Hiding in Baggy Clothes

After a big weekend, and a big Monday workout, I'm ready for big rest.

I had a great swim tonight. My pace was good and I went further than I have in a long time, years actually. I wish I could say it was superior fitness and conditioning, but it's the same old body struggling to get back in form. The big difference; a proper swim suit; a suit designed for swimming laps and not one designed for surfing and hanging out at the beach. I've been wearing board shorts because a man who weights more than three hundred pounds shouldn't wear anything else; it's kind of a public service. However, I don't weigh three hundred pounds any more and I was literally swimming out of my trunks. Every turn was: flip, kick and grab the shorts. There's only so much a tattered waistband and draw string can do.

Today was the day. Today a stepped up to real swim trunks and the difference was amazing. In the first place, it's much easier to swim with both arms. Using one arm to keep the trunks up really slows you down. Second, you can swim a lot faster when your not dragging the equivalent of a deployed parachute behind you. Finally, it feels good to look the part.

I know that must sound really vain, but after years of hiding in baggy clothes, the back row, and any other way I could think of to avoid being seen, it feels good. I'm not delusional. I know who I am, and I still have a long way to go. I'm just saying it's nice to walk out on the pool deck without feeling totally self conscience.