The difference between disappointment and enthusiasm depends on your view.

Often, the problem isn't what happens to us, but how we respond  to what happens.

 

Swimming laps at the Y is a great example.  But first, a little "back story"...

 

My Prior rants described two ailments (spinal compression fracture, and persistent pain in my knees, thighs and hips) that have  prevented me from doing many of  the  physical activities that I've loved:  skiing,  running, cycling, hiking, and just about  anything  that put up-and-down pressure on the legs.

 

For a month, I pretty much stayed off my feet and out of  the gym to see if the leg pain would subside.  Most of it did.  So, the goal became finding a fitness regimen that would provide a thorough full-body aerobic and muscular workout, without pounding on my legs.

 

Swimming's the answer!

 

Swimming isn't entirely new to me.  In fact, I  used to swim regularly - not because I liked it, but because it was like "homework" for competing in triathlons.  I  you didn't do regular swim  workouts, well, you'd  pay dearly.  I did it, but I didn't look forward to it.

 

But swimming is different now that it was then. 

 

The pool's the same, the  equipment is mostly the same (though thankfully, men's  swim suits are longer in 2018) , the smell of chlorine hasn't changed, and the water is still the same temperature at 6 o'clock in the morning today as it was at 6 o'clock in the morning 15 years ago.

 

What's different now is the way I look at  swimming. 

 

I figured out (with help of friends and a little research) how to  make it more interesting.   I've added variation.  For example, I never felt like swimming did much for the legs.  But then a couple weeks ago,  M.A. gave me a cool pair of kick fins.   They give the legs a good burn, but without the pain I'd get from activities like cycling or a session on the elliptical trainer.  

 

There's a lot of newness to this old sport.  But again, the sport hasn't changed.  My approach to it has.  And that's what's made it new.

 

The disappointment and self-pity perpetuated by something that I could no longer do has been replaced by enthusiasm for something that I can do.   And that's made a huge difference.

 

Comments

[Tom Newman]

Thanks for update Watts Swimming sounds Great!