Thursday, April 24, 2014

Delight, Disappointment and Decisions

This week of swimming was worth a double semi trailer stuffed with happy, positive superlatives. If a car was driving behind it, the driver would have to flip on the windshield wipers to clear the notes --" fantastic" "glorious" "amazing" "fanfreakingtastic" and such.

Swimmers and scooterists are incredibly kind, funny, friendly and, when needed, total badasses. I picked a couple of great hobbies or obsessions depending on who you talk to.

But, despite days of swimming in water about 60 degrees in La Jolla and 56 here in San Francisco, I wasnt able to complete my 6 hour qualifying swim. I made it just shy of 2 hours. On the bright side, thats more than double the 45 minute swims Id been doing to that point. Lynn, my kayaker, was great support.  She kept me going with her gentle cheering (in her own way) but the cold was even meaner. They say that no one ever drowned while shivering but I wasnt willing to take the chance.

I was relieved to get out of the water but in tears that I couldnt make the swim. Yup. Cried like a 3rd grader who spelled "catasrofee" at a spelling bee.

So now I have to figure some things out. I can keep training and swim in Branched Oak constantly until it gets too warm (over 60) and gain a few more pounds and try to nail the qualifying swim in a couple weeks. Or I can organize a relay in place of my solo crossing.

I'm going to keep swimming in the lake and see how my cold tolerance improves before making a final decision. I absolutely love swimming. Unfortunately I hate the cold about as much.

I'll post more details about the trip with photos when I get home. THANK YOU for the well wishes!  You have no idea how much I appreciate the WARM thoughts!

10 comments:

  1. Good luck Molly. I can't imagine making this decision. Granted, I also can't imagine swimming a 6-hr qualifier. Wait...that's not true. I can't imagine swimming a 6-hr qualifier in sub-60 degree water!

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  2. You still rock my world. Always & forever.

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  3. Well all I can say is unless it's above about 83 no way am I even wading. So you are in a totally different world. All the best in whatever happens.

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  4. Hang in there Molly. Acclimatization is not easy, and sometimes not all that fun. Head down and keep training. You'll get there.

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  5. Hang in there Mollly! I have only known you a short time but I know this is something that you want. Persevere my friend, you have a very large cheering section!

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  6. Thank you for your friendship and support. This is a huge, tough challenge, but I'm determined to do what it takes to be well prepared.

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  7. I still have time. I need to complete the qualifying swim by 2 weeks before my tide, but I'll need to make a decision sooner if I want to join or form a relay. I'll be spending a lot of time in the lake these next few weeks and as soon as the temp hits 59, I'll take another shot at the qualifier.

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  8. you are going to do great molly. keep up the acclimation.

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  9. I totally get it! Cold is tough! Keep working at it. Cold baths! Push it baby!! I am in your corner -Renee

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