As the alarm went off at 5:30am (again!) and I started the long drive up to the lake for an open water swim, I wondered why exactly I was doing this. I haven’t signed up for any race, I don’t have to do XX miles or XX workout, and I certainly don’t have to drive 40min to face one of my biggest fears – an open water swim.

But when I saw this gorgeous sunrise on my way, I knew I’d have a good day no matter what.

Pam, Ironman and Chiropractor extraordinaire was my coach and lifeguard today. She swam alongside me for a few lengths (I reckon we did about 0.25 miles/400m?) and when we came out of the water, I was excited and thrilled!

I had not panicked even once!!

I did flip on my back the very first length, but that was because I didn’t know how far off the shore was. I even stopped midway to look around, tread water for a bit and resume swimming. Yes, I was treading around in circles and I didn’t have control over where I was drifting, but for someone who didn’t know how to tread water until 2 weeks ago, it was a huge!

Now all I need to do is keep at it to over my OWS fear, and then manage to add in the swimming amidst people. And a few swimming pointers from a coach might help too – for learning to keep my head down a little better.
And hope for nice warm water temps.