Melinda Harrington

I have reached my goals!

Two of them. So if you are here to donate, please find your way to my future fund or my Autumn program because Summer fundraising is done! With a lovely anonymous donation I hit my goal for this program as well as my personal goal to make it to $10,000 by Christmas. Done and DONE! Best Christmas present ever. Now to focus on getting my strength back.

The ocean doesn’t take it easy

Post COVID, the plan is to not push myself too much. Thing about the ocean is it sets its own agenda. Fortunately for me, today wasn’t a bad day to get back into it. The waves were lovely. Not a lot of breaks in between them but not too much force.

I timed myself in the pool yesterday and I was really slow. Harder to compare speed in the ocean, lots of factors. I wasn’t too out of breath. Last time around was a bit much but I didn’t have any issues breathing. Struggled a bit walking back up afterwards. Anyway, I’m back. Only missed one ocean session and two pool sessions.

It’s a very hot today. Glad we were out there early. It’s too hot to be outside now.

The ocean wasn’t forgiving today

Lots of waves, came up after one and the next one knocked me. To be fair, the waves weren’t as strong as they sometimes are. They were fluffier but relentless. Usually you can get past three and get some flat water to swim in but not today. It was raining which is annoying. I dropped my goggles in the sand and they were hard to see out of. My stuff was covered in wet sand. I’m finding it hard to get out past the break. I’m not strong yet and I am out of breath. What else can I whinge about?

But the water was warm and we were able to swim in the ocean. So that’s a good day.

Second pool swim

There was a first pool swim but I didn’t write about it. So we are moving on to the second one. Sometimes the water feels like it is helping you along. This wasn’t one of those times. Lovely pool. I prefer 50m and outdoors - when it’s not cold. Bonus it’s salt water. But it’s early in the season and I feel slow. Knee surgery a few months ago didn’t help but surely my knee should be normal by now. I swam all winter. Still felt slow. I’m sure I will kick into second gear soon. Not there yet.

All about the seaweed

The seaweed on the shore was nothing compared to the water. I dived under a wave and just bounced on several feet deep of seaweed. It was tough work getting through it in the shallow water but once we got past it, the water was lovely. It’s starting to warm up. I’m finding it challenging in the ocean. Really exhausting battling the waves. Only two swims so far this season and I know I will get stronger.

(Photo by Xina)

First beach swim

First lap around I was exhausted and didn’t want to do another one. Second lap around I opened my mouth at the wrong time and swallowed a lot of water. Third time around, I was glad I only had one more. Fourth time around, they moved the goalposts (surf lifesaver we were aiming for). We were supposed to be done but Nikki said you still have time, go around again. Got back and there was time for a sixth. So managed to get a decent swim in in spite of the waves.

I'm supporting cancer research and prevention with Can Too Foundation.

It would be fantastic if you could sponsor me, or even better join me in a program!

Can Too provides professionally coached training programs for participants of any fitness level to run, swim and cycle their way to a healthier lifestyle and a cancer-free world.

I am raising valuable funds that go towards innovation in the prevention, care, and control of cancer. Since 2005, Can Too Foundation has trained over 18,000 participants and raised over $25,000,000 to invest in over 200 one-year cancer research grants.

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$500