We Did This Thing…

We did swim team for the first time this summer.

I had no idea what we EXACTLY had signed up to do until my sons were practicing every weekday evening in May and competing and practicing almost every day in June. It was a grueling schedule during a busy work season. 

My oldest (8-year-old), competing in his first set of heats in early June, told me right before his last swim (relay) that he was done and couldn’t swim anymore. In addition, he couldn’t find his goggles! He was breathing hard, and I could tell that he was struggling.

I told him that he could quit if he wanted but that it would have to be his decision. As parents do in these situations, we gave him a short pep talk, suggested he drink some Gatorade and rest while he waited, and told him I’d get him his backup goggles (because that’s what moms do!)

He made that last swim and finished second with his relay team. It was a long evening, and he was exhausted. He told me that he didn’t want to do another swim meet again.

Fast forward 4-weeks later, he competed in the all-star competition against other teams, and our swim team came in first. He barely broke a sweat swimming all his heats while cheering on his friends. He improved his fitness and technique with consistent practice and is already looking forward to next year! (I’m not)

What a great reminder that we can improve (most times) and build our expertise with consistent and regular practice of our craft. Whatever that might be.