Bula matari

The African words "Bula matari" translate to English as; "Breaker of myths or rocks" and comes from the African language Swahili. This is spoken in Eastern Africa in regions or countries such as; Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda etc. Michael from Ghana has used this phrase many times when referring to me. Which of course can only be regarded as a great kindness considering the value he places on the phrase and its use.

"Bula matari" is in fact a Kenya wise saying or phrase. Very wise indeed, especially when accompanied by Ghanaian Michael Appiah's favourite phrase "keep Hope Alive". Well as a "Bula matari", hope must always be kept alive. So it will come as no surprise to note that I managed the 70 lengths that were required on Sunday. In fact I surpassed that figure and managed a total of 72 before I popped out of the pool in order to make contact with a friend that I had heard has had a bad week. Hope and myth breaking must always including caring for others. But I had to complete the target before I could calmly make contact. You too can become a "Bula matari", it just means pushing yourself a bit more, maintaining a sense of purpose and direction and thinking of the bigger picture.

The 70 Minute Mile

I managed to break all boundaries on Saturday and for the first time swam a mile. The pressure was on as I had only managed 46 lengths due to the conference in Lampeter and although 46 is good for a single session, it fell far short of my 200 lengths per week target. When I arrived at the pool on Saturday, I mentioned to the attendant that even if I was to swim 75 lengths that day and again on Sunday; I would still fail to reach my target. A quite daunting prospect and maybe what drove me on to dig even deeper from my personal reserves. Two 75's were not enough and 46 is quite difficult. The most that I have ever swam in a day was 80 lengths. 40 early in the morning and 40 some ten hours later. I didn't have twelve hours this time to complete the lengths and have the breathing space. It was Saturday and the pool opens later and closes earlier. Important decisions that require action also require people. Someone who understands the importance of the situation and is willing to push themselves. I pushed hard, very hard indeed. The first 40 were tough, the 46th was tougher. Then they fell, 50, 60 and on past my single swimming record of 66 lengths in a 25 yard pool. I stopped for the first time at 70 lengths completed, and had a well earned 60 second rest. Then I pushed off again; 75 lengths and then 80 and then a final push to 84 lengths. Very pleasing indeed, and I only needed to swim 70 the next day to meet my 200 lengths weekly target. But lets put that into context. 70 will be my second highest ever number of lengths. I was exhausted from walking some 4.5 hours during the week and swimming 130 lengths. I was tired from the Conference and warn out after the single session that hit 84 lengths. But you can't break myths and stones by sitting quietly to one side can you?