Winter Swimming

It takes extra effort to convince myself to remove all the layers of clothing keeping me warm

and to slink into my bathing suit.

Then I shiver as I put back on layer after layer

for the trip to the pool.

It is 20 degrees as I boldly step out of my front door

and begin the freezing trek up the hill.

The bitter wind flays me as it whips the exposed skin on my face.

I am miserable and grim as I plod up the hill,

still shivering and huddled in my parka.

I wonder why in the world I am doing this.

At the pool, I quickly strip down and stand in a hot shower

to warm up.

(And to protect my hair from the chlorine.

Fact: wet hair will absorb less chlorine and take less damage from pool water...

especially if you coat it in conditioner and stuff it in a cap)

On the pool deck I am shivering again.

The air inside the bubble seems chilly after the hot shower.

However...

Once I am in the water

slicing through the lane,

buoyed up by the warmth

and the steady cadence of a swim stroke;

I feel winter melt away

and it is summer once more!

I am happy

and I am free.

On the walk back home,

wrapped in nothing but a towel, some sandals, and my parka,

I stroll back down the hill

enjoying the gentle caress of the playful breeze

as it wraps around my bare legs.

The night seems mild and friendly.

As I pass by ice along the side of the road,

no grim thoughts of cold enter my mind

because I am my own furnace...

the after burn of exercise.