Chapter 1: The Struggle with Injuries

After suffering from numerous injuries, I began to suspect my passion for swimming was somehow working against me. What had changed in my life, besides aging, that made me feel so fragile?

I found myself needing to take breaks from masters swimming, which was incredibly frustrating. My goal was to improve my skills and build endurance, not to feel like I needed a walker.

I had grand plans to participate in several open water races the following year, but I knew I couldn't be sidelined to do that.

In my quest for relief, I tried everything—ibuprofen, heat, cold compresses, Epsom salt baths, and even deep tissue massages. I hesitated to reach out to the woman who used to come to my home for cupping therapy. It was pricey, and she never failed to remind me how misaligned my body was.

Nobody enjoys paying for a service that feels like a critique.

Today, I made my way back to masters swimming, promising myself not to push too hard. I often make that promise, and sometimes I actually listen.

I kept reminding myself that someone has to be the slowest swimmer in the pool. Why not me?

It took me back to a wedding I attended with my sister. One of the girls we met had too much to drink. Thankfully, we were in a rural area, so instead of wandering into a busy street, she meandered through the fields.

At one point, she broke down in tears, declaring she didn’t know who she was. My sister looked at her sincerely and said, “You know exactly who you are. You’re the drunkest girl at the party. Someone has to take that title.”

This seemed to comfort her. She accepted it, perhaps even took pride in it.

There’s always someone who embodies the less desirable traits—the loser, the slowest, the most exhausted. When I realize I’m not there to win, I remind myself that I can be that person. I try to embrace that identity.

Upon arrival, I took my time to warm up and stretch. I was unsure which stretches would alleviate the pain radiating along my left side.

Recently, during a bonfire, I spoke with a physical therapist who suggested that my issue might stem from a lack of symmetry. If one side was hurting, perhaps I was overworking that area. Balance seemed to be the key issue.

I recognized she might be onto something. Balance is certainly a challenge for me. I may not be the most unsteady person around, but I'm not far from the bottom of the scale.

The weaker side of my body has four titanium screws in my elbow, and I began to think that perhaps I was compensating by avoiding pain in that arm. I was allowing my weaknesses to dictate my actions.

After warming up, we moved on to using pull buoys and practicing sets. The pull buoy helps keep us afloat, allowing us to focus on our arm technique.

I genuinely enjoy pulling; it’s a more relaxed form of swimming. After a few sets, Coach Joe approached me, camera in hand.

Joe rides his bike daily and captures photos along the way. Knowing I appreciate his pictures, I expected to see images of autumn colors or quirky moments. Instead, he showed me footage of my swimming form.

“Your right arm recovery looks fantastic! See that?” he pointed out. “But your left arm? It’s swinging like a baseball bat—less impressive.” He continued, “You need to lead with your elbow, not your hand.”

I had been attempting to protect my titanium elbow by using my shoulder instead of my arm. Who would have guessed? Joe did.

I finished the practice focusing on improving my arm recovery on both sides—emphasizing balance, symmetry, and technique. I worked to concentrate on my balance rather than highlighting my weaknesses.

Being the slowest swimmer in the pool has its benefits. While I’ve typically been at least average, I now find myself at the bottom in new endeavors. It’s a place I accept for the time being.

People often overlook how rewarding it can be at the bottom. Those who are more skilled are welcoming and supportive. This foundational learning experience has its own unique charm.

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Chapter 2: Accepting the Slow Lane

The first video titled "Read with a Ranger -- Life in the Slow Lane" delves into the concept of appreciating life’s slower moments, highlighting the importance of reflection and self-acceptance.

The second video, "The Slow Lane," emphasizes the value of taking life at a more leisurely pace, allowing for introspection and personal growth.