| MAC Swimmer of the Week: Candi Good
 My name is Candi Good. I live at Dunham Lake in Highland with my husband Tom and our dog Lena. We have one daughter who lives in the Grand Rapids area with her husband and our 4 grandsons.I joined MAC in September of 2017 as a rookie swimmer. I have no high school or college swimming experience. I just love the water, be it sailing, kayaking or just being in it.
Carol Schemanske, sent out a neighborhood email trying to get more people interested in MAC. I decided I’d give it a try. I needed to get more exercise and thought swimming would be a good way to do it. I have tried all the water aerobics, but they weren’t enough for me. I am not an athlete, I don’t go to the gym, and I’m not interested in competing. I just needed more exercise. I went to the 3 free practices and decided to make a commitment. I liked being in the pool, the people were friendly and the coaches were really nice and knowledgeable. I’m sure they got tired of telling me the same thing week after week. I guess it has finally, somewhat sunk in and I’m trying to be a better swimmer. I appreciate all the tips and pointers the coaches have given me to try and improve my time in the water. I find it amazing and challenging how all the techniques have to be properly timed to become a better swimmer. It’s a wonderful feeling when they all do come together, as brief as it may be. There is so much to remember!
I had no idea what I was doing, not only did I not know how to swim any of the drills and some of the strokes. I couldn’t figure out what in the world was going on with that white board! Thankfully, my lane mates were very helpful and we became good swim buddies. I have made new friends at MAC and look forward to swimming with them.
This year with Covid going on I’ve been swimming a lot in the lake. Lake swimming is a lot different from the pool, but I like it. There are no walls to stop to rest and you have to deal with the wind and waves. Maybe eventually I’ll learn how to do bilateral breathing so I don’t get a mouthful of water! I’m slow as ever, but I eventually get it done. Carol has inspired me to be strong and try to push myself. I even purchased a wetsuit this fall to increase my swimming time in the lake. It has been fun.
I have enjoyed the Saturday Swim Spots here at Dunham. I am amazed at how many of you are willing to get up early on Saturday mornings to come and swim. I like being in my kayak and watching you all, it’s a learning experience.
The Mac to The Moon that Coaches Melissa and Jim organized was great. It’s another example of their dedication to MAC.
We spend our winters in Florida and hopefully the pools will be open and I can practice all that I’ve learned. I want to thank everyone who has been there to help me on this journey. The coaches, my lane mates, and my new friends.
MAC Swimmers are the greatest advertisements of all! We love how you share your stories on social media, with friends, etc. We would like to share your stories as well. Each week we will highlight a MAC Swimmer so we can learn more about the team.
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