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You can’t go back This week, an 11-year-old came for a lesson and said she wanted to “go back” to some of the things she learned when she was little — because they didn’t quite make sense back then. No reluctance. No resignation. Just clear-eyed recognition that revisiting those skills would help her now. I had to smile at her wisdom. Most swimmers groan, “Oh man! I have to go back to basics again” — like it’s a punishment, a sign they’ve failed somehow. But this kid understood something most…
Time moves in circles How can the same 24 hours feel so incredibly long? Yesterday had 24. The day before too. But now—on the eve of my 50-mile swim—time moves slowly, each moment stretched… Here I sit, exactly 24 hours before we head to the dock to set out for my 50-mile swim. I know this moment will never happen again—no moment ever will—but this one feels particularly poignant. The last few weeks have been vacation hours: soaking up the big city of Boston, then maritime meanderings in…
What happens when you let go? Most people think learning to swim is about getting to the side. Kicking and pulling with all your might until you can grab something solid. And yes, swimming is a lifesaving sport. We do need to know how to save ourselves. But in my experience, what really shifts things isn’t more effort. The harder I try to find each shape in the water, the more robotic I feel. When I give myself permission to let go and send my energy forward, I flow. The answer isn’t effort….
Earlier this week, I stood in what will become the swim studio space here in Talent with the architect, the landlord, and the builder, reviewing plans from the engineer. It was exciting—15 months in the making—and equally terrifying, seeing something I’ve been imagining start to take shape (the plans still have to be approved by OHA before we can pour concrete). It reminded me of the difference between planning for something and being in it. The gap between the idea and the work. The water…
550 yards This week, I realized I was swimming to the other side just because it was there. I was following my plan—I teach a class at Rogue X on Wednesdays from 12-1 PM and after class I do a 60 minute practice. It’s the only day of the week that I swim in a “regular” pool, and I’ve come to expect the level of effort that I put in so that I can check off the box for doing some amount of time in Zones 4 and 5. When I planned my week on Sunday, it looked great—I was going to get in strength,…
Everybody Should Feel Comfortable in the Water Support Swimming in the Rogue Valley and Beyond… The lease is signed, and architectural drawings are stamped – the move of the backyard Endless pool is imminent! Welcome news, I’m sure, to the handful of you who have braved the cold weather to come by for a swim – thank you for swimming with me even during these dark, cold days! I’m thrilled for the opportunity to teach teens, kids and coach adults in a location where I can temperature control…
