Yesterday was my first open water swim of the season with Swim Las Vegas (awesome website coming soon).
Being Typical Stef, I was hesitant to go in. Information about the water temps ranged from 49 to 59 so I was skeptical.
But it seemed fitting, having watched Champions of the Silverman 2008 on the big screen a mere two says prior. That movie brought it all back. In a good way! Kelly blogged earlier about how that movie really showed the beauty of the desert and Lake Mead. Very very true. Wonderful movie I'm so glad they made it and had a screening for us!
Anyhoo, back to the swim. Just before we went in Coach Paul remarked that Lake Mead was my "backyard pool." I've mentioned here before how awesome Paul is. That remark simply confirms the awesomeness, and also confirms that I have the best backyard pool EVER.
I love Lake Mead. Before it was my swimming space it was my sailing space. And I never thought I'd say this but I like swimming much much better than sailing races. I feel like I'm in my element when I'm swimming out there.
Although my backyard pool was COLD. High 50s I would say and I base this partly off of JT's comparison of the temps to last years Ironman Coeur D'Alene temps. He said Lake Coeur D'Alene was a bit colder. When I filled my wetsuit with the shivery cold water my hands and face still felt like icicles. A few strokes out and I considered going back cause it was almost painful. But then my hands warmed up and my face acclimated so I was all set!
It was a good workout! I didn't feel especially fast but kept up with the group no problem. We ended up splitting into two groups. I was in the slower group. AWESOME! I felt very happy and at peace with where I was, both in the nice brisk lake and with my pace, and with our awesome swim group. My stomach growled a few times and my new Swim Las Vegas swim stroke felt a bit awkward in the wetsuite but I felt strong!
Well, okay, I kept up with everyone in the slower group until the end when Izaac ditched me when we were supposed to practice drafting off each other. I could NOT keep up with that guy. He must have misheard and though we were practicing racing! He clearly belonged in the faster group and in fact I think he switched groups at some point to swim with us. Dork!
Anyhoo on our last swim between the buoys we were supposed to draft in a row: Izaac, then Stef, then John. That's how it was supposed to go, because that's what Coach Kara said! So Izaac was the leader, and JT was behind me (I'm sure had no problems keeping up). But Izaac just HAD to go fast. I tried to stay on his feet but was simply not successful. He said that he tried to slow down but it just wasn't working for him. Um, hmmmmm. Sure dude. Lol!
I was totally going to tattle on him to Coach Paul but then I forgot to so oh well. LOL!
At least he invited me to breakfast later. So I was able to refuel AND catch up with him and Kelly AND see their cute niece Isabelle. So that was a lot of fun too!
Overall training is going well. I'm still struggling a bit with everyday fueling but told Liz that I want to ramp it up for Rage, which is now four weeks away! So this coming week starts a nice build! I'm very happy about that!
12 comments:
Short rant:
I have tried EVERY freaking way to view that d@amn video an it won't let me. I have gone on the stupid video help thing and tried all of their suggestions! It is not like I am on some old Compaq 4MG computer for Christ's sake!
*stamps foot petulantly*
What a rockstar workout! You are going to be so ready for Rage! I get to meet you in 4 weeks! YAY!
Yeah, I know, that darn Izaac went and got all speedy on us. What is up with that?
Hey you did great out at the Lake!
your gonna do awesome over the next 4 weeks!
yeah.. and Izaac.. Mr. I'm Slow, Whatever!! This guy has hidden gills and come out when he's in the water along with his fins!
we'll hang on to his wetsuit string next time! HA!
rockon`
Nice work out there! Way to go!
Nice swim workout! That cold water can be painful!
I love the idea that Lake Mead is your backyard pool! It's so beautiful. Your confidence in swimming is wonderful to behold. Glad you had such a good workout and time with friends (even if Izaac is a Speedy McSwimmypants now.) :D Wish we could be there at Rage too! Sounds like tons of fun. Have a great week.
To swim in water that cold just proves you are ONE BRAVE WOMAN :-) Nicely done!!
I see from your blog that you are doing B2B tri! I signed up too (thanks to Waddler!). Lucky you getting to swim outside already. That won't happen here until at least late May. Cold water can make it hard to want to get in, but usually once you acclimate, your body warms up to compensate for the cold.
Oh my, such COOOOLD water!! Man, you are tough, so tough to get in that backyard gem. And cool to have swim buddies, even those who sprout fins & gills in the water and take off, LOL.
If you hear of a Star Trek food pill that provides exactly the right amount of fuel to get you through your workouts, please be sure to let me know. I could use one :-)
That sounds like quite a first open water swim for the year. Do I need to mention that the water was WAY too cold for me? Yikes!
good job with the open water swim!
We won't start OWS for a few more weeks here! I am excited to get back to it though! yay for your first swim!
I can't wait to hear about your business venture!
I am a day late and a dollar short (like always), but I am here to defend my good name!
As I recall, it was Stef who was right there leading the pack. Sure maybe on the drafting part I took lead, but I distinctly remember Stef (who used to be at the back of the pack) being right up at the front this time.
She was looking smooth and fluid.
I for one am a leetle scared to see what she can do at Rage!
Stef you may want to announce that you are starting with the Oly people because the RD is going to thing that you cheated and left with the Half people, you'll be done so fast!!!
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