My brave 8 year old finished the gruelling CapitalK swim a week ago. I know how far it is, because I did it with her.
After almost a whole week of constant rainy and cloudy weather Midmar Dam was icy cold. It took my breathe away and Hannah had me really worried when over the first 100m her teeth chattered and she begged to get out. Fortunately she was able to relax and managed to get into a rythm soon after that before the further setback of swallowing a large mouthful water. She didn't panic even though the cold and fright could fluster a grown adult. After this Hannah reverted to breastroke to keep her head above water and made steady progress despite a form below her normally effecient pull-kick-glide.
When we turned into the back stretch after about 200m, I knew we would be fine. Hannah then started doing a combination of backstroke and backstroke-skulling which helped us make grood progress while making it easier for her to beathe.
From the last turn into the home stretch we were able to get into some steady freestyle. The end however always seems to take so much longer to get to at the end of a long swim so I wasn't surprised when Hannah asked, "why's it taking so long Daddy?".
The end didn't come a moment to soon, as we collected our medals and walked to our proud supporters.
After almost a whole week of constant rainy and cloudy weather Midmar Dam was icy cold. It took my breathe away and Hannah had me really worried when over the first 100m her teeth chattered and she begged to get out. Fortunately she was able to relax and managed to get into a rythm soon after that before the further setback of swallowing a large mouthful water. She didn't panic even though the cold and fright could fluster a grown adult. After this Hannah reverted to breastroke to keep her head above water and made steady progress despite a form below her normally effecient pull-kick-glide.
When we turned into the back stretch after about 200m, I knew we would be fine. Hannah then started doing a combination of backstroke and backstroke-skulling which helped us make grood progress while making it easier for her to beathe.
From the last turn into the home stretch we were able to get into some steady freestyle. The end however always seems to take so much longer to get to at the end of a long swim so I wasn't surprised when Hannah asked, "why's it taking so long Daddy?".
The end didn't come a moment to soon, as we collected our medals and walked to our proud supporters.
Will we do it next year?
For sure.
Will Hannah have to pull her Dad along in a few years?
Will Hannah have to pull her Dad along in a few years?
For sure.
Fun Galas:
Daniel officially became the 'froggie king' at the recent Seals Fun Gala. Everyone was amazed at his breastroke as he shot through the water at break-neck speed. No wonder its now his favourite stroke!
Daniel officially became the 'froggie king' at the recent Seals Fun Gala. Everyone was amazed at his breastroke as he shot through the water at break-neck speed. No wonder its now his favourite stroke!
