Black Girls Swim: Week 5 – Jump In and Swim

I can't believe that my final week of swimming has come and gone. My last class was Monday. It was my final chance to test myself and prove that I had really overcome my fear. Test number one was jumping in the pool, without a life vest. My instructor knew it was going to take a lot of coaching and coaxing, so we took it step-by-step, starting with 3 feet, moving to 4 feet and eventually 5 feet. Luckily, the pool was completely empty and the lifeguard was used to my dramatizations. Test number two, swim a lap. Easy enough, except, my lung capacity still isn't strong enough and I quite haven't learned how to breath. Although, it would be easy to get frustrated, I remembered that I just didn't start running races over night. It took time, patience and lots of running to get to where I am. I realized that the old adage, "You can do anything you put your mind to" is true. Cliche, I know, but very true. I've now incorporated swimming, into my weekly workout plans (it is great cardio). And I've come to love it. My husband usually has to drag me out of the pool. So for all of you who keep saying, "I can't swim" or "I can't run," now's the perfect time to conquer your fear, and complete the goals you keep putting your New Year's resolution list. It's almost 2011, what fear will you commit to conquering?

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