I used to swim once a week. That was back before COVID. At some point, I always felt cold. For a time, I toyed with the idea of swimming in a nice warm therapy pool, but never acted on it. Anyway, I haven’t swum in years. The thought of it turned me cold.
But exercise is necessary to keep the body healthy. I found a way to get me to the gym each week—by linking it with a grocery trip. That was so successful, I thought I might move on to another break-out idea—like swimming. But nothing happened. I just couldn’t push myself out the door.
That’s where the cruise comes in. The time away from home made a complete break from my old routine. One day, we went up to try out the hot tub and pool. After all, I’d brought my suit. Why waste it? The hot tub was lovely, and the pool was warm and inviting. I swam across it two or three times, and thought: I really could continue this at home!
So back at home, I pondered my schedule and chose Mondays to swim—and then wondered if I’d actually carry out the plan.
Even that Monday morning, I was still wondering. But I packed a towel, and got myself out the door.
And serendipity struck!
The pool had been recently closed. Its usual denizens had not gotten the word of its reopening. Some people were leaving as I arrived, but only one other person was swimming—in that big pool where I’d worried about finding a free lane.
The body doesn’t forget how to swim, but wow, was I out of shape. This city pool is so much bigger than that warm little pool on the ship, I thought I’d never reach the other side. Oof!
I managed four laps that first time, if a lap means there-and-back-again. The water was warm enough. What had I been afraid of? Maybe something has changed with my body since those COVID years.
That was last week. This week had scheduling difficulties for Monday and Tuesday. Today I didn’t let myself think about it. I did my morning revisions, and when the time came, I got myself to the pool.
Much more crowded today, but I managed five laps.
Swimming is a full body exercise and has got to be good for brain power—of which I feel a great need. I have a lot of learning in the days ahead—as I get this final volume of my science fiction trilogy ready to publicize and publish.
Maybe I’ll start swimming twice a week. Or more! After all, I paid for a year’s pass to any city pool.
How do you keep in shape?
Kate Harrington 