Sam Bryant

When I started this at the beginning of the month I had to take a break after each 25 meter length to catch my breath; I swam 8 laps and was exhausted.... 5km seemed barely manageable, let alone 10km! But I was determined, and set my sights on that 5km goal. 

As I continued to swim I felt stronger. I began going full laps before needing a break. 8 laps became 10, 10 became 15, and 15 became 20. I swam 5 laps today without needing a break. 20 laps felt almost easy.  I hit that 5 km with plenty of time left and decided to push for more... not really believing that I could do it. Yesterday during my swim I was humbled when a lady asked if I could do a front crawl (I typically stick with breast stroke) so her young daughters could see it. Then again later when an older gentleman told me I was such a good swimmer and so fast! (I chuckled to myself a bit cause I'm really not fast). Then tonight I hit that 10km. 

Thank you to those who have followed this journey, and especially to those who donated! 

200 laps. 10,000 meters. 10km. 

I did it!

I witnessed a family lose their father, a grandfather and a husband. I didn't know him personally other than his name, but he always said hello when he saw us or have us a wave.

I did a late swim last night after a long day working in the sun with a renewed sense of dedication to complete these 10km and finished another 1.2km. Tonight when I beat that target, it will be in honor of all the families who have lost someone to stroke or heart disease. 

9km down... 1 km to go!

7.8km down, 2.2km to go!

6.25 km down, 3.75km to go!

I was so proud of myself today. I started late and only had 45 minutes to get my swim in. I really didn't think I'd get in my usual 15 laps. Once I started though I just kept going. I found that I can now do two full laps at a steady pace without a break (when I started I literally had to stop after every length to catch my breath). I hit 21 laps again! I felt so good good! 

I decided on my final length I was going to push myself to see what kind of speed I could get, and launched myself off the wall into a front crawl at full speed.... 3 strokes in I'm hit with a Charlie horse in my right leg and can feel another one trying to form in my left. I stopped abruptly and *may have* cursed quite loudly while I struggled to keep myself afloat (this just had to be in the deep end too!). The lady in the lane next to me stopped to ask if I had ok, so I explained what happened as I doggy paddle my way to the other end, where the life guard was watching very closely and also asked if I was OK and I had to explain again. 

You know what though? I passed 5km today.

5250 meters down, 4750 meters to go!

If you dont know me, I'm 35 years old, out of shape and over-weight. I haven't engaged in regular fitness activities since I was 18... If I achieve nothing else with this swim challenge, I know that my own health is improving every time I get in the water, and I'm proud of that. 

4.2km down, 5.8km to go!

I'm currently swimming at a pace of 15 laps (750m) each swim... while my target is currently set for 5km,  I'm thinking I might bump up for the 10km!