As I’ve chronicled these past few weeks, I have just completed my intensive swimming workout program, where I swam a total of 3 miles! After completing this accomplishment, it’s made me reminisce about the long path that has brought me to this point in my swimming capabilities. Hopefully this post will inspire you, and show that if you work hard and are dedicated, you can accomplish anything!
My swimming journey started when I was only sixteen months old. At that time I was absolutely petrified of the water! Every time my mom would take me to the pool for my physical therapy, I would scream bloody murder. The thought of having to put my face in the water made me shutter with fear. Slowly, my physical therapist was able to patiently make me feel more comfortable with being in the water.
As I grew older, I started to try to swim. At that point, I could only manage to swim across the small side of the pool, rather than the normal twenty-five yard length I swim now. When I first began to swim, my physical therapist would hold my body, as I moved my arms and legs in a somewhat swim stroke. At this point, I had no idea what I was doing, but I was slowly starting to grasp the basics of what a swimming stroke would feel like. I practiced in this fashion for a few years, until I was able to try to swim independently.
My first attempt at swimming without my physical therapist holding me was interesting to say the least. I looked as though I was prepared to be lost at sea, wearing two flotation noodles and a flotation belt! I clunkly began to attempt to swim the full twenty-five yard length of the pool, noodles and all. At first, I had no idea if I was going to be able to swim and workout like I do now, but after years of hard work, dedication, and a great physical therapist, I slowly, but surely able to rid myself of having to use a noodle to stay afloat.
Over the past few years, I have managed to only wear a water jog belt as my only flotation device! I have been able to work effectively on refining my stroke and kick to maximize my efficiency in the water. I have also been able to perfect my breath control in the water when I swim! Despite any physical challenges you may face in your life, I strongly urge you to never give up on yourself because anything is possible with hard work and dedication! I hope this post inspires you to do follow your aspirations and dreams in your life!
Fitness on Wheels 