First Open Water Training Session

My First Open Swim Training Session

I attended my first open water training session – test driving my new wet suit – today.  Sponsored by CGI racing – more specifically by Larry and Michelle Redrow – this activity is really on point.  The event was very well attended – almost 2 full sign in sheets were filled out.  The cost is minimal – a mere $2 tip for the guard and $2 for the lake association.  I feel a debt of gratitude for their effort to organize this opportunity!

Well it did not go according to plan.  I am signed up for a 1.2 mile swim on June 1 at Navesink sponsored by Sandyhookers.  On my way down (it took 1.5 hours to get there from my work place unfortunately), I entertained fantasies of getting in the water and doing 6 laps to prove my ability to at least complete the 1.2 swim.  Well – that did not happen!  To put it mildly – the experience was humbling.

The Redrow’s have the situation set up with a buoy 1/10 a mile from the dock.  The guard is on the water in a kayak.  My first attempt – I got down to the buoy – and ended up pulling off to the side.   I bailed!  I then swam back feeling the agony of defeat.

My excuses?  The water was very cold.  My gogs were fogged so I was swimming virtually blind.  A new wetsuit and my first open water training experience.  The real reason?  Probably I defeated myself psychologically.  All the while I am thinking – I will never be able to do 1.2 miles if I have this much trouble with 1/10 a mile.

Afterwards, I had a few more false start where I bailed even sooner – finally another one when I bailed after going around the buoy.

Then I figured – I got to do this – just take it nice and slow and do a whole lap.  I did a few practice breaths before starting the swim and bingo – got through a lap.  I subsequently did two more laps – with less rest in between each time.  By the time I was done – it was getting dark and approaching 8pm.  I wanted more at that point!

The good news is – though I had some difficulties at the beginning – by the end of the experience I was gaining a comfort level – even to the point of being able to think about my technique.  I only crashed into one swimmer head on and had a couple other bumpings.  Mostly swimmers were blowing by me.  They all seemed so much faster than me! 

But now I am trying to figure out how to hit the open water as much as possible between now and June 1.  I guess it is a little like trial by fire.  I want to be able to do my 1.2 – maybe without any time goal at this point.  I think if I can get to these locations that all are over an hour from my home several more times before then – I will be able to do the job.  I am also thinking about trying to sneak swims more locally – though that could come later.

I think I have enough comfort level that I can work a little more on fixing all my bad habits as well next time.  I might flub again a little in the beginning but I think I will get down to business sooner!

In addition to providing this opportunity for all of us – Larry swam up to me and gave me a little pep talk.  It was great to be out there with all of these serious swimmers and nobody criticized me for the challenges I had.  I am glad that I am getting this over with now – instead of at my 1.2 on June 1 or my tri-sprint race on June 8 in Watchung.  By then – I should be good to go!