Swimming from the amoebas
Whenever the water temps in Florida rise above 80 degrees there is an advisory against swimming in the lakes. Last summer, due to the fact that I was pregnant and exercising for two, I heeded the warnings and did not swim. This summer I decided to take the risk despite the threat of the brain eating amoeba. My husband, though supportive, is not a fan of this decision.
Saturday morning I got up and headed over to Lucky's Lake Swim. This is a local 1K swim hosted by a kindhearted swimmer. It offers locals and visitors the opportunity to practice open water swimming and while there is no lifeguard on duty, there is a sense of security with others in the lake. As we learn from an early age... never swim alone.
My previous swim across the lake was Mothers Day weekend. Half way across I was tired and breathing every stroke. By the time I finished the lap, I got in my car and could barely lift my arms. Thankfully, this weekend showed a marked improvement. I was able to breathe every 3rd stroke the whole time, my pace was strong and steady (albeit slow), and I felt good. Moreover, I could successfully lift my arms when it was over. I missed swimming. I feel stronger after a good swim. There is a peace in the water, silent save for the sound of breath and bubbles. No matter how ugly the stroke, there is a feeling of grace, as I glide weightlessly from point to point. Still carrying around my pregnancy weight, it is a nice change from the galumpy feeling I have while running.
I'm in Jacksonville next weekend for the Jacksonville Sprint Tri, and then I plan to be back at the lake for another go round.
Saturday morning I got up and headed over to Lucky's Lake Swim. This is a local 1K swim hosted by a kindhearted swimmer. It offers locals and visitors the opportunity to practice open water swimming and while there is no lifeguard on duty, there is a sense of security with others in the lake. As we learn from an early age... never swim alone.
My previous swim across the lake was Mothers Day weekend. Half way across I was tired and breathing every stroke. By the time I finished the lap, I got in my car and could barely lift my arms. Thankfully, this weekend showed a marked improvement. I was able to breathe every 3rd stroke the whole time, my pace was strong and steady (albeit slow), and I felt good. Moreover, I could successfully lift my arms when it was over. I missed swimming. I feel stronger after a good swim. There is a peace in the water, silent save for the sound of breath and bubbles. No matter how ugly the stroke, there is a feeling of grace, as I glide weightlessly from point to point. Still carrying around my pregnancy weight, it is a nice change from the galumpy feeling I have while running.
I'm in Jacksonville next weekend for the Jacksonville Sprint Tri, and then I plan to be back at the lake for another go round.
Comments