Sunday, July 20, 2008

PLAN B

Again the weather changed the plans for the weekend. Saturday I awoke to lightning and thunder at 4am. I popped on the TV and checked the radar. It was going to be raining for a long time I could see. I fell back to sleep until the alarm went off at 6am then rechecked the radar. Game over for the biking this AM. I fell back to sleep again.

I did things around the house for most of the day waiting for a break to ride. It never came so I headed to the trainer and rode with the Tour again for 90 min. Not the ride that I wanted but a good workout.

Sunday's game plan was an open water swim at Ohio Street Beach. It has a marked one mile course. Again during the night, I awoke to lightning and rain. The radar was turned on to see a quick moving storm. I met with Iron Snoopy, Moose and Ronda at 7am and we headed to the city.

Ohio Street Beach

As I was putting on my wetsuit, my nervousness kicked in high gear. Ronda explained where I needed to swim and sighting. The water was cold (63 degrees). Thank heaven for wet suits. As I waded into the water, my heart was bumping 100mph. I began to swim and was surprised at how clear and calm the water was. There was no panic for me. I got into a rhythm. My sighting was bad and found that I was heading toward a boat out in the lake with no one around me. I corrected my direction and tried to pay more attention to where I was at.

I knew that I was swimming slow but I felt confident. So I looked to my left and saw Snoopy who told me the turn around was just ahead. I went around the 1/2 mile buoy and headed back down the shoreline. I was met at the 1 mile mark by Snoopy and Ronda. What a great feeling. My longest open water swim and great friends for support.

With less than 2 weeks until Steelhead, I guess it's time to start trusting in my training. A few more big workouts then the taper begins.

Waddling after the weekend............

11 comments:

Iron Jayhawk said...

Great job on the swim! Cold water makes it tough, but you persevered!

My one advice for you with Steelhead on the horizon. Have a BACKUP nutrition plan just in case. This was a massive downfall for me today and ultimately cost me somewhere around 30-45 minutes.

I'm so excited for you!! You're really going to rock your 70.3!!

Vickie said...

I wish I had been able to get in the lake this weekend, but it hasn't happened yet. Glad you got that conquered! Its hard to believe the big day is almost here!

TRIHARDCHIK said...

Terrific job! You are SO READY for Steelhead! Trust in your training, stick to the taper, and you'll do fantastic.

Sighting will be much easier at the race. They'll be people in front of you, and the buoys are big and easy to see (provided there's no fog!).

Have a great day!

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

Congrats on a huge achievement. Trust you're training--the hard part is over!!

Michelle said...

Great job! You had me nervous there too for a second. Glad you pulled through. Sounds like you're ready!

Anonymous said...

Your training has been great - you will do awesome at Steelhead. Enjoy the taper!

Amytrigirl (aka Amybee) said...

I know that beach well! I used to live in Chicago and would run or bike by there.

Now, on business trips, when I run near there, I look in awe and admiration at the swimmers doing their thing in the lake.

Low 60s will take your breath away for a few moments. Thank heavens for wetsuits indeed!

Joe said...

You and Lake Michigan...wow!! Great swim...steady, solid, self-correcting.

You are getting ready...enjoy it!

Kewl Nitrox said...

You're right. It's time to trust in the training and focus on the moment.

Fe-lady said...

I am so excited for you, Vickie and Nancy at Steelhead this year! It's one time I want to be back in my home state of Ohio, as I could be there to cheer you all on!

Does Steelhead have athlete tracking! I certainly hope so!!!

Unknown said...

Feeling confident will get you through the swim.

I need to work on OWS soon. I'm nervous already just thinking about it.

>