Swimming The Mile

Well for sometime now I have been telling people that I've been swimming a mile and I was pretty proud of myself too. So recently I went home to check my distance on google... I sadly found out that what I thought was a mile was really only about half. I was a little disappointed but not discouraged. I chalked out a mile on Cabrillo Blvd, the road that runs parallel to the beach, using google maps. Now that I knew what the distance was the challenge was on.

I set out a little reluctant today, seeing that I haven't swam for about 2 weeks now, due to being to busy. The first 100 yards out was the hardest part, the water was cold, I knew I had a long stretch ahead of me and never having swam this far before I wasn't sure I could make it. Once something is in my head though and the challenge has been set, it's hard for me to let it go. I pushed through the first grueling 100 yards, my blood began to flow a bit faster which warmed up my body a bit. Once I got my breathing down it seemed pretty relaxing and I was able to get my mind off the swim and think about other things. Arm over arm I pushed on, distracting myself with thinking about life. This method of distraction worked for most of the way but the last 1/4 mile was a struggle. The ocean was covered with a thick haze which blocked the sun and made the water seem so much colder. I started to rationalize to myself why I should give up, "Paul it's really cold out, I think sharks swim in cold water, you are going to cramp up, just quit you can always come back and try again later" crazy what the mind tries to tell you when things get tough. Despite the urging of my entire body to stop, I pushed on... I thought if I've gone this far I might as well finish. When I hit my mile mark I gave myself one last push and swam into the beach. My legs and arms were so tight but it felt good... I know swimming a mile doesn't really say much in the grand scheme of things but it's a good lesson learn, that when times are tough and and every part of you says give up, don't. Push through cus in the end, it's worth it. I swam non stop for about 45 minutes, the longest I have swam to date.

Here is a picture of the spot that I always swim at and the distance marked out on the closest road.