TRAUMATIZED!!

Last Thursday was my first open water swim in Lake Las Vegas. Let me tell you...it was a traumatizing experience. I thought the swim was  going to be one of my strongest segments, but after swimming in that ice cold lake, I'm just hoping to finish within the time cut off! My swim buddy, Wes, and I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was. We only went 400 yards and it took us 20 minutes! In the pool I swim 400 yards in under 8 minutes! So now I have to contend with a whole new aspect of the swim!

The problem wasn't keeping my core temperature normal because I had a wetsuit on. It was when I put my face and head in the water. Ever had brain freeze? Well, this was like brain freeze starting on the outside and working its way inside! My breathing was short and labored from the shock. I tried to relax and control my breathing, but when I did the furthest I was able to swim was only a 100 yards non-stop. It was also disorientating! After I swam a 100 yards straight, I stopped, looked up, and I was in the middle of the lake going the opposite direction I thought I was swimming. I felt like was drunk! When I got out, I missed a step, twisted my ankle and ripped my wetsuit. I took me a few minutes to collect myself. I can't imagine what it's going to feel like when I have to transition to the bike!

I learned a few things from my first open water experience. I definitely have to find a way to get used to the cold water. I plan on swimming in the lake at least once every other week. I expect the reservoir in St. George to be about the same temperature. I also have to get used to my wetsuit. 400 yards wasn't far enough to see how my body would react to the snugness of the suit. My Orca suit didn't restrict me as much as thought it would. But, like I said, I think I have to swim longer in it to really find out. The most important lesson was to be able to re-orientate myself when exiting the water. Those first few steps could be catastrophic if I don't take my time.

My journey just got longer! I thought I was close, but now I know there's so much more work to do. Look for some product reviews in my next blog. I got a couple of new toys that I'd like to share about.