Sometimes, it’s hard for even me to stay motivated. It’s a cold day, or I’m tired, or feeling lazy.

To encourage myself, I think about the rewards I can get for training on those days when I’d rather do anything but.

Next week, here’s where I’ll be – leaving the beach on Buck Island, St. Croix in the USVI, setting out for the 17th Annual Coral Reef Swim – 5 miles of sea stars, sea turtles, maybe a sea ray or two. It’s my 6th time doing the race and I swear it’s different every single time. And that’s exactly why I keep going back, and why, even on the days I don’t feel like it, I get in that pool and keep on training.