GRIN State Master's Swim Meet

 So I did a thing!  I competed in a State Master's Swim Meet at the IU Indianapolis Natatorium.  What in the world!  The team convinced Cara and I to go, so we did it.  We went down to Indy the night before and got a hotel.  We had a blast just the two of us, catching up, talking about life, and sharing stories.  Real true fun.  

When we arrived at the Natatorium the next day, we were both on edge.  Visible shaking from nerves and being cold, high levels of anxiety.  What in the world was I doing?  I felt so much out of my comfort zone, so inadequate and new at this sport.  It all just felt so overwhelming.  To hop into the pool for warmups felt awkward, freezing, uncomfortable.  However, once swimming, things began to feel more natural.  No different than the Jackson R YMCA pool, right?  I tried to tell myself that.  

I was always in the first heat in a lane near the edges, a sign that I was the rookiest of rookies at this crazy sport.  But I did it, and I did it all.  I did it and it is something I never dreamed I was capable of.  Never once believed I'd be competing in a state swim meet as an adult.  It never would have crossed my mind, not ever.  Yet here I was.  I'm so glad I had Cara with me.  We had each other through the experience.  

I competed in several races.  I did several 25 yard races, some 50 yard races, and the biggest challenge for me was the 200 yard freestyle that I signed up for at a moment that I was feeling daring.  A huge challenge for me.  I don't know what I was thinking to sign up for that.  But I did it, and everyone cheered, and I was proud, and felt so incredibly accomplished.  

This swimming thing again is something I never ever once thought I'd be doing at age 40.  Sometimes I still ask why in the world do I get up at 5am to hop in cold water and force myself to run out of breath?  Its the people.  Its the team, the challenge, the feeling of accomplishment after that hour of swimming back and forth and completing the sets.  Its been an incredible journey for my own growth and feeling of self worth.  I can learn anything at any age.