That Time Of Year

9 Jun

Next Saturday is what we affectionately call the Swim Across, one of several athletic events held annually in Bacalar. There’s a kayak marathon in the fall and a new half marathon in September. I made the commitment to swim this year because, why not? This week it was time to kick training into high gear. I use the word “training” loosely.

I haven’t set an alarm to wake up since I worked for The State of Texas. Back in the day I would rise every day at five a.m. I walked our Austin neighborhood in the dark relishing the quiet and solitude, before heading home to pack my breakfast and lunch and catching the bus to work. It seems like a lifetime ago.

2015

This week I’ve been rising at six before the wind picks up causing a choppy laguna. I still love the quiet and solitude. The clouds look like wisps of cotton candy before the sun pops over the horizon.

I will never win this event, even as the field narrows. Perhaps if I’m 100 and still swimming but I doubt it. I did buy some new goggles to motivate. Maybe they’ll make me faster.

Team Bacalar 2016

DOS TORTAS

6 Responses to “That Time Of Year”

  1. Joel Grieshaber June 9, 2024 at 9:41 am #

    I commend you for getting up the motivation to do this!

    I did the same in 2019 at age 65.

    I entered my first ever sprint triathlon and came in 4th in my age category much to my surprise. I did it just to feel better. Swimming is where I excelled.

    It helped reinforce my philosophy that “age is an attitude ” (for the most part!).

    kudos to you, Alex! So nice that you have the Laguna at your feet!!

    Joel Grieshaber (your TM buddy for life)

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 June 9, 2024 at 10:16 am #

      Sprint distance triathlons are the best. I did a full marathon at 55, my one and only. It’s good to have goals. It gets me out of bed. Read YOUNGER NEXT YEAR.

      Like

      • Joel Grieshaber June 9, 2024 at 10:24 am #

        I love that book!!! By Dr Chris Crowley.

        yes! I highly recommend it to all in their 50’s and beyond! Cheers.

        Joel

        Liked by 1 person

  2. LJones June 9, 2024 at 11:30 am #

    Good luck Alex!!!

    Lorrie Jones
    Simple Serenity
    simpleserenity.comhttp://simpleserenity.com/
    253.312.3117

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Jack Scott June 10, 2024 at 3:04 am #

    “It’s not the winning, it’s the taking part that counts.” So said the founder of the modern Olympics. Who was he trying to kid? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 June 10, 2024 at 11:12 am #

      I guess I missed my calling. I should have tried out for the Olympics!

      Like

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