Not sure of how many of you swim, and maybe it's hard to explain how an 800 meter feels like, because it is definitely different than a track race. The longer track distances are like 5000m, while in swimming, the longest usually in normal competitions is 1500m. So an 800 definitely is a one of the longer distances you get, and not every stroke offers that. Sadly only freestyle has this distance event in competitions.
To master an 800 is not easy. It requires a built of momentum. Unlike a 200 track, where you can sprint it through, a 200 for swimming already requires pacing - counting your strokes, stretching forms, fine tune of turnings, etc. The first 200 is a breeze in the 800, once you get to the 3rd and 4th laps, ha! You start to get tired. Your arms seems like they are flailing around because you've might have been sprinting...and you are starting to lose your form. That's the moment where you want to give up the most, because your heart is starting to feel overloaded, your lungs no longer seem to be able to sustain itself with a 3 arm stroke breathing (this is better for balance...). You then revert yourself to a breath/2 arm stroke, and once that happens, you find out you are like a worm wobbling in the water, or a fish being taken out of the water and flapping around on the deck. And not to mention the turns...who wants to do a proper turn when they can just touch and bounce off the wall?
The amazing things is...
If you stick in there for another 50meters, everything is going to change. During your 450-500m, your body picks up the momentum. Your heart doesn't feel as overloaded, your lungs don't seem to be a let loose balloon, and your body seems to gain back some control. "1...2...3...1...2...3..." The next thing you know is...you are speeding up, and your body is gliding through the water for the rest of the 800m.
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This is exactly what I feel like my spiritual life is like lately. I'm right at the point of 300-400m. I don't know why I've had the courage/decision to reconcile with the past, all I know is...once I started this "training," I'm not going to stop. I don't feel any built up of momentum yet, I feel like I'm lost in the waters, but I know it'll soon be okay.
Opening up those dusty boxes that I've never dared to touch is the first step. I want to once in for all deal with them, just dump the trash away and move on. Yet this time I've learned, I'm smarter...the previous trainings have definitely allowed me to build an endurance for easier recovery of the body's fatigue. This time I'm not going to rely on anyone to help me, but just to set it right with God. (Knowing that...I don't really like to listen to people lecturing me anyway)...
Learning to trust in Him...through this for His glory :)
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
settling it with God and God alone. I like that. :) + oil. Long journey ahead...but we walk with HOPE in Him
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