Slipping back into the water after a long break.
Today was my first swimming practice in weeks. I hadn’t been in the pool for a while because I wasn’t feeling well, and I could feel my body missing it. Swimming has always had a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t call myself the fastest or most technically perfect swimmer — far from it — but every time I dive in, it feels like home. The water has a way of embracing me, reminding me why I keep coming back.
The Joy of Returning to the Pool
The past few days in the city had been incredibly hot — the kind of heat that clings to your skin and drains your energy. So, the moment I slid into the cool water, I felt instant relief. My coach greeted me with a warm smile, ready to keep me motivated, as always.
The first 10 minutes felt a bit heavy — my arms stiff, my breathing awkward. That’s the thing about swimming: if you’ve been away from it for a while, your body takes time to remember the rhythm. I started with an easy 200 meters freestyle, letting my muscles wake up, followed by 400 meters of isolated drills to focus on my form. Stroke after stroke, my mind settled into that meditative zone where the only things that matter are my breathing, my movements, and the water flowing past my skin.
Training Plans and Unexpected Weather
As usual, my coach had laid out a full training plan for the day on a board. I like knowing exactly what’s ahead. It keeps me accountable. Halfway through the main set, I started noticing the first drops of rain. At first, it was gentle — refreshing, even. Swimming in the rain has always been a secret joy of mine. The droplets create tiny bubbles on the water’s surface, making the pool feel alive.
But then, it escalated. Within minutes, it was pouring so hard I could barely see the other end of the lane. My first thought was: Keep going. After all, rain alone doesn’t stop a swimmer. My strokes stayed steady, my breathing consistent. There was a kind of rhythm to it — my arms cutting through the water, raindrops splashing above me, and the pool’s surface dancing wildly.
The Moment of Decision
I wasn’t alone in the pool at first. A few other swimmers, including my friend Tung, were training for their own upcoming events. But as the rain turned into a thunderstorm, one by one, people began climbing out. I kept swimming, feeling stronger with every lap. In my head, I kept repeating:
“I am strong. I can keep going.”
It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone else. It was about proving it to myself.
Eventually, the pool staff started waving at us, urging us to get out. Safety comes first — thunderstorms and swimming pools are never a good mix. Reluctantly, I climbed out, dripping wet, my heart still racing from the effort. Even though I didn’t finish the full set, I felt proud. Proud that I had pushed myself through discomfort. Proud that I didn’t let the storm dictate my mindset until it was truly necessary to stop.
Small Moments, Big Lessons
This wasn’t the first time I’d felt that kind of inner pride. Life is full of moments where we’re faced with a choice: keep going or give up. Sometimes the challenges are big — like preparing for a triathlon — and sometimes they’re small, like choosing to keep swimming in heavy rain until it’s unsafe.
For me, these moments stack up like building blocks. Every time I choose persistence, I strengthen my belief in myself. It’s not just about physical endurance; it’s about mental resilience. Every drop of rain today reminded me of another time I pushed through discomfort:
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The open-water swim during my last race, where I finished 20 minutes faster than my previous attempt.
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The tough training days when my body ached but I showed up anyway.
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The times I stuck with something long after it stopped feeling easy.
These moments are proof that confidence is built, not gifted.
Why Swimming Builds Mental Resilience
Swimming can be a training ground for the mind. Here’s why:
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It teaches patience. Progress in swimming comes slowly, and technique matters as much as speed. You have to be willing to put in the laps, even when it feels like nothing’s changing.
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It teaches adaptability. Weather changes, fatigue sets in, and training plans get interrupted — just like in life.
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It builds discipline. Showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it, strengthens your mental muscle just as much as your physical one.
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It gives instant feedback. The water doesn’t lie — if your form is off or your breathing is rushed, you feel it right away.
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It requires presence. Swimming forces you into the moment. There’s no scrolling through your phone or letting your mind wander too far. You’re there, with your breath and your strokes, one lap at a time.
The Power of “I Am Strong”
During today’s stormy swim, I kept repeating a simple affirmation:
“I am strong. I can keep going.”
These words became my anchor. Affirmations are mental tools. When you’re tired, unsure, or tempted to quit, they remind you of who you are and what you’re capable of.
This applies far beyond the pool. Whether you’re tackling a tough work project, training for a race, or navigating a personal challenge, having a mental mantra can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
Translating Training Lessons Into Life
That’s one of my favorite things about endurance sports: the lessons translate seamlessly into everyday life.
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When work gets overwhelming: I remember the days I pushed through the last few laps despite fatigue.
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When life throws a curveball: I remember the unexpected downpour in the pool and how I adapted.
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When self-doubt creeps in: I remember my faster swim in May and the proof that improvement is possible.
Every training session, every challenge, every storm — literal or metaphorical — is a chance to strengthen not just my body, but my character.
Preparing for Bigger Goals
This year, I’m training for my final key race of the season in November. Today might have been cut short by a thunderstorm, but the mental win was huge. In triathlon training, not every session will be perfect. There will be interruptions, setbacks, and days when motivation is low. But the key is to keep showing up.
If you’re training for your own big event — whether it’s a race, a career milestone, or a personal goal — remember:
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Consistency matters more than perfection.
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Adaptability will carry you through unexpected challenges.
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Mental resilience is your greatest asset.
How You Can Build Your Own Mental Resilience
If you’re looking to strengthen your own “keep going” mindset, here are a few strategies that have helped me:
1. Start with Small Wins
Don’t wait for a big challenge to test yourself. Look for daily opportunities to push a little further — whether it’s one extra lap, one more minute on the treadmill, or one more page in your book.
2. Use Affirmations
Pick a phrase that resonates with you. Mine today was “I am strong. I can keep going.” Repeat it when things get tough.
3. Reflect on Past Wins
Whenever I feel tempted to quit, I think about times I’ve succeeded before. It reminds me I’ve done hard things before — and I can do them again.
4. Surround Yourself with Encouragement
Having my coach and training friends nearby makes a huge difference. Even if we don’t always train together, knowing they’re there keeps me accountable.
5. Accept That Setbacks Are Part of the Process
Some days, the storm wins. But that doesn’t mean you’ve lost. It means you’ve lived to train another day.
Swimming Through Life’s Storms
Today’s swim was a reminder of who I am when things get tough: someone who keeps going until it’s truly time to stop. Someone who finds joy in the challenge. Someone who can swim through the rain and come out stronger on the other side.
We all have our own “thunderstorm moments” — times when things don’t go according to plan, when the easy option is to quit. But if you can find the strength to keep going, even for just one more lap, you’ll discover a deeper kind of pride. The kind that doesn’t fade, because it’s built on resilience, not results.
So next time life rains on your plans, I hope you’ll remember my stormy swim and tell yourself:
I am strong. I can keep going.
Because you are. And you can.