Overthinking

Anyone who has read my blogs know that swimming is my toughest discipline.  It scares me to death.  Recently I posted that I was going to try an open water swim class.

A good friend (from another state) reminded me that it would be better to start with a wet suit.  I understand why that was recommended.  Extra buoyancy, a little protection against whatever may be in the water, etc.  But here in NC the water temps are pretty much the same as a pool right now so I am not stressing too much about  that.

My biggest fear is that I can not tread water.  I also cannot back stroke.  My only swim technique is freestyle.  I also have this problem with sinking.  No matter how hard I try I cannot float.  Back to that wet suit thing again.  Not enough buoyancy.

I am not trying to be negative, just stating the obvious, no treading, no floating, will lead to tired arms.  Also and probably just as important, I have never even attempted to swim anything over 50. Meaning I always have been in a pool and had the luxury of walls to rest or stop at.

I know that I have to take the plunge and just do it.  I have to go to a class and be confident that someone will save me if I start to drown from stupidity or over exertion.

Signed,

Overthinking

Tuesday Thoughts

I have noticed that most of my recent blog posts are on Tuesday.  I guess Tuesday is my reflective day.

Today, I am continuing to prepare for my busy June.  Lots of races, both tri's and run races.  I am really excited about them all.

First, I am running in my first 10 miler.  It will be at a local military base and they are not allowing headphones.  It's going to be tough.  This will be my first race at this distance.  I have raced longer but this should be interesting with all the young soldiers pushing me.

Next will be a 5k with one of my "students" at the Komen 5k.  We are going to try and have fun and be competitive.  I am not concerned about my time, just pushing her to do her best.

It's an awesome feeling running with someone who's really excited about getting out there and trying.  It just motivated me even more with my own personal training.

Updating my schedule

As part of my continuing to assess and reassess my progress this year in Tri's I have revamped my schedule for the remainder of the year.

I think my swimming has progressed to the point where I need to further test myself.  Open water here I come (kinda).  I am really fortunate to have a couple of different options for Open Water swimming local to me.  Also a couple of awesome coaches that offer Open Water clinics.

With that being said, I am going to go for it and commit to my first open water tri.  I am leaning toward doing Mission Man.  The only issue is that it will be the week following my century for JDRF in Burlington VT.   I do not see it as a fitness issue but a issue with gearing back up that quickly.

So my new schedule as of today (subject to the boss's approval)

6/8 Army 10 miler - Ft Bragg
6/9 Susan Komen Race for Cure 5k
6/16 Three Pigs Tri
6/24 Smile Train Tri
6/30 Run for Heroes 5k
7/14 JDRF Ride - Burlington
7/21 Misson Man - Open Water
8/12 Tri the Worx
8/26 Ironman Louisville - Volunteer
9/8 Inside Out International - Open Water
10/13 Myrtle Beach Half Iron - Open Water
10/20 Myrtle Beach Half Marathon

Sounds busy.