How to fight a Kraken
I have always found being in the water a refreshing and revitalizing experience. Splashing, jumping, and fun childhood games flood the memories of my mind when I reflect on the joy of being in the water. It seems weird how staring at a blue line at the bottom of a pool can bring this same sort of childhood revitalizing experience. Last year I was just shy of 100 miles total in my freestyle swimming. So my goal for this year has been to swim 100 miles! Not only is it a goal but something a love to do and will help me not burn out from running and everything else I try to fit in my busy schedule. I have found swimming to help me mentally not to burn out since it is a time to forget about things for a while and listen to the sound of the water and my breathing. I feel it has helped me to maintain balance and not let the fire inside get burned out with all the other things in life. It's a feeling of being on a different planet. Sometimes I feel I have gills and can breathe underwater. ( Note to Self: Do not breath underwater!) Other times it is a struggle to continue and each stroke seems to preventing me from moving forward.
I bought a bottle of Kraken rum as a reward for my new swim goal to be opened once I reach it. I didn't get the rum just because I like it. But rather it brings back to my mind good times with friends and so a bottle of it has special meaning to me. We all got to swim for something J. The motive is not the alcohol however it is my love for swimming. All life is a river, we can chose to swim it or let it take us to where we don't want to go. Sometimes however we need that extrinsic motivation in order to fuel our intrinsic love of something. It really has helped me get to the pool when it was cold and snowy and my bed was soft and warm.
Having goals is important but sometimes the goals can seem overwhelming. This is why you need to take things one step at a time. Remember to rest and take it easy once in a while. But be reasonable with yourself, not kind, but reasonable. Listen to your body. I sometimes have trouble sleeping because I have a list of things racing through my mind that need to be accomplished for that day. Taking a day to do nothing (4/23/2011) and putting all your plans on hold can be a great way to unwind. This day of forced rest was in itself challenging and a test for someone who is crazy and wants to do everything all at once. Keep breathing air everyone and take one lap at a time.
-Barton-
