I have decided, perhaps against my better judgment, to get my ass back into the pool (along with all of my other major parts) and train for the 2011 World Police and Fire Games. Might not sound like much, but 20,000 elite athletes from around the globe, competing in 70 Olympic-style events might argue with you. That's right. This thing is second in size and competition only to the Olympics.
What in the hell am I thinking??
I've set my sights on the one sport I have known throughout my life and the one sport I have turned to for high-powered competition, stress relief, relaxation, peace of mind and good, old-fashioned fitness: swimming. I have been at home in the pool since I swam my first race at 6 years of age. I lost miserably, but I went home with a pink 6th place ribbon. I lost and I still got a ribbon! That single spark lit a flame that still burns brightly today and I still harbor the competitive spirit I grew up with back in Maryland in the 70's and 80's. Just thinking about cramming my hair into a swim cap and pushing goggles into my eye sockets whips up my competitive side like nothing else on earth.
So.....that said, I've started a training regimen that is going to push me to my outer limits. Granted, I have to work 40-50 hours a week and still have outside commitments to attend to as well, but my plans are grounded in a foundation seated long ago. I've always pushed myself in every aspect of my life. I obtained my bachelor's and master's degrees, magna and summa cum laude respectively, while working full-time investigating violent crimes and homicides and acting as the training coordinator for the crime scene unit of the 10th largest police department in the nation. If I can do all of THAT, winning gold at the 2011 games is definitely doable.
There's my goal. In black & white. 5 gold medals. 3 individuals (50 free, 50 back, 50 fly) and 2 relays (200 free, 200 medley).
No luck necessary. It's all in the pool and in the gym.
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