One month in…

I made the commitment to swim daily a month ago and this first month I have been blessed with beautiful weather to swim. September in Wisconsin is just a beautiful time of year and this year especially. The lake temperature has dropped from about 80 degrees F to 70 degrees F, still a great temperature for a swim. Some days I’ve gone for long swims, my longest swim was an hour so far. Some days it’s just a quick dip, some days have been in a pool. I have submerged myself in the lake or a pool everyday. It is funny how when you commit to doing something everyday at some point you just let go of excuses and you just do it.

Swimming has been great for me. It has connected me to my youth when I use to be on a swim team and a synchronized swim team. Every time I get out of the water I am glad I went in. I know I am getting stronger. When I started I had to alternate between freestyle and breaststroke to give myself little breaks. Now I can hold freestyle comfortably for a 30-40 minute swim. I borrowed Jason’s Fitbit to get a sense of how far I was going but that was a bit discouraging so I’ve decided to stick with time as my only data for now. I do love the gear I’ve acquired. The snorkel, paddles and fins help me move through the water with more ease and speed which is fun.

I’m debating whether I will use a wetsuit as the lake temp drops so I can keep swimming distance or will I transition into more of Wim Hof cold water dips. I’m not sure yet. My guess is with the 40 degrees F nights in the forecast, the lake temp is going to drop quickly. I’m going to keep going in the lake either way, the only question is with or with out a wetsuit. When the lake eventually freezes this winter then it will for sure be just quick dips. This connection to the lake is so good for me. It’s just going to start to get a bit more challenging and interesting as the season change. I will share the adventure here periodically and I’ve also started to record my swimming meditation on Instagram where I hold myself accountable with a daily picture. I started this commitment to swimming to help me cope with my oldest leaving for college. It has helped and now I swim to find peace, to feel free and to be strong.

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