Our family seems to be overtaken by the swimming craze. The girls continue their once-a-week lessons, I swim laps for an hour twice a week with an awesome group of people at the gym, and most weekends the whole family ends up in the pool at the gym for some play time. It’s all pools, all the time around here.
This last weekend, the girls were in their first swim meet, of all things. The swim school was holding a “Fun Meet” and the girls were all over it. Unfortunately, I had a previous engagement, but Joe took them, and it sounds like they had a good time.
I love these looks before their heats. They look just like the Olympic athletes sitting there psyching themselves up before their show.
Is that a beach towel or a teddy bear?
Sophie’s turn was first. She had just one pool length to swim.
Julie swam in a later heat, with four lengths. Both of the girls are doing well in their lessons, and Julie really can actually swim. Sophie’s getting there.
I got home just in time to chat with them a bit before bed, and they were all pumped up to show off their ribbons. Sophie told the story this way…”First I won, and then Julie won.” They were so proud of themselves. Earlier, Joe had texted me to let me know that they’d enjoy themselves, and that they’d both come in last in their heats. By a lot. This is the kind of competition I want my kids in.
Moving on to me…
Remember that embarrassing photo I showed you back at the end of September? Don’t worry, I’ll refresh your memory.
That was kind of the before picture. I was so excited to be swimming with this awesome new group, feeling the swimmin’ super-hero vibe. I’m still feeling it. I love how strong I feel in the water. I love feeling like I belong there, like I’m doing the right thing for myself a couple times a week. It’s even better now that I finally kicked the cold that was dragging me down for about three months there.
So here’s the first update. I know you all probably can’t see much difference. I know I can barely see the difference, knowing where to look and everything. But it’s so there. My arm-flaps are pretty much gone. Now I’m all toned and can show off actual muscle. I can’t wait for tank top season! My core body strength actually exists now. Most importantly, I no longer constantly worry about getting fatter and fatter and more and more atrophied.
I know, I have a long way to go. Wanna see my dream-goal picture?
That’s me back in 1996 or 1997, back during the five minutes when I was in the best shape of my life. I love my life right now about a million times more, and I’m okay with my body right now too. But that photo? It’s pretty good motivation not to go stuff my face. Except I did have that chocolate cake last night, and it was awesome.
Of course, you had cake. It was your birthday! Congrats on taking care of yourself. Moms sometimes forget to do that. This way you'll be able to enjoy lots of fun activities with your girls.
So cute! Your girls and you. The pics do look quite different, but the angles are different too–so I'm not helpful as an independent judge.
I am happy for you though. I love swimming, too, and the feeling of getting my body in shape. Amazing stuff, isn't it?
Love the before and current swim suit photos – you look great! Keep up the good work. Happy belated birthday – I think we should continue the celebration and do a toast over dinner. Love the girls birthday message on the wipe board – super sweet!
Love the roller blading photo! I also use swimming for my fitness goals and recommend you look into Masters Swimming. There are some great opportunities for adult learners
I am so thrilled by your daring in posting the photos…but even more by your grit and persistence. Congratulations!!! You are a great example that It Can Be Done; thanks for that.