Cold Mornings, Warm Wins: 1.25km Towards My BigSwim Goal

🙋‍♀️ This morning, with snow on the hills and rain tapping on the windows, I felt the intuitive nudge to head to the pool. It wasn’t the kind of morning you want to leave the house—especially when it’s to dive into water. But the nudge was strong, and off I went (the kids didn’t even know I’d slipped out the door!).

My intention was to swim 1km—40 lengths. I ended up swimming 50 lengths, a total of 1.25km. 🏊‍♀️✨

Something extra special happened during today’s swim. I shared a lane with the woman who originally inspired my swimming journey. I remember watching her glide effortlessly through the water from the comfort of the spa once—completely mesmerised. We’ve only spoken briefly once, enough to learn she’s a former swim coach of 20 years and now swims an incredible 6km almost daily. She told me swimming taught her boys more than fitness; it taught them discipline.

Today, I was swimming alongside her. She overtook me as needed, and sometimes we tumble turned at the same time. A small moment that felt deeply meaningful.

I started with 10 lengths of freestyle and paused for a drink. Knowing my family was at home, I wanted to pace myself—to honour my swimming goals and preserve energy for the rest of the day. I swam with more presence, slower, with intention, and stayed hydrated to avoid the post-swim headaches I sometimes get.

Next up were 10 lengths of backstroke, followed by 20 lengths of freestyle to reach my 1km mark. In the last few lengths of that block, I noticed another swimmer keeping pace with me in the lane beside mine. On the first turn, we were neck and neck. By the second, I pushed just a little harder and found myself slightly ahead. A small shift, but it brought a sense of quiet satisfaction.

For my final 10 lengths, I mixed it up: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke—rotating one by one. I was surprised to feel a renewed burst of energy.

Every swim brings something different. And every swim teaches me something new—about my body, my mind, and my technique.

Today I noticed:

• How far I can glide off the wall after a tumble turn.

• The feel of water against my cap when my head is aligned just right.

• That I need a deeper breath before transitioning from backstroke into a turn.

• My growing lung capacity.

• The beauty of being fully present.

Swimming has become more than exercise. It’s become a practice in mindfulness, self-trust, and empowerment.

Thank you for following along and supporting me on this BigSwim journey. 1.25km down... many meaningful moments to go 💙

And if you'd like to support my fundraising efforts: thank you 😊 you can do so here: https://bigswim.org.nz/a-young