One of the unexpected benefits of being a regular lap swimmer is being able to observe the other “regulars” who swim when I do. Because I swim everyday at the same time, doing the same routine, I notice everyone else around me.
I see people who use crutches, walkers and wheelchairs who still make their way to the pool everyday – rain or shine, hot or cold, to do their laps or water aerobics.
I see many old people with mobility issues that make it difficult for them to get in and out of the pool using the steps and handrails.
I see fat people. I see wrinkled people.
Every once in a while I see beautiful sculpted people who swim like dolphins and look like they are carved out of alabaster (college kids on break & some of the masters swim team members).
Some people are phenomenal swimmers. Some are mediocre. Some are pretty darn awful.
Others are water aerobics exercisers or walkers, who bob in the water waving their arms around while chatting nonstop with their friends.
Sometimes I get really judgmental and think, it would be more effective if you went for a real walk and ate a healthier diet than doing what you are doing in the pool. But that’s only when I’m in a grumpy mood – which isn’t often thankfully.
Most of the time, I admire all of these people. I admire their effort to get there everyday even if they are waving their hands in the air, are so overweight they look pregnant or can barely get up the stairs.
In fact, I admire them even more because they are no different than me. They are here, everyday, plugging away and making an attempt.
It would be easier for them not to. After all, the water is sometimes chilly. Jumping into a pool in a sit where everything essentially hangs out is not what any of us imagined we’d be doing when we we teenagers or young, fit adults.
And yet, despite all of this, here we all are.