Today was supposed to be a complete workout free day according to my schedule, but I had to be in the pool.  My 6 am Masters swims have not only become a habit, but an important part of my life.  On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, without fail, I wake up at 5:30, get ready, take my boys (two adorable yorkies) out, grab my gear and off to the pool.  I not only look forward to the workout, but the people in the pool and most of all, my coach.  

It's been a long time, but my hand hit the pool lane this morning and it brought me back 8 months ago, when I began the Masters swims.  I would get butterflies in my stomach on the way to practice.  I could never keep track of my intervals and I would come home with bruises on my knuckles because I constantly hit the pool lane.  I kept going to the am workouts not only because I  loved the water (I could have gone to a public pool and swim on my own), but mostly because of the support I got from my swim coach.   I think I overslept once and the next swim workout coach asked if I enjoyed sleeping in.  I was shocked he even knew I was not there.  I then found myself scheduling everything around my swim workouts.  I made swim practice even when it poured rain.  I don't know if I would ever call myself a swimmer, but I do know I have come a long way and that I truly love the water.  I will be swimming 1 mile in open water for the first time ever on Sunday.  I am ready.