From Resolutions to Lifestyle Changes

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 8

THE RESOLUTION: Swim 

April16th

It’s finally happening.

I am turning these challenges into a lifestyle. Isn’t that the reason we all make resolutions to begin with? Getting started is always the hardest part of motivating change. It is very interesting that swimming has been the challenge I have completed most consistently, although there have certainly been many factors contributing to my success. For instance, up until today, I have never gone swimming alone. From day one I have had a good group for social support and accountability. We all push one another but allow the activity to have its social and fun aspects. 

I am continuing to increase my lap numbers since I began counting just a few sessions back. Because I was on my own today, it is the first time I have really timed how much of my time is actually spent swimming. I still take my breaks between laps of course, but I limit myself to two or three breaths at each edge of the pool. Every six to eight laps I take a longer break of 30 seconds or so. 

Today I accomplished my goal: 40 laps. Each lap is 25 meters and I averaged about a minute per lap (breaks included). That is one kilometer in 40 minutes! Of course now my competitive spirit is kicking in and the drive to swim is exhilarated. How fast will I swim 1 kilometer a month from now? Six months? How long would it take to swim 1500 meters? Two kilometers?

One woman. One year. 62 down. 107 to go.