December 15th 2023
Causeway Coast
Charity AWARE
Swim Distance 2.73km combo swim
Air temp mild, sea and wind roaring
Donate here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/al-mennie
Another wild one last night but a slight change in conditions allowed for some distance to be gained. To the untrained eye the conditions last night appear the same as they did the previous night when it was chaos out there. But, as with everything, the intricate details can make a difference to progress. I got one swim under my belt, ran back and started another swim. by this stage the tide had moved and the wind moved a little more making it an easier swim. Even when I'm out there in the dark and I know the conditions are in my favour, the elements on my side, I am constanbtly on alert. I never relax to anywhere less than hyper alert. It takes one event out there to prevent progress or make a mistake so I'm constantly ON even when I feel things are going well. Conditions can change in a second but that alertness is what allows me to spot windows of opportunity and keep progressing through the dark surf and currents.
I began last night feel very fatigued. I think the event that happened earlier in the week was still affecting me. I lay on the floor for hours in the afternoon feeling like I wasn't up to it but knowing I'd still be going. I feared the same conditions as the previous night might present themselves but I was gifted with more favourable elements. You have to keep swimming. You have to remember that if you stop swimming in life then you are at the mercy of the elements. You are an element, ignite the fire, keep it burning inside you and never let it go out. I know this is easier said than done but it is possible. If you can do that suddenly you will start to notice that all the other elements around you are not against you, you will see how you can utilise some of them one day, and another the next day. You will find your way but only if you refuse to stop swimming .
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