Honestly, I was nervous for this race.

A week before, I was 100% confident that I would go sub-20. I'd gotten stronger, gained pounds of muscle and consistently swam great times in training.

But then… I got really sick.

In fact, the day before my race was the first time that I had swam in 5 days.

I was confident in my training, but I was still nervous because of my break. As well as this, my stroke felt off and I was so tired.

There was another reason I felt nervous - other people’s expectations.

Everyone I met was asking me, “So, is today the day? Are you finally going to break 20.00?”

I was really grateful for the support, however, it added a lot of extra pressure. I tried to turn these expectations into motivation, but I still got butterflies thinking about it.

Despite my nerves I suited up in my new TYR Shockwave (this suit looks so cool) and got ready to race…

My first attempt… 20.07

I was pissed that I missed it by a smidge once again, however, I knew it could be done.

I had to find 0.08 of a second for my final attempt in 45 minutes. Just a better turn, a slightly better breakout. That’s all I needed.

I was even more nervous for this attempt - it was now or never. But nerves are good - if you're not nervous, there's a problem!

My last attempt… 19.87!!!

Only took me 32 years 😉

Being able to call myself a sub-20 freestyler gives me a such a sense of pride.

It's one thing to go a best time, but it's another thing to go a best time at my age with two kids, several jobs, and not swimming all that much.

You're never too old to go a best time. 

In the end, the thing that made it extra rewarding was everyone cheering me on and congratulating me after my race. I have a lot of gratitude for that.

Feeling is Overrated

I had a flashback when I was sitting in the pool after my sub-20 50 free.

I was back at Olympic Trials in 2016. The night of the 100 breastroke semifinal, I felt the best I'd ever felt. Everything was firing. My stroke was on. I felt light in the water. Nothing was hurting.

I felt perfect.

Then the following night, before the final of the 100 breaststroke, I remember diving in and feeling off. Not bad, but off.

I freaked out.

I thought, “Oh my gosh, what if I blow this? What if I blow the biggest moment of my life, trying to qualify for the Olympics?”

But then I took a deep breath and remembered Coach Ray’s old saying: “Feeling is Overrated”

Sometimes it doesn't matter how you feel - the preparation is in the bank. All you have to do is cash out, and not let your brain get in the way of success.

I took that advice to heart, swam the race of my life, and achieved my lifelong dream of qualifying for the Olympics.

You don’t have to feel great, to swim great.

Ray’s Message to my Audience

Until my next newsletter, I will see you all - later