I've taken breaks before in my life. At one time I went over 10 years without competing. I forgot what I was missing, the break was so damn long. NEVER AGAIN.
This year was suppose to be my come back year. Get all the weight off Jen, get back in the pool, show them that you still have it and rack up some top 10's if you can. Maybe we can make Nationals in Virginia.
Thank GOD for outdoor public pools. As soon as they opened in June, I was there. Then, I found out about Rye Town Park from a friend on my team. I have the scars to prove I swam there this summer and they will probably be with me until next year.
This year was a crazy one for not just the swimming aspect of my life. As COVID hit hard in March, I hunkered down. It was a difficult time with so much uncertainty in the world. No swimming from March - June and tons of eating instead. I laid like an unhealthy hibernating blob in my apartment just working and eating and I couldn't bring myself to exercise at all. Then, after I felt like I had some reprieve with swimming outdoors on a more regular basis, July 1st I was told that I had 4 months left in my apt. After 14 years I had to be out by Oct. 31st which I learned later ironically was also timed with a rare blue moon.
This Summer was not one of relaxation. It was filled with tons of hard work to find a place and move 14 years of accumulations out of my 1 bedroom that was packed to the gills. Family members are immune compromised so I limited social contact as I needed help to get rid of so many things that I simply had so much trouble parting with.
During this time, Rye Park saved me because I felt so free swimming open water. I didn't care how much it hurt to get stung with sea lice or how they have scarred me. It was a relief to be able to swim open and free once a week from July - Sept. Also, on occasion I would run into a team mate at a public pool which was so nice. You almost felt like you had a team again.
Mid Sept was my last swim. I miss it so much but I'm in my family's home now with all my possessions in storage waiting for my next opportunity to move. I can't risk exposing them with the rise starting to happen. Looks like walking and yoga on zoom will be my new outlet for now. Come on Jen get moving! I need an exercise routine so BAD.
Watching swimmers swim around Manhattan this year was amazing! I couldn't believe this happened during the pandemic. Where did they find water and how did they get the time? There were so many long swims that took place. I was really impressed. It was certainly inspirational. And definitely a model for coping with COVID. Someone in the swimming community equated dealing with COVID like viewing it as a marathon swim race. Step by step, and be in it for the long haul... eventually it will be over, as grueling as it can be at times. All races do come to an end.
REMEMBER:: NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE IN!
and NOTHING LASTS FOREVER!
BE SAFE and HOPEFULLY WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER IN A POOL AGAIN!
