People who know me well would agree there are certain topics I have a strong opinion on and it takes a lot to change my perspective. But when it comes to swimming I have to admit my perspective has changed quickly and the only convincing it took was looking at my watch. Just over two months ago I was told I have to start believing I am capable of swimming faster. That I truly believe now. This morning in the pool it was my own inner voice giving me the pep talk. I swam a 2,500 meter endurance workout and as I felt my body fatigue and watched the clock, I did not think I was swimming as fast as I should. I know I am getting over a cold, I swam hard last week, and I ran 9 challenging miles yesterday through wind and hills. These factors could have contributed to my fatigue. When I finished the workout and saw my time I had to chuckle. I log all of my workouts and the app I use also calculates my pace per 100 meters for the overall time. This would include my recover times and I have been told that I should not pay attention to this time. My actual swim time is what matters most. Well, even with the rest times, my swim this morning was one of my fastest endurance workouts so far.
My perspective has changed. I have higher expectations of myself and I know I can improve. Believing in myself and my ability is paying off. Not only am I swimming faster, I know this is just a spot I am passing through on my way to reaching a higher potential. My renewed perspective energized me to get through a 4 mile run this evening on my treadmill. It is cold today and snowing – an evening run outside during rush hour in these conditions was not wise, so the treadmill was my running partner.
Like just about every good lesson in life, it is one thing to be told what to believe. It is another thing to experience it yourself. Usually they go hand in hand, knowledge first then belief follows. Good lessons also are not easy. I am glad I took the challenge on and now believe that I can will improve. It is like reading a good book – I am excited to see how my training turns out. Only I get to live it instead of read it.
elisariva 
Changing your perspective on yourself, for the better, can be such an awesome feeling! When I got home from work today, I felt tired and didn’t go on my run, or do anything active…now I feel shameful lol! Thanks for the great post and, even if you didn’t mean to, you’ve encouraged me today! 🙂
I am always happy to encourage! Thank you for commenting. Have a good run tomorrow!
This is awesome- I love to read about people who find inspiration in their accomplishments! It makes me pumped to enter the triathlon world!
It is a wonderful world! Best of luck on your adventure!
Very inspiring post!
What an amazing feeling it is when you realise you’ve just broken one of your PBS… especially after thinking that you’d been going slower than usual or feeling fatigued!
Thank you! Yes, a wonderful feeling indeed.