I have a gym membership for Bally's which is conveniently located about 5 minutes away. I typically go anywhere from 3-4 days a week and on at least one of those days I swim. It never fails to amaze me how much I LOVE swimming once I'm in the water. I love the rhythm of the water. The slow methodical beat as it hits the side of the pool. The slap of my arms as they pull through the water - right, left, right, breathe. Pushing off the wall with all the force I can muster as I propel forward kicking with all my might. I love swimming.

Its everything else about swimming that is a beast. Getting undressed in front of a bunch of strangers - not because I'm shy, I really don't care, but because I know it makes them uncomfortable - Pulling on the skin tight suit. And after the swim, pulling off the skin tight and now wet suit and going through the whole awkwardness again. I really wish we weren't so scared of nudity in our culture. Oh well... It really is worth it in the end.