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