How It all began
In December of 2007 I found myself swimming endless laps in an encapsulated baloon. There was no one around and I had the whole pool to myself. These workouts were difficult for me. Trying to push myself and get a good workout without anyone around is a difficult task. People like me need other swimmers to gauge speed, and a coach that can tell you what you need to improve on and to tell you that you are slacking and pick up the pace. I had none of that.
So on those winter days I just swam, and swam, and swam. Until one day I was struck with an idea. An idea that would change my life.
As I swam my 1/4 mile sets trying to go faster on each one I swore I heard him say..."You need to stretch your arms out and kick harder!" So I did and dropped my time a few seconds. What's the deal I was thinking. The next time I envisioned him swimming next to me like we would do on occasion. Watching him as I would breathe, him with his long slow stroke as I hurled my arms forward trying to stay ahead. That always ticked me off! He looked so effortless and I was a powerhouse. But, I continued to swim. Continued to watch my father move through the water with grace.
On that day it was if he was there. He turned that boring quiet workout into something special. I realized that I missed my father more than I imagined. I missed him as a coach, and a teamate. He needs to be remembered for who he really was. My father never gave up no matter what he was doing And he wanted others to do the same.
After that workout that day I began going over some ideas that I had about raising money to fight the horrible disease that claimed his life. I didnt want anyone to go through what our family went through. I wanted to raise money, maybe $250.00 and donate it to charity. I planned a course that I was going to swim and started passing the word around. Soon I found myself with four other swimmers and shooting for a $7,000 goal which I thought was crazy.
On August 10, 2008 six years after my father passed away we made history. Each of us that day stretched those arms out and kicked harder than we ever did before. Each one of us completed our goals. Everyone succeded. Not to mention we raised over $7,000!
So please join me in making this event the best it can be. This is in memory of my father but it is also about everyone involved. Its about helping others and achieving your goals.
"Just keep swimming and we will see you on the beach."