Posted by Civilian Cort Belanger (Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.) in It’s Going Swimmingly
He took a swig from his water bottle and set it down to his left next to a dryoff sport towel. Rolling his shoulders some more, even though he had already warmed up, he eyed the lane ahead. Cort had set up a lane marker and claimed the far right lane so he didn’t have to worry about anyone crossing his path accidentally. With mid-thigh length competitive swim trunks, a swim cap and goggles, today he looked the part of professional swimmer, though it had been awhile since he’d attempted timed lengths.

Well, there was nothing for it, but to see how it went. He waited till the wall clock approached a new minute, perched on the edge of the pool and dove in.

His arms propelled his well muscled body through the water as he surfaced, his freestyle form clean as he timed his breaths, turning his head just enough but not so far that he sank at all. Reaching the other side of the pool, he did an easy turn and pushed off, remaining underwater probably a few strokes too long before finding the surface again. He had eight lengths of the pool to meet the 400m length for the super sprint. His best time stood at 5:45mins but he was’t expecting to push it that far.

~Cort Belanger

Hannah was not a competitive swimmer. She didn’t compete in most sports, but she was very athletic. Hannah had grown up learning to swim in what her father called ‘wild’ waters. Oceans and large lakes. She was a strong swimmer, but competing against tides was different than times in still water.

Hannah entered from the locker room and set her towel on a bench. Her hair was in a fishbone braid. She was wearing a one piece suit in airbrushed shades of blues purples and deep reds. She walked to the edge and sat letting her feet and legs stretch and dangle in the water. She looked around and took note of the only other person in the pool at the far end. She didn’t recognize them at first glance but she couldn’t see their face.

There were a few people in the hot tub and sauna, neither of which she would be using today, and then a couple of families in the smaller pool. She grinned at them and then letting her arms take her weight she lowered herself into the water. Hannah could dive, but with how she felt lately she didn’t think it was a good idea. She pushed off from the wall and began a strong free stroke across the length of the pool. Her goal was simply to move, but not over do it.

Hannah