As the newest member of the Highland Kickers, the Highland Lake swimming club, I’ve looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed our swimming sessions this summer. I was welcomed so graciously at the end of last summer and anxiously awaited the warm weather so I could rejoin this group of lovely ladies for the start of a new swimming season. We had a chilly start this summer, as we braved our first swim session in a light rain in late June. Since then we’ve enjoyed many beautiful, sunny mornings around the lake.

While swimming, I’ve enjoyed getting to know these wonderful ladies of the lake and learned so much about the lake community. Being new to the area, this group has given me a sense of belonging and companionship in my new home. Spending time with the Highland Kickers is a great social outlet. Exchanging stories, challenging and encouraging each other, and sharing in the hard work make swimming with the group a rewarding experience. We share stories of our lives and families and discuss upcoming lake events and common hobbies.

Aside from the social aspects, there are other psychological and, of course, physical benefits to swimming. Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. If you relax and swim with a very low effort, you can let your mind wander, focusing on nothing but the rhythm of your stroke. This form of meditation can help you gain a feeling of well-being. We always leave our swim sessions smiling, feeling refreshed and ready to go on with the rest of our day.

We look forward to a few more weeks of swimming if the summer weather holds on. New faces are always welcome and encouraged. Whether you’re a confident swimmer or a “noodler,” we welcome all abilities. We also have “B” team who swim more for speed and have a somewhat strenuous workout. The “A” team meet two mornings and one afternoon each week; we swim at varying paces for about 45 minutes to an hour. Attendance is completely optional. Please contact me at nicolesul@charter.net or any other member if you are interested in joining us for a swim.

Pictured: Arlene Fazzino, Sheryl Grant, Pat Masucci, Annemarie Janczak, Nicole Sul, and Mary Barbro.