Open Water Swimming

So a local running store offers "tri-nights" on Tuesdays during the summer. They do an open water swim at a lake near my house followed by a 20 mile bike ride. The swims are kayak supported for safety. So I signed up and I hope to take advantage a few times this summer. Tonight was one of those nights.

I drove over, parked, and grabbed my wetsuit. There were about a dozen of us for this session. I began putting on my wetsuit and realized that I had it on backwards. Nice way to start Tim! After finally getting my wetsuit on, I got someone to zip me up and we headed out into the water.

My research on the open water panic attack said to do a few things. First try to get acclimated to the water before swimming. Let some water into the top of the wetsuit to help provide another barrier to the cold. Then stick your face in the water and just blow some bubbles. Finally when you start swimming, start slowly.

So thats exactly what I did. The water was COLD!!! The wetsuit is super nice though and once into the water waist deep I kneeled down and let some water into my suit. Then I stuck my face in a few times to blow bubbles. Yep the water was cold on my face too. So far so good. Breathing is normal, heart rate is normal. I am thinking that I can do this, but I have to swim yet.

So we all headed towards a white garage door across the little bay we were in. I was told it was about 400 yards away. I waited for everyone else to leave and then I started. I took a few strokes, sighted, and then asked a kayaker if I was going to the right place. He assured me I was.

Then I just put my head down and swam. I was sighting every 3 breaths which seemed to be about right. I stopped after a short while because I came up to some feet. So floating in the water, I realized that I didn't start my watch! AAAAH why do I do that?

So with the watch started I head out again, nice and easy. My tempo was very slow and deliberate, just focusing on my breathing and before I knew it, I was with the group in the shallows by the white garage door.

Some went on to do the mile swim, but I decided to just turn around and finish the swim with most of the others. Not going to push anything this time around. Again I waiting for everyone to start and then I headed out, again with the same easy pace.

After a little while I was comfortable so I started picking up the pace a little. Pulling a little harder with each stroke and slightly increasing the tempo. I ended up passing several people on the way back which was unexpected and suddenly I was in the shallows at the boat landing again.

I DID IT!!! I can actually swim in open water just like I thought.