(I somehow lost my post in the middle of reviewing it--sorry if this ends up posted twice! Now let's see if I can remember what I wrote.)
I was talking with a friend about swimming and she said she started "swimming for life" x number of years ago. I got the sense that she meant that it was more than a good workout--it kept her "alive." I have to admit that it has that kind of effect for me, too. At the risk of sounding too new-agey, it's nourishing in more than a physical sense.
What does swimming mean to you? How does that compare to other sports or activities you do? How does that meaning influence your goals and performance?
Former Member
Thanks, The Fortress!! I can't wait to post pictures of the finished costume. YAY SPANDEX!! :p
Here is a very good poem a friend of mine just sent me. The author is unknown....
I was born on land, but I am at home in the water.
It is in the water when I have my purpose,
where reliable habits and routines command my body.
Conditioned by countless strokes,
my arms and legs settle into a rhythm.
Kick, pull, kick, pull, and breathe.
I have only one mind-set:
To be faster than my opponents.
As time passes and the water removes my senses,
I concentrate on making my strokes stronger
And more efficient.
My mind focuses on practices I have already completed,
And
Visualizes races I have yet to win.
Pain consumes me,
Making me a prisoner of my own thoughts.
With this pain, I cry out into the void
Where no one can hear me.
Still
I swim.
My resolve strengthens as my arms tighten and my legs throb unmercifully.
A private war rages on as I swim, struggling to grasp a substance that cannot be grasped.
Every breath a treasure to my burning lungs.
I must battle my own body and mind as I push myself towards the end,
Knowing I alone will be responsible for my successes
And failures.
I alone,
A swimmer
Beneath the surface
50 Free. I'll post my time from tonight at training. I'll warm. Rest and dive in. Open Turn. I'm unpracticed at turns and don't feel like breaking my ankles on the deck b/c of a challenge.
I'll take it as serious as I can. Then we can take it from there, nemesis!
:drink:
Funny you said that, my brother actually did break his ankle doing exactly that while at a masters practice. Before him, I had never heard of anyone breaking anything while swimming. I did not believe my mom when she was telling me :dunno:
Your really need to learn flip turns SwimStud, they make all the difference (just don't do them like my brother :shakeshead: )
Opened this thread by mistake.
I thought you all would like to know I was born at a very young age.
My first experience with water reminds me of a song.
Splish splash I was having a bath.
My next experience was to learn bathtub back stroke.
I think I will end this story right here.
Beth,
Love your poems! What are you and I turning into? Poets and swimmers?!
Well, maybe you. . . NOT me! I get onto the forum to talk about swimming and I come out a poet. Sheesh.
George,
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Funny you said that, my brother actually did break his ankle doing exactly that while at a masters practice. Before him, I had never heard of anyone breaking anything while swimming. I did not believe my mom when she was telling me :dunno:
Your really need to learn flip turns SwimStud, they make all the difference (just don't do them like my brother :shakeshead: )
My boss told me a story when we were in first aid training about a boy who cracked open the back of his heels on the edge of the pool. Went to do a flip, hit and ripped the bottom of his feet off (that part that gets all cracked and gross you know).
See....flips turns are bad
I loved the new song Beth! I hope your shoulder heals soon and you can get back to what you love so much.
You and Queen made fun of me on a the which poster do you want to meet thread...
It was sneaky b/c I was recovering from my meet. I then got beuried halfway down the page...
It clearly states in theh USMS handbookl that you can't taunt your secret/not so secret nemesis in the% posted by Blowfish
BTW I forgot to ask you how you did at that meet. So please tell us the scoop. (Nice poem about getting ready for it during the cold too).
Newmastersswimmer
p.s. The retaliation limerick is still coming o.k. so don't get too comfy now o.k.!.....LOL!!
