Sometimes Just Walk

Today at the lake I met with C at the beach closest to my house. The water was flat, the air was cold, and the park was quite dark except for two bright floodlights on the wall of the park rec building.

Neither one of us had been in the water recently, so we were concerned about the cold. Would we be able to stand the water?

C wears a neoprene jacket over a farmer Jane type wetsuit, but the jacket is too big so it’s not as effective as it should be. My suit is snug and does a great job of insulating me from the water. Until I swim, then it leaks a bit.

I got right in, and started swimming. I was so eager to be in the water. I really don’t do well when it takes me five or more days to get back to the lake. Mentally, it’s the only thing that that give me relief from the dullness, the not caring, the paralysis of depression.

C started wading into the water, saying, “I don’t think I can do this.” I swam closer to the shallow area, and encouraged her to get in. I told her that even if she didn’t get all the way in, she could walk back and forth. The resistance of the water was exercise! She decided to do that, so she walked back and forth while I swam a bit, tread water a bit, and had a quick float.

I was wearing my new 5mm socks. Debated about which pair to get because I don’t want to spend any more than I have to. The branded gear is better, but I’m just not ready to spend that much. I spent $20 on the socks, and they did a good job. I try to remember to wear wool socks as a base layer. It helps.

We only stayed in the water for 15 min, then decided to change out of our gear in the parking lot rather than on beach. I like swimming with C because we wait until we’re both dry and dressed before we leave. That night she decided to ride home in her gear but waited for me to get into my dry clothes. Thanks.