Doing Something I Love: A Swimmer Story

Doing Something I Love: A Swimmer Story

Swim Squad swimmer stories are the best, aren’t they?

This one is no different.

I actually love this story for so many reasons.

Chris was one of the first swimmers I met when I started Triathlon Swim Squad, and her enthusiasm and positivity within that initial 1-1 session was amazing.

Since then, as one of the very first members of our Swim Squad, Chris has been an almost ever present, providing inspiration, encouragement and fun to all swimmers who have had the pleasure to come across her path.

Chris has brought her whole family along for the ride. Chris, Mike, Bethany and Molli are all an integral part of our Swim Squad community. Go Team Forber!

Let’s sit back and enjoy this brilliant story.

My Story

Sport, Urgh!

I was ‘that’ child when I was at school. I hated PE, couldn’t hit a ball, got a stitch when I was running, stood on the edge of the hockey field too scared to get involved,  couldn’t throw a javelin etc, etc. There was not one part of me that was athletic! I would much rather have a pencil or paintbrush in my hand.

And Then Swimming!

However, I started at a swimming club (a small one run by volunteer parents) at the age of 3, as my mum was scared of water and never managed to learn how to swim due to this fear. So, the one thing that she wanted me and my brother to be able to do was to swim.

I went to that club most Saturday nights until I was about 12. I was ok … I always medaled in the swimming club galas but was nothing special.  Back then, my preferred stroke was backstroke (it was easier to breathe!)

A Little Encouragement!

I then didn’t swim for over 30 years (apart from the odd head bob when on holiday). It was only when someone at my running club suggested that some of us take on the 1 mile Great North Swim, in 2016, that I decided to start swimming again.

Starting Again

I remember those early days well. I couldn’t swim one length without getting out of breath and wondered how I would ever manage a mile in Lake Windermere!

Everyone of a certain age will understand that I had to learn a new swim technique (and am still learning today). Front crawl is very different these days, I remember that ‘S’ in the water well.

Back to 2016, I was in a ‘beginners’ lane at St Helens Tri, watching the speedy swimmers (in awe) thinking how amazing they were and wondering how they managed to make it look so smooth and easy.

I then had to buy a wet suit and venture into the scary open water! Something I never thought I’d do, something that was only for the young, athletic and brave swimmers. Anyway, let’s fast forward…I managed the GNS, in 2016, in 39 mins and loved every minute of it!

This was the start of my love for swimming. 🏊🏼

Instagram … and Swim Squad

Fast forward even further to 2019 and me browsing Instagram. I’m actually not sure how it happened but you (Bryan) popped up and I started following you. Then there was talk of 1:1 sessions, so I booked me and Bethany in with you. And that’s where my swim story really begins.

Swim squad started, covid hit, swim squad came back bigger and stronger.

Sporting Goals

Rewind … rewind … rewind …

Since around 2015,  I’ve dabbled in a few things…runs, cycle sportifs, triathlons of various distances and OW swims. There’s no GB age grouper in me and I have never been very fast. I just did races and enjoyed them.

But,  since starting Swim Squad, I’ve swam faster than I ever thought I would and very often shock myself. However, I have major ‘imposter syndrome’ as I swim alongside the most amazing athletes, who I’m in  total awe of and who are all achieving wonderful things.

Unfortunately, I’ve had injuries that have stopped me from running but, thankfully, I’ve managed to keep swimming and cycling.

And swimming is what makes me happy. 

Not only swimming but the many friends I have made through Swim Squad. My swim sessions are the one part of my week when I forget about work and life stresses and just do something I love,  with people who inspire me every day. ❤️

I’m not sure what the future holds with regards racing and triathlons (and will now never hear the words “YOU are an Ironman”) but as long as I have swimming, Swim Squad and my friends there, I know it’ll all be ok.

Achievements

My greatest achievements are:

• This part included some important races that ‘he who shan’t be named’ has completed but in true ‘he who shan’t be named’ style he didn’t want them mentioned. (Oh Mike!)

• Bethany representing GB, in her AG in standard triathlon in Poland, and finishing 2 London marathons.

• Molli taking on the 1 mile Great North swim, and smashing it, when she was terrified of OW.

• Molli finding her love of swimming again and coming to Swim Squad … just for fun. No watch, no races, just because she enjoys it.

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Just Do What You Love

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Now that’s a Swim Squad swimmer story!