swimming

Well, I've done it! I decided to get back into competition swimming - at the age of 32!

HISTORY: When I was 12 my parents divorced, my mom went to New Mexico with my two youngest siblings and my sister, Aonika, and I went to Texas with my father. Prior to moving we lived in SoCal. We rode our bikes everywhere, we played in the pool constantly, we were always going. When we moved there was no more riding bikes to school (too far), no more pool time (no pool), and we didn't know anyone so we didn't get out much. Needless to say, puberty hit and skinny girls became -well, not so skinny. My dad said he needed to do something so he signed us up for F.A.S.T (Friendswood area Swim Team). I'd never been on a swim team - I didn't even have a clue what to do, how many strokes there were, etc.. It didn't take long for me to pick it up though and wouldn't you know I took to it like a fish to water! I soon found myself, along with my sister, in competition swimming - it became my life. This continued on through High School with 6-8am practices and then again at 4pm. The stroke that most people hate quickly became my favorite (the Butterfly) because I was good at it and I knew it. Local meets and State meets were the norm in our house - we were always at the pool - there was never a clean towel in the house. At one time I found myself working with the STARS team (a division of Jr. Olympics) and at that moment I realized that the competition bug had a huge hold of me. I loved competing, I loved the feel of the water, I loved training. I went on to college and swam for 1 season. My swimming career came to a halt because I wanted to persue atheletic training, then I met and married Tim, had Kahlyn, and that was it.

I've found myself at the pool on and off - I've tried to get back into the game but without the right motivation it's so hard. I've even coached teams and didn't get in to do the workouts myself.

PRESENT: So, I've decided that it's time to get back in the pool. It's time to reconnect with that love and to start competing again. So, I went last night - for the first time. I jumped in a little timid and got out with a huge smile. I made all of the intervals that were given to me, I was able to keep up with the other gals in my lane, and everyone was super nice to welcome me, cheer me on, and stroke my ego by telling me how great I was doing! I have full intentions of continuing and now my goal is to be ready to compete in full competition by September. YEEE HAW - I love the water!!