…until you decide to not just race in a lake for the first time but also swim in open water for the first time and realise it’s a totally different sport to pool swimming!

I have always been a good swimmer. I used to compete for my school!

So what happened you may ask?
• I went in, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t catch my breath, started feeling like I was having a panic attack, swam to a kayak and got a boat ride back to shore

What did I do after?
• I spoke with my auntie (who is a triathlete/runner & broke her arm in a wind surfing accident so only swims with one arm!? Such an inspiration!) who reminded me that I am a good swimmer, if I get panicked then breast stroke and it’s a privilege to be able to swim
• I got back in & swam the slowest swim of my life but I completed it

What did I learn?
• just because you are good at something, doesn’t mean you will always be good at it in all contexts
• you actually can do something hard & scary if you tell yourself you can and give yourself time to try
• sometimes it’s good to put yourself out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself & test your capabilities
• who cares about how fast you go? If you complete something then surely that’s the biggest win!

What will I do next?
• sign up for a triathlon probably

20th June 2024