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You are here: Home / workouts / Life Lessons Learned In The Lap Lane

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Life Lessons Learned In The Lap Lane

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I’ve been doing a lot more swimming lately which means a lot more time to reflect. When I swim in the pool, I find myself so relaxed and almost in a zen like state. I realize I have been thinking about all sorts of things while logging my laps. I started to think about what I have learned through swimming and how some of those lessons could be applied to life in general. Today I offer you some of the Life Lessons Learned in the lap lane.

Life lessons learned in the lap lane

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  • Life Lessons Learned In The Lap Lane
    • Sometimes you hit a wall and sometimes you are able to turn right at the exact time to avoid it.
    • Some days it’s comforting to guided by the blue line on the bottom and some days it’s liberating to fly blind.
    • No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.
    • We thrive when we have rhythm in our lives.
    • You are going to get wet.
    • Just get to the other side-Just keep swimming.
    • There is more than one way to do things. Find the way that works for you.
  • How about you? What life lessons has sports taught you?

Life Lessons Learned In The Lap Lane

Sometimes you hit a wall and sometimes you are able to turn right at the exact time to avoid it.

 

Some days it’s comforting to guided by the blue line on the bottom and some days it’s liberating to fly blind.

Last week, our coach literally had us swim with our eyes closed. While terrifying at first, I learned so much about my stroke and alignment.

No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.

While especially true for swimming, very applicable for running and just about any other activity.

We thrive when we have rhythm in our lives.

Days where my breathing and strokes are in sync, I feel like I could swim forever. When mind and body are truly connected that’s where the magic happens. When one part of my rhythm is off, nothing feels right.

You are going to get wet.

Life is messy sometimes, embrace it.

What #lifelessons has sports taught you? #sweatpink

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Just get to the other side-Just keep swimming.

There is more than one way to do things. Find the way that works for you.

Swimming, running or yoga we each have our own way of achieving our goals. Whose to say what is the right way to do things?

Of course all of these lessons could apply to almost any sport or aspect of life. I’ve been trying to be more open to the spiritual side of yoga class lately and I think that has helped me to look at all of my activities in a new and different way especially swimming.

How about you? What life lessons has sports taught you?

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life lessons from the lap lane

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About Deborah Brooks

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. I love to keep up to date on new running & fitness trends. I definitely choose my running gear based on color and love to express my fashion sense while exercising.

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Comments

  1. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    02/08/2017 at 5:04 am

    If only I could figure out how to breath while swimming, I think I would like it alot more! I do enjoy being in the water, and getting into a good rhythm is relaxing. I took a lesson a few years ago but never really saw any improvements.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:33 am

      Yes once you figure out how to breath it’s all down hill from there

  2. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    02/08/2017 at 6:37 am

    I love this.
    I would also add that sometimes you need to re-learn how to breathe 😀

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:34 am

      Yes you do but once you figure it out-magic 🙂

  3. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    02/08/2017 at 6:59 am

    I love that quote, about lapping everyone one the couch. That is what I say to some of my runners friends who do not consider themselves as real/or fast runners. Either way you are still doing it, and hat is all that matters.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:34 am

      Yes exactly!

  4. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    02/08/2017 at 8:17 am

    All great lessons!

    I thought about swimming today. It was supposed to be warm. And while warm-er, it’s still far from warm. It’s just an ugly week this week.

    So I’ll wait a little longer . . .

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:37 am

      You always make me laugh! Have a great day 🙂

  5. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    02/08/2017 at 8:42 am

    Maybe that’s why I don’t like swimming. I can’t find my rhythm.

    Great thoughts here!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:54 am

      Once I started breathing on a set schedule it got a lot easier for me.

  6. RFC says

    02/08/2017 at 8:44 am

    These are great! I was always a panicked mess in the pool. #FailedTriathlete 😉 Anyway, just this past weekend I was telling a friend before his first ultra that super long distance running, just like life, is going to have highs and lows. And both will pass. You have to keep moving forward knowing that for every low, there will be another high!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:55 am

      Yes indeed! Many highs and lows

  7. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    02/08/2017 at 9:04 am

    Life really is messy! So many pool lessons- I had no idea! You totally inspire me with your swimming– keep at it!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 9:15 am

      Ah you are too sweet

  8. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    02/08/2017 at 9:33 am

    These are all great lessons. I love the one about following the guided line vs. going blind…you really do learn about yourself!

    I wish I had access to a pool…I was never a strong swimmer but did enjoy it back in grade school.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:46 pm

      You really do learn about yourself and what you could work on

  9. HoHo Runs says

    02/08/2017 at 10:25 am

    I can’t get that breathing thing under control. You make it seem so easy! I certainly agree with “life is messy”. It’s how we clean up that mess that counts.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:29 pm

      Yes it is how we handle the mess that defines us

  10. Kimberly says

    02/08/2017 at 10:43 am

    If I could do something other than the doggie paddle in the pool, lol. It’s such a great way to get in cardio exercise!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:31 pm

      It is a great way to get in more non impact cardio for sure

  11. Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says

    02/08/2017 at 10:59 am

    I’ve never been much of a swimmer, but this is a great post! Love hearing things people have learned & experienced so I can take away from them too!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:33 pm

      Thanks! I really think they apply to all sports that we do

  12. Chaitali says

    02/08/2017 at 11:26 am

    Great lessons! I feel like the one about lapping people on the couch is an important one I’ve picked up from running! I may not be the best or even very good, but sometimes having the courage to just start and do something new is important.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:36 pm

      Yes indeed! Does not matter how fast we are just that we do it. I can easily forget that myself

  13. Jennifer Lefforge says

    02/08/2017 at 12:06 pm

    Again with the push to get me back in the pool!! Totally agree with the Zen like state of swimming laps. I’ve thought about getting waterproof headphones but I like the quiet and the rhythm of the activity.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:38 pm

      I thought about the headphones too but I kind of like the quiet I find there.

  14. Sarah says

    02/08/2017 at 12:12 pm

    The lapping everyone on the couch is a favorite as well as it might be ugly but you have to take the good with the bad and enjoy it all because it all makes us stronger in some way or another!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:39 pm

      Yes it definitely does!

  15. Katie Shepherd says

    02/08/2017 at 12:29 pm

    I am not a great swimmer, but would like to be! I also enjoy the spiritual side of yoga and even did a yoga workout just for anxiety. I learned how to do the one nostril breathing. It was strangely calming! Lol!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:40 pm

      OH that sounds really interesting! I would love to do a yoga workshop sometime too. Too many fun things to do not enough time

  16. Sandra Laflamme says

    02/08/2017 at 1:26 pm

    This is a great post! I love the life lesson about hitting the wall! I may have to try the swimming with my eyes closed thing as long as no one else is in my lane. Haha!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:42 pm

      Because you are already a swimmer, I think you would find it fascinating

  17. Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says

    02/08/2017 at 1:41 pm

    I love this! Almost makes me want to get back in the water! We learn so much about ourselves and about life in general through participation in sports. That’s one of the reasons I loved coaching young people.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:44 pm

      Yes exactly me too!

  18. Annmarie says

    02/08/2017 at 2:37 pm

    LOVE this. I have all sorts of thoughts while I am out on the run, I need to start writing them down 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 2:44 pm

      It is so interesting all the things that can go through our minds when we sweat it out

  19. Kimberly Hatting says

    02/08/2017 at 3:03 pm

    Great reflections 😉 Running is my main sport, and so much of it parallels life…good days/bad days, easy runs/tough runs, go the distance, run with others (but take the lead if necessary). It certainly gives us proud moments…but also has a knack for keeping us humble.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 4:01 pm

      OH it sure does doesn’t it!?

  20. Rachel says

    02/08/2017 at 5:48 pm

    Just keep swimming. 🙂 Best one!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks!Important to remember for sure

  21. Jodi @ Create Kids Club says

    02/08/2017 at 6:03 pm

    I love your lessons learned! So true. Great post!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 6:49 pm

      Thanks so much!

  22. Kristen says

    02/08/2017 at 6:19 pm

    Love these! I’m still not able to get into the zone with swimming, but I’m really trying! This is inspiring me to keep working on it.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 6:52 pm

      I never used to be able to do it but it slowly happened and I love it now

  23. Amanda says

    02/08/2017 at 7:37 pm

    This is a kick in the butt — I tend to avoid the pool in the winter because it’s so stinking cold outside. But it is such a zen workout, not to mention excellent cross training for those of us planning spring races!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:53 pm

      Great no impact cross training!

  24. Carmy says

    02/08/2017 at 7:45 pm

    Love “you will get wet” because life really does get messy!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:54 pm

      It sure can 🙂

  25. Jenn says

    02/08/2017 at 8:29 pm

    Swimming with your eyes closed sounds horrifying! I am claustrophobic and I think that would really jumpstart my anxiety.

    So many great lessons here.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:55 pm

      so I am claustrophobic too but oddly I really enjoyed it. When I swim in open water and can’t see I totally freak but knowing I could open my eyes made all the difference

  26. Mikki says

    02/08/2017 at 8:49 pm

    What a great post! Love all these life lessons.. love the ‘you are going to get wet’..lol

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:55 pm

      up definitely going to get wet

  27. Kristy from Southern In Law says

    02/08/2017 at 8:53 pm

    These are such great lessons! Isn’t it funny that ideas and epiphanies can come about in the most unusual of places?!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/08/2017 at 8:56 pm

      It sure is!

  28. Kalee says

    02/08/2017 at 8:53 pm

    It’s so great that you’ve found an exercise that also helps you feel calm and zen-like! I loved this life lesson, “We thrive when we have rhythm in our lives.” I think my biggest takeaway has been to listen to your body and honor what it can do instead of pushing too far. We’ll all get to our goals in time.

  29. abbey sharp says

    02/08/2017 at 10:13 pm

    I’ve definitely learned never to give up no matter how hard it get’s and to keep persevering through it all!! I love how swimmings taught you so much, especially when it comes to breathing and moving in synch with your breath!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 8:03 am

      Thanks and I certainly think these are lessons that carry over to all parts of our lives.

  30. dixya @food, pleasure, and health says

    02/08/2017 at 10:14 pm

    i love the one with lapping everyone on the couch…sometimes getting up and moving around (no matter how slow) is the important thing.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 8:03 am

      definitely agree!

  31. Chrissy says

    02/08/2017 at 10:46 pm

    Great thoughts. I’m not a runner and as much as I’d like to swim, I can’t call myself a swimmer either. Love that it’s a great workout but I’m not good at it. I can see how you could think all sorts of great thoughts while swimming. I love all of these. Especially, you’ll get wet and you’re passing those on the coach. Something is always better than nothing.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 8:04 am

      Yes definitely! It doesn’t matter if you are good at it or not it’s all about how it makes you feel.

  32. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    02/09/2017 at 10:22 am

    All great lessons. Its amazing how much we can apply to our non-athletic lives that we learn from physical activities. I know that more than anything, I’ve learned a lot about persistence and determination from my running.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 3:45 pm

      Persistance and determination indeed!

  33. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    02/09/2017 at 10:57 am

    Running has taught me so much. It’s taught me patience. It’s taught me I can push myself. It’s taught me to enjoy my surrounds. It’s taught me to get out of my own head. I could go on and on! Sports are amazing that way 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 3:48 pm

      Sports are amazing aren’t they?!

  34. Cassandra says

    02/09/2017 at 11:49 am

    LOL I certainly hope no one is hitting the wall on their turns. For beginner swimmers, finding that rhythm is the key to loving swimming – that’s where you’ll find your zen.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 3:49 pm

      Finding your rhythm is key!

  35. Jill Conyers says

    02/09/2017 at 5:32 pm

    This is so interesting. I’m not a swimmer but it’s so cool to read about and learn.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks Jill- I think these lessons apply to all sports we do

  36. Toni says

    02/09/2017 at 8:20 pm

    The only sport I really do is running and it has taught me that I am capable of much more than I ever though.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/09/2017 at 9:44 pm

      yes definitely!

  37. Mary Beth Jackson says

    02/10/2017 at 5:53 am

    Great stuff! I would be scared to swim with my eyes closed for sure! Sports has definitely taught me to never say never! 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/10/2017 at 8:02 am

      Yes never say never is a good one!

  38. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    02/10/2017 at 7:54 pm

    I admire anyone who swims. I fight the water rather than gliding through it.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/10/2017 at 8:16 pm

      It’s really great once you get the right rhythm going

  39. Patty @ Reach Your Peak says

    02/13/2017 at 5:56 pm

    Wow I love all of these! I like the one about flying blind. So true…and about getting wet because life is messy 🙂 Such a great post!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      02/13/2017 at 9:31 pm

      It certainly can be!

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Hi, I’m Deborah

Successfully raising a husband & 2 young adults in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. NASM Certified Nutrition Coach & RRCA Run Coach. As a lifelong vegetarian/pescatarian I’ve always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 800 members. I’ve met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into.
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