Marienlyst Open 2018

Have just returned from day two of the Marienlyst Open, which all in all has to be considered a great success, as well as the start of a new chapter in my life and swimming career. Yesterday went well, with a 2:54 in the 200 medley and a 36.17 in the 50 breast, my fastest long course time ever. I was hoping to go 1:18 today and win my heat but I got second with a 1:20.47, three tenths slower than when I swam the same event at the same meet in 2014.

Everything felt right leading up to the race – I got there early, warmed up with the other swimmers in the big pool, got dressed into street clothes, ate the right energy foods at the right times, and even listened to ‘Killing in the Name of’ to psych me up. As soon as my heiagjeng appeared I rushed down to the pool to swim my race, which I truly believed I was going to win.

I dove in, had the longest pull-out, touched first at the turn and didn’t see anyone near me in the second 50. When I touched the wall I thought I had won in a 1:18 and lifted my fist in the air, but then I realized that was the guy in lane 3 who I couldn’t see. My mood immediately darkened and I was disappointed with myself, but Sunniva and Johannes were ecstatic. Afterwards Sunniva said “Daddy won,” which Johannes repeated faintly but audibly (so cute!). This is why I am swimming – it is no longer for me, but for them. I want them to have a parent who is an active athlete and can show them how much fun it can be to push one’s mind and body to the limit.

As my friend Nick put it, ironically: “Oh, dammit, you’re slower than you were when you were four years younger and didn’t have Cancer!” Everyone laughed, and that is the feeling I wish to take with me from this meet. It was my first time in my Master’s career doing three events over two days, and I’m still only three months removed from my final round of chemo; two and a half from my last seizure. So although I’m still a bit disappointed about the time, I am more determined than ever to do what it takes to be faster this summer and even faster at the Norwegian Master’s Champs in Bergen in March.