Entries RSSLast night I completed my second ocean swim of the year. Despite being lucky enough to grow up 7 blocks from the ocean and spending more summer days than not, at the beach, I still have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the ocean. I love it. I do. Really. But it still seems to cause me a moments (or hours) hesitation, when planning my frequent reunions with it. Whether it be kayaking, surfing or swimming, there is something about planning a paddle into its depths that gives me butterflies every single time. I think it has to do with the unknown. Not knowing what’s under the water. Not knowing how the waves are breaking. Not knowing how fast the tide is moving. The possibilities are endless and you never know just what to expect until you are actually in it; swimming, surfing, kayaking. Last night was an excellent reminder.
In preparation for “tri season,” as I call it, (despite the fact that I have exactly 1 triathlon on my calendar and that will make two, total, for my lifelong count of triathlons) I am starting back on a swimming plan. Though my 16 week training plan doesnt officially start until Monday, I am getting a head start getting myself used to the idea of being back in training. Every wednesday night there is this fabulous little local event here that involves a 1k ocean swim and a 5k run. Last year I attempted the swim for the first time. And because my expectations were so low (my ONLY goal was not to come in last) the swim was a total success! This year however, I feel like I should be a seasoned veteran. I swam last week and did not come in last and beat my time from the previous year. hallelujah. Last night I swam again. It looked calm. The water was warm. Perfect conditions, right? uummmm, not so much. Turned out that peaceful rolling swell was not so peaceful when swimming through it. I had no idea you could get seasick while swimming. Turns out, you can. And to add insult to injury my husband decided to stay back and swim with me at the back of the pack. Nice, right? Yes, until he started treading water, doing the butterfly, and swimming to far off places and then back to me, so he wouldnt get too far ahead. He seriously had to work hard to “keep up” (I mean back) with me. All the while he kept looking at me concerned and asking if I was alright. I kept responding I was fine and that this (slow and not-so-steady) is in fact, how I swim. He just couldnt believe that anyone could swim that slow and be fine. But I was. I swear.
A little nauseaous and a little deflated, I finally made it out of the water with my husbands not-so-subtle hints of just how slow I was ringing in my ears. He had nothing but the best of intentions and a little concern for his potentially drowning wife. But his butterfly beating my freestyle may have nudged me just enough and made me realize that I have a ways to go before I am ready for my race. And this, is a great thing. Because I may have been getting just a little too comfortable in the back of the pack. Maybe I can work my way up to second from the back.
And by the way, last night turned out to be my fastest time yet. Go figure.
