Entering a competitive swimming event has been on the mind of psychologist Dr Margaret Roberts for some time, after coming close to entering an event a few years ago. “I started training but then didn’t enter, and it became something I almost did, which is nowhere near as good a story as having done it!”
This season Roberts has entered both the Harcourts Beach Series at Takapuna Beach. Swimming helps her to keep active and reduce the pain and physical limitations of scoliosis, for which she has had two major surgeries to insert four titanium rods in her spine.
“I entered the State Beach Series as a way of preparing myself mentally and physically for the competitive swimming environment of the Ocean Swim Series. I thought that the State Beach Series would be a good way to get used to the different conditions of ocean swimming as well as the practical aspects of registering, starting, navigating, pacing, and swimming in a group.”
The events that Roberts has completed so far have given her the confidence to continue on her quest to improve her open water technique and to develop confidence as an open water swimmer.
For others who are entering the State Beach Series as part of their rehabilitation, Roberts recommends focusing on the abilities that you have, rather than comparing yourself to others that don’t have the same physical conditions.
“Balance challenging yourself with rest and rehabilitation. It can be a trial and error process, but make a general plan and stick with it. Most of all have fun!”
By Catherine Murray
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