In the swim

I posted the following status on facebook today: Finally reached that point in life when age and physical discomfort override insecurity and vanity. Put my swimsuit on and swam laps for an hour at the Arcata pool. Felt wonderful!

I got a surprising number of "likes" and comments in response. Guess it struck a cord with people.

It actually was a big deal. I'm very insecure and self-conscious, in a "don't show yourself" "have some shame" kind of way. I actually love the water and swimming. But all my life it's been creeks, rivers, lakes - in cut-offs and in relative seclusion. None of that uppity public pool/swimsuit stuff for me. Add to that the fact I'm now old and my skin can't really tolerate the sun. If I ease into exposure I will still tan. Unfortunately, when the tan fades, it leaves liver spots (brownish patches.) NOT very appealing. As a consequence, I'm flat out pasty white. Even my hair is now white. Well, ok, salt and pepper, but heavy on the salt. Last time I tried swimming in a pool my hair took on a definite greenish tinge. Someone suggested it was from chemicals in the water. I've avoided pools completely since then.

My sister participates in a diabetes program at a local clinic. They provide several physical activity options for participants. Since I'm the only sibling out of 5 that is not diabetic, she told them I'm bound to be at least "pre-diabetic" and I need the exercise. Knock on wood about diabetes, but I definitely have to agree I need exercise. At any rate, turns out they offer lap swimming at a local pool twice a week. I was invited to attend. My body has been very stiff and locked up lately. After sitting, it takes me a bit to stand straight. When I first stand up I walk hunched forward while my body slowly shifts into an upright position. Pretty pitiful. So, when the time came, I found some swim shorts and a top, stuffed a towel in a bag and headed to the pool.

So there I am in the ladies locker room with a bunch of naked and half-naked women walking around me. Whatever. I planned ahead and just had to slip on my shorts while still wearing a cover-up. Then it was just take off the cover-up and I was ready to swim. As a precaution, I got my hair wet in the showers to minimize it sucking up green tinted chemicals.

I was only one of three people who showed up for the session. That was good. I learned the pool has some special light filter system that minimizes use of chemicals. That was good. I swam and stretched for a solid hour. That was good. My spine and neck still hurt suggesting I might be due for a trip to the chiropractor, but I definitely feel better than before I went. I don't think I will ever be one of those women walking around naked in the locker room, but I definitely think I'll swim again!