Always someone better than me, and that's good!

I find that I excel in some areas, and nearly fail in others.  Each day I learn something new about my abilities in the pool.  There are moments when I feel like "wow, I'm practically the fastest/best in the group at this".  And moments later we switch the activity and I find myself at the back of the pack, embarrassingly bad or slow at whatever we're doing.  I imagine it happens with all of us.  We naturally excel at some things and are downright horrible at others.

I've come to appreciate the fact that no matter what it is, kicking, swimming, backstroke, etc... I'm pushed every moment of practice by somebody faster.  I find myself in a unique situation.  I'm surrounded by athletes who are all likely competing in the 2012 Olympic Games.  Even if I'm one of the fastest in the pool at something, there is always one guy faster than me.  It's GREAT motivation.  I always have to improve.  

This weekend one of the backstrokers on U of M's team went a 48.64 in his 100 Backstroke SCY!  I'm lucky enough to train alongside THAT GUY all season.  He will push me each day.