SWIMMING...the struggle has been REAL!!

This Sunday marks 1 week to my first triathlon and I'm excited & to put it frankly scared too death!!  I don't/didn't swim...what in the world was I thinking??!!  Over the last couple of months I have definitely realized why I have avoided the sport of swimming for so long!

Growing up in MS we didn't have swim team as kids...yes, I could swim underwater, play pool games at birthday parties, jump off the diving board, etc...but let's face it - that is NOT swimming!  As an adult I had a near drowning experience that scared me so bad I wouldn't even get in the water for years.  Then many years back I realized I wasn't scared of the water, I just didn't have a clue what to do when I got in there.  So with that being said I'm really not sure what made me decide to sign up for swimming lessons a couple of months ago.  I guess I was tired of using the excuse "I can't"...I can no longer say "I can't" but I can tell you it is a struggle every single time I get in the water:)

My swimming instructor, Liz!  She didn't know what she was getting into...LOL!

Swimming is HARD!!  It is so much harder than it looks, when I watch people who really know how to swim - it actually looks relaxing.   I can't even imagine...my head is swimming with so many things before I even push off the wall to start my swim...one day I hope to not have to THINK & just swim:)

At my first swimming lesson I could not make it halfway down the length of the pool..I have been so frustrated almost to the point of tears a few times, I've celebrated because I rocked it out one day, and then left my determination on the bottom of the pool after the next swim...The first time I was able to make it to the other end of the pool - I sounded like I had sprinted a mile.  I remember thinking how in the world am I going to be able to swim 10 lengths by 9/20...I'm telling you-the struggle is REAL!

Way out of my comfort zone

Poor Joanna has seen me on the brink of tears (obviously, not this pic)
A HUGE congrats to this fish - all she needed was a little push to get back in the water:)
SO PROUD OF HER!!

And Jen was lucky enough to see me at all SMILES!
For REAL all smiles - this was the first day I swam a 250 & 300 - this was huge for me!

These last couple of weeks have been AWESOME for my swimming confidence level...I've been able to consistently cover the race distance (250m) and much more!  Trey took over has my Coach once my lessons were over - he has been great & patient!!  I've actually listened to every single thing he has told me to do...BUT rest assured, I told him not to get use to that...LOL!  He even told me to go for 500m straight the other day - I went for it & did it!!!

I know I can do it!!  I gave it a "tri" this morning.  I had my own personal tri at the Life Center this morning.  Just another extra confidence boost...I'm ready for race day and to experience this whole triathlon world.  Who knows - I may love it or be one & done.  BUT either way - I'm so glad I faced my fears and took the plunge into the water...on good days I actually love it!

Stay tuned...race day is next Sunday, 9/20...so if you are up early, please send a few positive vibes to Huntersville, NC for us!

Thanks Friends!