Stuck on dry land [intotheocean]

Just over two months ago I swum the length of Lake Taupō (40.2km). It was exhilerating, social and a culmination of some big miles in training. I would have never imagined that the sport I love and which has come to be such a big part of my life would be classed as a criminal activity two months later.

But these are pretty extraordinary times.

I’m glad that our government has taken the steps they have – you just need to look abroad to see how horrible this virus is. But probably like many others, knowing that these actions are a good thing hasn’t made it easier to come to terms with what it means for me.

Before I swum Lake Taupō, I was very aware of the need to have a post swim plan. It’s not uncommon for sporting people after big events to experience downs if they don’t have a plan for what’s next. My plan wasn’t too complicated – it was to enjoy summer, recover and ease back into it in February, enter some fun swim events over March and April, and then get back into some normal swim routines in winter to start training for the next goal.

I could never conceive of not swimming. I needed to move my arms and keep healthy – both physically and mentally. More importantly (and what I’m definitely noticing now), the swim community are my extended whānau.

When this lockdown was first announced, I was hopeful of being able to continue swimming. There were some soothing words from the Prime Minister along the lines of taking a common sense approach and exercising judgement. I thought it might be ok so long as I kept swims short and stuck close to shore. A fellow swimming friend and I even arranged to be ‘bubble buddies’ (we both live alone). But they were just words. I think it quickly became apparent that such extreme measures only work with blanket rules.

Apologies if this blog is negative. It’s great to see so many people on Facebook being positive, spending time with their families, doing lots of press ups in their living room etc. (Although I have to admit that I snoozed you for a bit). I see myself on a journey to get to that positive place, or at least to a place of acceptance to ride out this storm.

After turning down a spot prize for a trail run a month ago, making it very clear that ‘I do not run’. I am now attempting to run (it’s hard when you’re not a runner!). My bubble buddy and I are also meeting up regularly for walks. I also met a few swimmers over zoom for my first living room workout. I’m not sure I’ll be entering Breca (swim run) at the end of this but I’m hoping it gets me through.

I mostly wanted to write this to help me process what’s on my mind. I’m very conscious that I am in a priviledged position – I have a roof over my head, I can afford to stock up the pantry and I’m continuing to work through this time. We are all going through a different journey right now.