Open Water Swim...can we be FRIENDS?

Had my first OPEN WATER SWIM of the season Sunday!  Its been a few years since I have done anything official in open water.  I was stoked to try my new wetsuit because I have never swam in one before and I was totally excited to see how I really wouldn't have to swim because the wetsuit makes you float, right? 

I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.  I grew up on Lake Tapps, but playing and swimming...they are very different, plus...knowing a lake helps.  I was anxious to see how it would go, the water, the swim, the wetsuit, the scary fish...you never know whats going to happen.

Getting in was nice...the wetsuit helped a ton!

My wetsuit is a 2011 BlueSeventy Reaction w/ sleeves that I got for a sweet $100.  It was through a local gym that was getting rid of their inventory.  I think it has been worn once for a rental.  Glad I jumped on that deal...I really like it.  I would show you a picture of me in it, but I don't want to make any of you jealous...I look pretty SWEET in this thing!  It really complements my figure and holds everything in very nicely!  I might start wearing it in place of my spanks...just sayin!  Can you sense my sarcasm?

This could get long...lets do bullet points, shall we:

• The wetsuit makes getting in cold water...a TON easier
• I was breathing every other stroke, not normal for me!  I usually breath every 3 or 4
• I couldn't catch my breath
• And I thought the swim would be the easy part of the TRI...haha!
• I swam freestyle and then would do breaststroke when I got tired
• Seeing the actual distance is a lot different then being told to swim 500 yard in the pool...
• What happened to my stroke?
• I hated seeing under the water...though I couldn't see anything...it still freaked my out
• I need to do MORE open water swimming to get COMFORTABLE with being UNCOMFORTABLE!
• Why did I sign up for an Olympic TRI...why do I do CRAZY THINGS? 
• Wow, I can do this...
• I almost got out after 30 minutes...but I didn't.
• My swim coach was there and gave some tips...after that...everything got a lot better.
• I slowed down my stroke, which slowed my breathing and heart rate down..WAY BETTER
• Oh yah...now I remember how to swim!
• The first 1/2 hour I was with the fast crew...that was confidence booster...even if I felt like I was dying!
• My wetsuit worked great...it's amazing to float...buoyancy ROCKS!
• My hands and feet were freezing
• I need to do this MORE!
• With a wetsuit...remember Body GLIDE...I forgot, didn't feel anything during the swim, but my neck has a nice rash now.
• I felt dizzy!  Getting out of the lake...I felt super dizzy.  I guess the cold and a few other things make that happen.  Good to know!
• Not following a line (like in the pool) make "Sighting" very important.  I need to work on that!  Don't waste energy swimming off course!
• Swimming in the ocean would be more fun!  Kona...gotta get there!
• Thankful for my friends on my swim team that loaned me their open water goggles...Maximum visibility is VERY nice!

So there you go...my first OPEN WATER swim!  It was an eye opener...I'm glad I did it...and I'm really glad I have time to do more.  If you are doing a TRI and think you have the SWIM part covered because you swim in the pool...think again.  Swimming is my strongest sport, I love it...but open water swimming with people...that's a totally different animal.  Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable is a BIG deal.