I just realized how crazily full of energy and in-shape I was at 11 years-old. I think about what I did then and the mere thought of attempting it now drains me just to think about it.
I lived on an Air Force Base and the summer between 5th and 6th grade, I had taught myself to swim (I was un-teachable by any other means). I loved it so much, that I went to the pool every day that summer. I spent a minimum of 6 hours there each day, doing nothing but swimming and diving off of the board (but mostly swimming). On top of that, since I was 11, I rode my bike to and from the pool each day as well. And the pool was several miles away from my house.
Great memories, and lots of great memories of good looking teenage girls who were extremely out of my league. I think the best part about it was the freedom I felt. The freedom of mastering something on my own, and the freedom of going to and from a place like the pool which normally required parental supervision and transportation. The nice thing about the pools on base is that if you were under the age of 16, you could get a patch to sew on your swimwear to prove you do not need parental supervision. This required you proving you could 1. Swim the length of the pool. 2. Dive for an object in 6 feet of water. 3. Tread water for 1 minute.
The idea of doing nothing but straight swimming for just 30 minutes nowadays almost makes me cringe. But I think I really do miss the pool. I don't think I could oogle the teenage girls today though.
