Lessons through the locker room

Today the 2nd year of this journey called Seminary began.  I was elated to get back on campus.  I have smiled so much the last two days as I have reconnected with friends and listened to stories.  I'm also logging lots of miles on my new movement watch.  Over the summer, following some concerning test results and a lot of time spent with God I joined weight watchers for the 3rd or 4th time.  This time has been different though.  This time I feel transformed into new life and new possibilities.  Today I added exercise to this new life of health.  I took advantage of the Woodruff PE Center that I pay a yearly fine to and did not use at all last year.  I have decided that I will receive both my cardio and strength training in the pool for now.  A few thoughts on my first endeavor. 

1.   Confession:  I had intended to start this last week and then had intended to start it on Monday, and then Tuesday.  I sat in the car on those days with my bag packed and ready to go but talked myself out of it each time.  Plenty of excuses were available and prevailed.  The primary obstacle though:  an inclined walk from the parking garage to the entrance of the building.
2.   I still have the locker room anxieties I first discovered in middle school.  The locker room is an awkward place for me.  In Middle school I feared I was under-developed.  Now, I don't want people seeing just how over developed  I am.  Locker rooms are wide open spaces.  Bathroom stalls are too small to navigate a clothing change and I spent much time trying to make the locker room experience one of comfort.  It was not pleasant. 
3.  I do not have the strength or lung capacity yet to freestyle the whole time.  In fact I only got in 3 lengths of freestyle during the 30 minute swim.  The rest of the time I did the side stroke, the back stroke or  just walked the length of the pool.  I did put in a full 30 minutes and for that I am thankful.
4.  It is very uncomfortable when people start gathering around the pool waiting for an open lane.  The temptation is to quit.  I didn't.
5.  There is only one ladder in the pool and I was in the lane furthest from it and I do not have the strength to pull myself up out of the pool without a ladder.  Note to self:  Use the first lane next time.