Why didn't anyone tell me that open water swimming was so fricken much fun... I got to the lake before everyone got in the water and got into my wetsuit. (Sidenote - I Love Neoprene) Standing there at the waters edge I was trying to decide how far out to go on my first swim in open water (I was also scoping for any shark fins ^^^^^^) Then the lead swimmer of the group told us that the swim would proceed out to the boat and back. I looked for a boat and found that the only boat out there was about 400 yards out from shore. Could this be right I asked myself. Could I possibly swim out that far and back in open water for my first time? As we made our way into the water I walked out until only my head was above water, then with a deep breath I started my swim. Graceful I wasn't at first, I kept running into other swimmers and having to slow down or stop to get my bearings. But after a while I started to get my rhythm. Much to my surprise I started to get at ease, I felt a calm, like I was the only one in the water. Weird. About halfway out to the boat I rolled on my back for awhile - I had been pushing really hard. I still was not sure if I could make it there and back. In a pool you can stop at the end of the lane and relax. In open water there is no place to do that. I rolled back and started swimming again.
After rounding the boat I decided that I should try and concentrate on my rhythm and my form. I found that open water swimming is excellent for working on form since you don't have to do flip turns every 25 yards. I slowed down a little and worked on my form and my breathing. I started to feel more in control by the time I go back to shore. I will need to put open water swimming into my training schedule more often. Much to my pleasure I did not see "Jaws" or any Alligators, Pirranas, or anything wlse in the water. My anxiety level is much lower today and I am looking forward to doing more open water swims. Looking back on my swim I am surprised at how relaxed I really felt once I got going. As I have said in past blogs - this sport is really awesome. There is no going back now. Ciao. |
