atticous,
Literary: Sunshine
Whenever I do my weekend swim-training near Antipolo, the weather would be overcast most of the time. I would pull my elbows, raise my legs, and stretch my back. Then I would place my fins, kickboard, and paddles near the available starting block. I would dive, start my warm-up, and perform as many sets as I could for two hours. Then I would cool down, stretch my whole body, take a shower, pack my stuff, and leave. No more sun again? How upsetting! I just want to find joy in swimming under a clear sky! It makes me remember those horrible moments way back when I was a member of my swim team.
One day, my teammates and I had to train, even if the sky was gloomy and the weather was raining. The absence of the sun made us feel unmotivated to go to the pool. Some of us would not stretch. We fought over our workout because there was no cooperation. So we were not able to complete the sets. As punishment, we were told to swim two extra non-stop kilometers of individual medley (IM), even if we already heard the menacing lightning. After that day, we became unfriendly towards each other, just like the thick, dark nimbus clouds. We might not have fought anymore, but we did not have teamwork.
It is surely dejecting to remember those moments, especially if someone is trying to find happiness in that sport. I do not feel the happiness I used to enjoy before that gloomy work-out day.
I could remember that whenever the sky was clear, my teammates and I would race each other to the pool. Before, we followed a rule with no hesitation. Whoever would dive last would get extra IM sets, so we made sure we stretched and warmed up together. Before, we listened to coach’s instructions and let his advice motivate us to finish all of our laps. Most of all, we did not have any squabble. Of course, we were sunburnt, much to our "pain". But that did not matter – we did not experience emotional pain at all! We talked to each other pleasantly and enjoyed each other’s company.. The camaraderie was present before, in other words.
I just want to rekindle those happy memories again. They might not be here, but when the sun is there, I would be elated. I would also forget the fights and disagreements we had.
Six years after, my wish was granted – the sky gave a clear blue. When I dived into the pool, I felt as if I have found the source of motivation and happiness I have earnestly yearned. I could finally rekindle those happy moments with my former teammates. I stretched as long as I could – I even flexed the parts of the body I would not normally do, namely the groins and abdominals. For every dive, splash, glide, kick, stroke, and tumble turn, I could feel the sun's positive power shining on me again. I felt driven to continue my laps. Most of all, I was assured there would be no more dark clouds ruining my workout and bringing back those fights with my teammates.
As soon as I finished my workout, I shouted with triumph, “The happy sunshine I have yearned for too long is finally here!"
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