Breakthrough: Open Water Adventures

I'm one step closer to the finish line at Ironman Kansas 70.3. Last week, local triathletes tested their readiness in the open waters of Longview Lake where the weekend's upcoming triathlon was to be held. My friends Katie and Tim joined me for our first adventure in the cool early spring waters. We had all recently acquired sleeveless wetsuits to assist us in our transition to outdoor open water swimming. Katie and Tim kept their cool while I was literally shaking with anxiety (and colder air temps). I hadn't been this nervous since I interviewed for my personal training position in New York a couple years ago. 

After listening to a short clinic of tips, the three of us got in, fully submerged ourselves and then we were off! To my surprise, the water clarity was better than I had imagined. (I had been swimming with my eyes closed for a few strokes here and there in the the pool at the J.) Sighting the buoy proved to be more challenging than I had anticipated, though. I had tinted goggles on and the skies were cloudy so our environment was less bright than if it were a sunny day. 

I swam a couple laps after realizing it wasn't so bad and I felt the anxiety quickly melt away. I felt as though I was 20 pounds lighter now that I was conquering the new world of open water swimming. I can't imagine not having done this considering my first triathlon was less than four days away...

Katie and I sporting secretly nervous smiles pre-swim at Longview Lake.