Cold mornings make it difficult to get out of bed, especially if you are getting out of bed to go swim. I dragged myself out of bed at 4:30 a.m. It was one of the coldest mornings we’ve had this year. I put on a swimsuit, bundled up with sweats, packed my work clothes/gear and headed to L.A. Fitness to get in a good 30-minute swim. After checking in and putting away my work/shower stuff in the dressing room, I notice the sign. “Pool heater is broken. Water is cold.” It’s on the door of the dressing room and on the door of the swimming area. Can I do this? Can I make myself get into a cold pool and attempt to swim laps? Or, should I just go to Starbucks and get my coffee now? I’m tempted. However, I notice that someone is already in the pool. Usually I’m there alone at 5 a.m., but, today, I watch as another swimmer brilliantly laps a lane. He’s too busy to notice my pathetic attempts, which is a good thing. I will say, however, that I swam from one end to the other today without having to stop a few feet short. Another swimmer joins us and the three of us silently work out in water. I tell the third swimmer later that she swam well. She liked hearing it. Maybe, someday, way off in the future, someone will say the same to me.
My morning became even more special at Starbucks after the swim. Upon driving through to get my drink, I’m told that the car ahead of me has paid for my muffin and coffee. This is not the first time it has happened to me. It made my day a good one and it wasn’t even 7 a.m. yet. Pay it forward? I definitely need to do so! After all, those of us who can, like me, should.
