The emotions of reaching a finish line for any event are complex. For me it’s usually some combination of relief, excitement, exhaustion and relief (did I mention that one already?).
We regularly compete in athletic events, not to win, just for the personal satisfaction. We couldn’t let old habits die so when our CS hosts in Johannesburg invited us to join them for the Midmar Mile in South Africa– it’s the worlds largest open water swim- we couldn’t resist. Swimming a mile takes a lot longer than running a mile and for most weekend athlete’s, is a considerable distance. Danny is never one to shy away from an athletic challenge and as we started to look at competing in triathlons he worked hard to improve his swimming skills. Fortunately all that hard work paid off and he completed the race not only exhausted but with a huge smile. We engraved our metals and while mine says my name and time, Danny’s simply says “not last.” It’s that optimistic attitude that I love about him.
To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.
IF YOU GO: We were lucky to swim our first Midmar Mile with friends who had competed in the event several times before. Logistics are obviously messy at the event, that’s what happens when 20,000 people covered in only bathing suits are running around. It was a great event though and we enjoyed every part of it (especially the finish line!). After big events I’m always exhausted though, so make sure you don’t schedule a flight or something for the evening after an event. Do something relaxing instead, like sleep or better yet go on a Jamaica holiday the following week in celebration of the finish line!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
Ahhh the feeling of reaching the finish line is SUCH a high!
Jillian says
It is! I think my favorite part of every race is finishing!
Rease says
Congratulations! Athletic challenges are so rewarding, I love doing races. I cannot imagine swimming a mile, I am very impressed!
Jillian says
Thanks! What kind of races do you do?
Rease says
I have down 2 half marathons and a couple shorter races. I didn´t grow up near water or swim very much so I am a dog paddler at best!
Jillian says
Wow! I’m attempting my first half marathon in September. Fingers crossed I make it to the finish line with a smile!
Rease says
You can do it! Before my first half marathon I had seriously never run more than 20 minutes straight. Honestly, when I saw the first 5 mile day on my training schedule, I was terrified. By the end of my training I loved 5 mile days because they were “easy” days. I made a huge change, so you can definitely do it!
Jillian says
I’m mostly worried that I don’t have enough time to train, it’s less than 2 months away, time to buckle down on training!