Swim Blah Blah Swim

Really tough swim today. I was flat out when my alarm went off. I hit snooze 4 times. Decided to skip it and go for a walk at night. I felt so tired and sore throaty. But I got up and chugged an Yerba mate drink to wake up, threw my gear in the bag, and headed out. 

Don’t Care About the Weather

It was raining, so I wasn’t too happy about that as I drove to the park. I don’t mind swimming in rain but was afraid the park would be empty. I don’t like being the only person there. Spooky. 

Happy to see that there was a party having a bbq under one of the shelters on the beach. I decided they could be responsible for me. As I was acclimating another swimmer got in the water about 20 yards away. I waved to say, “hey there, fellow swimmer, nice day.” He waved back. I was excited to see that he also used a snorkel. He had huge fins, too. 

Acclimation Getting Easier

I started making my way out to the deep water, and was surprised that I only had to pull my face out a few times to acclimated. Then I was off. Because I have no idea what happens when I swim, I ended up more east than south, which was fine. 

The other swimmer was long gone, swimming in a straight line south. 

A kayaker went by; I waved. I always wave. But I started swimming again so quickly that I didn’t see if she/he waved back. I hope so, but I kind of doubt it. 

The water was murky, so I couldn’t see anything. Also, it was deep. 

All in My Head

I was actually having a crummy swim. It felt good to be in the water. Always. BTW, treading water in a wetsuit is so much easier. So I swam, then treaded, then swam. But all the shit that I usually leave behind was with me today, and I couldn’t understand why. 

Well, maybe why. When I arrived there was a big ugly black bird perched on the safety buoy out past the cement block. I think he was there to cast some doom and gloom across the lake. (See video below.)

I’m almost always in swim mode even during the drive there, and the minute I’m in the water my mind is either blank or thinking of sunbeams or souls. Today all the baggage stayed with me. I was thinking about what I’d write today. I was worried about things. I didn’t feel uplifted. It was a struggle to swim. I was exhausted. Also determined. 

The rain didn’t bother me a bit. I don’t understand people who think I’m doing something daring or brave by swimming in the rain. Hello? I’m already wet. There’s no lightening. No thunder. No added risk. No added cold. 

Technical Difficulties

Oh, from last swim: my app suddenly won’t let me in and does’t recognize my email login. I don’t really check my app, but the idea that I can’t log my swim is freaking me out. I have emailed the app folks, begging them to help. Haven’t checked email today. Maybe there is an answer.

I used my timer on my phone and set the alarm on my phone. That way when the alarm goes off (I can hear it in the buoy) I know I’ve been in for 20 minutes. Anything beyond that is a bonus. 

Today I didn’t wait to hear the alarm. I headed in because I was so bummed that I didn’t have a free space in my head for my swim. I decided to try the outdoor showers. They worked! So from now on I can rinse off the outside of my gear (I always rinse off the inside when I get home) and wash off the duck poop parasites. Ever since my friend told me I could get them in my privates I am neurotic about showering after being in the lake. I do not want an itchy fluff!!!

Another Swimmer!

As I was changing out of my wet things the other swimmer came out of the water and came over to say hello. His name is M. His gear fit him perfectly. I was envious ‘cause my current wetsuit leaks like crazy. We chatted for a bit. I was hyper chatty. We talked about gear, and he warned me that the lake will get a lot colder in May when the snowpack on the mountains melt. Crap. Also, whatever. I’m still getting in. 

After I got home I realized that I think I have talked to him once before. He might think I’m crazy. 

I forgot my transition map, so I got all wet sitting on a wet log to remove my swimsuit. Then I dropped my shorts in a puddle, so I had to wear wet shorts home. I always seem to forget one item. Need to put up a checklist. 

I’m so tired. Bye.