I didn’t realize how much I missed training until I stood at the front of the pool lanes. It was overwhelming.

All of the memories of those early morning swims, learning new techniques, hanging out with everyone. I can still see their smiling faces. The good days where you feel like you’ve accomplished so much and those other days when you struggle for breath and movement. Every memory and smell ran wild as I stood there with my pool buoys in my hand. It was so funny and strange. Looking at the pool I said out loud, “hello old friend” I love swimming. I love everything about it, even waking up before the sun comes up.

Everything about it is amazing, especially the people you meet. I always wonder if men bond the same way women do in the locker rooms. I’ve really been amazed at the women I’ve met on those mornings where we are all up at the crack of dawn. The funny thing is everyone is smiling along with me. Everyone is happy, even at 5:30am.

Today I swim, tomorrow I run. Not as enthusiastic about running. It hurts. It fricking hurts. Those are the mornings I have my work cut out for me.