Saturday, July 12, 2008

Open Water


When we started this Triathlon training we agreed that it would be a good idea to try the lake swim at least once a month. Today was the day that we decided to do our first trial swim. I had been excited about it but secretly terrified as well. For one, I wasn't completely sure I could swim 400 yards without stopping or having something to hold onto. And two, I was terrified/paranoid/grossed out about the murky water and what lies beneath. In the end, only half of my fears came true.

When we arrived at the lake we found a lifeguard that told us that while they are on duty we are only allowed to swim within the bouys. There's a lane set up outside the swimming area that we can do laps in but when they aren't on duty we can swim wherever we want. Next time maybe we'll come back when they aren't on duty so we can swim further out into the lake but for now, we'll do the lane.

The water wasn't too cold and you could actually see the bottom while walking in. That quickly changed. It became dark and green. I have a crazy fear of unknown, dark water where I can't see the bottom or what's in it. That was one of my problems.

To put it simply, I did my swim, as fast as I was physically able, and immediately got out. The water scared me and I think it would have been better to not have my goggles on so I couldn't actually see anything. At one point during my swim I saw bubbles coming up from the bottom. I just prayed it was a plant and not an animal. Acutally, I don't want to know what it was! We ended up swimming about 560 yards in about 19 minutes (the swim for the Triathlon is 400 yards) so we were happy with our first attempt.
One yukky/murky/scary lake swims down, 3 to go!

11 comments:

gina said...

More power to ya!

I hate swimming in the lake or ocean past my waist- totally freaks me out. Give me a pool any day. Sounds like you guys are really working it though. Keep it up! :)

Kim said...

that is tooo funny!!! Maybe your fear will cause you to swim faster!!

Mrs. Nowlin said...

You are SO much braver than I am! You are awesome, keep going girl!

Ann said...

I am so glad you overcame your fears and did great. Yahoo!
By the way, how is your foot doing?

I'm trying to figure out what lake that is- ShadowCliffs????

Anonymous said...

Keep it up! You are great!

muralimanohar said...

Ew...I have a deathly fear of murky water, too...or rather, anything IN the murky water. I prefer the ocean...in Hawaii...in summer..where it's crystal clear, and I can see every strand of seaweed, every coral, every fish, jellyfish, sea cucumber (not to mention the actual scary things, like the stingrays and sharks :p ), and get out of it's way with a shriek, quicksmart. lol

Carrie said...

Way to go Steph! I love Kim's comment about the fear of the water making you swim faster. I think that will work. :-) At least we know we can do it now. This triathlon in in the bag.

Emily said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! You are amazing to attempt this, I would never get in the dark murky lake all the way! Up to my knees maybe... maybe!

Stephanie said...

Thanks ladies for all of your encouragement. I agree with Kim, it probably will make me swim faster. At least, that's what I'm hoping!

Ann, my foot is totally better. Thanks for asking. I still have no idea what that was! And yes, it's Shadow Cliffs. That's where the race is so we want to get used to the surroundings. If that's possible :)

Michelle said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Woo-hoo for you swimming despite your fears!! One thing I have learned during this process is to stop saying things like, "I have a crazy fear of unknown, dark water..." Now I say, "In the past I have been scared of...but I'm working on changing that." Maybe I'm overboard on the power of positive thinking but I really feel we have to stop saying negative things to ourselves if we want them to change.

My thing is running. I used to say, "I hate the run" or "I'm not a good runner". Now I say, "The run is challenging for me but I'm working on it and getting better". It may sound kooky but it works! I'm getting better at running and I no longer hate it.

Anyway, you are going to LOVE doing your tri. I had SO MUCH FUN! I just got the official pics from the event so look for them on my blog in the next couple of days. I'll be following your progress and can't wait to read your first race report :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Steph...You are absolutely amazing to go swimming in murkey water. Good for you for conquering your fears. I think I could swim in a lake, but the ocean....Yikes!
Keep up the good work. I am so proud of you
1 Love, Auntie