i took the plunge...

don't worry folks, i didn't fall, injure myself or do something bad... i went swimming!  I am gonna sleep like a baby.

I've been checking out pool schedules recently, and found one of the many public pools in my area that had lane swimming from 9:30-10:30 pm.

I got to the parking lot at about 9:15... YIKES!  It's full!  I had hopes that the pool would be empty and there would be no one there to see me.  I sat in my car, too nervous to get out just yet.  I saw a lady walk in, and lots of people walk out.  I got in the change room, and had about 10 minutes before we would be able to get in the pool, so I stayed in my sweat pants and sweat shirt over my bathing suit...  I'm such a chicken sh!t. I wish I had the type of personality where I wouldn't automatically think people judge me -- negatively, or that I just simply didn't care what people thought about me. This is something I've struggled with my whole life.

Anyway, that lady starts asking me if it's usually busy, I let her know that this is my first time.

Lady: "this is your first time swimming?"

Me: "No, I've swam before, but coming to a pool and doing lane swimming - this is a first."

Lady: "so what made you start swimming?"

Me: "i'm coming off of injury with a stress fracture from running, so i'm trying to incorporate more cross-training"

Lady: "Oh, so you're a runner -- so do you do marathons?"

Me "no... i've completed a half, maybe one day I'll do a full marathon, but I do enjoy it"

Lady: "so if you swim and run, do you also cycle?"

Me: "Yes! I do!  I got into cycling this year as well... but swimming would definitely be my weakness"

Lady: "So one day you'll be a triathlete"

Me:  Once I stopped laughing, I told her that I would love to try-a-tri one day, but wanted to survive my first swim first.

I went into the medium lane... there were about 7 other people there with me. I quickly found an easy enough pace, but found myself on the heels of other swimmers doing the breast stroke... being new in the pool, and without knowing the etiquette, I just slowed down, and lagged behind, using arms only, no legs, etc.

I swam for about 35 minutes.  Not too long, but I definitely feel like I got a good workout.  Back in the change room, Lady had also finished up.

Lady: "You're a strong swimmer!  But I think you'd be faster with a cap, goggles and keeping your head in the water"

Me: "Thanks!  I kept my head up to watch where I was behind the others in my lane.  I didn't want to ride someone's heels the whole time, and didn't want to go to the fast lane, and have someone on my heels either"

I was surprised to hear someone tell me I was a strong swimmer! I've always loved swimming, but never had a reason to swim, other than for the fun of it. I walked outta there really happy. Ecstatic that I didn't let my nerves, lack of confidence or stupid thoughts keep me from trying something new.  I had a great time, will be getting a cap and goggles, may plan for a swim for friday since I have the day off, and my next run tomorrow!

Alright, it's a school night, i gotta get to bed! nite all!