🌊 A Gentle Reset - 5km Milestone BigSwim: 30 Lengths

This morning I almost didn’t go.

After yesterday’s 2km and mental overload, I told Dave I was having a day off.

He gently encouraged me:

“Even a small swim is still a swim.”

So I set a simple goal: 30 lengths (750m). That would bring me to 5km total—25% of the way through my BigSwim challenge. A little milestone that felt just right.

And I did it.

I swam with more ease today, working on my tumble turns. And—something amazing happened—I noticed I’m no longer comparing myself to others in the pool.

That’s a huge win. 🙌

There were two other swimmers in my lane today.

Both faster than me.

One had paddles and a sponge float between her legs (I still don’t know what that’s called—learning as I go!). She was clearly working on power and technique—her arms were so strong. The other swimmer? The same woman who originally inspired me.

Still gliding beautifully.

Two completely different styles.

Both mesmerising to watch.

I paused at the end of each 10-length set and just observed. No shame. No “less than.” Just curiosity and quiet inspiration.

It hit me:

This journey isn’t just physical. It’s deeply mental. Emotional.

Swimming is showing me where I push too hard, where I doubt, where I compare… and where I can choose presence instead.

💬 “Where our thoughts go, our body follows.”

Today, I chose better thoughts. And my body followed with grace.

Thank you so much for reading and swimming this journey with me.

If you’d like to support me, and help Coastguard keep doing their life-saving work, please donate here:

👉 https://bigswim.org.nz/a-young

Every stroke counts. And whether I reach 20km or not, I’m showing up fully—and that’s the promise I’ve made to myself. 💙