For years – decades, actually – I thought that I had a pretty good drive to exercise and stay fit. I grew up swimming just about everyday, sometimes twice a day, with dry land training before practice. I rarely missed a practice or a meet. I thought I was internally motivated.
I might have had a clue in college. I quit swimming after high school, but found that I did best if I built exercise classes into my school schedule. I picked up racquetball, jogging, and water polo. This led me to intramural soccer and water polo leagues which continued into my twenties. I was often the first to the pitch or the poolside and never missed a game or tournament. I thought I had a natural inclination to workout.
Another clue might have come when I started signing up for running races and triathlons but couldn’t make myself train on my own. Some times I would stay out the night before an event rather than get a good nights sleep. Then suffer through an event wishing I had trained more and rested up.
I’m finally realizing that I much prefer exercising WITH people and with other people in mind! I have a pool in my backyard, but have the hardest time prioritizing swimming with so much else on my plate. However, when I practice and train with others, I’m accountable. As I have fallen in love with marathon swimming, I’ve realized that I need the people on land and by my side in the water to stay motivated. I don’t want to let my crew down. I don’t want to let my kids down. I don’t want to let my clients down. I want to be part of a tribe!
Here’s your chance to be part of the tribe! Intrepid Water is hosting its first swim camp at Lake Shasta April 22-26, 2020. We’re training for marathon swims! Whether you’ve done one before or you’re just looking to test your metal and see how far you can go, join us! And there are more camps to come! Do you want to learn to swim more efficiently? Are you ready to break through your personal barriers? Were you once a swimmer and you’re intrigued with the idea of getting wet again? Looking to realize the adventure that wild swimming can provide? Whatever your experience, please take a minute to fill out this survey to help me understand what would get you to Southern Oregon to swim with me (if you’re local, what would bring you out to a lake)! We can’t wait to swim with you!