I like having my head under water so much?
In many ways, my thoughts about these questions are helping me prepare for a very long upcoming ultra marathon swim. When I think about my chosen goal while on land, I am frightened by what lay ahead. I am fearful of what it will do to my body; I am afraid I may not have the mental toughness to make it to the other side. When I am in the water however I feel at ease both physically and mentally.
A few days ago I was on my 7th lap around Thetis Lake – just over 10 kilometers into a swim – when I realized – ‘I’m not tired’. I felt relaxed and was quite happy to continue swimming…more…and more. I was fascinated by this. I thought about my physical state 8 years ago when walking a block was a major chore and swimming 10 lengths of a pool required a post 3 hour nap.
As I swam along I could feel the cool water soothing my body and the sun infusing vitamin D through my back. The only thing I could see was my arms in front of me as they entered the water and the water and tree line to the left and right each time I took a breath.
There was no sound other than that of my breathing. There was no negativity from others; no aggression; no violence. I was at peace.
As the day of my event draws nearer, I will keep these thoughts close to me and I will approach my 34k swim the same way I have approached my MS, and that is one stroke at a time in a calm and peaceful state.
