My first open water workout

I like to push myself out of my comfort zone. This time I pushed myself too far. There isn’t a whole lot in the world that can make me cry.

We were all waiting on the bleachers waiting for Coach Pedro to start the workout. I felt a sense of euphoria standing with all these wetsuit-clad swimmers in the middle of a tourist attraction, not to mention everyone giving us amused looks. Mostly, I felt like part of a team doing something many others find impossible to accomplish.  After the briefing, people were running into the water like they were given a head start to escape from Alcatraz before the guards came after them. Standing on the beach, I already started to panic. Once I got into waist deep water, I felt a little better. My wetsuit was warm enough that I didn’t feel any temperature change. After swimming a few strokes, I was so overcome with fear that tears started streaming down my face. I refused to put my head in the water, which made my panic attack even worse.

Today was my first open water swim workout, training for an Alcatraz crossing. I finally paired up my words with action. The idea for this ambition came to me one day while I was watching the Ironman Competition on TV last summer. Just watching all these people walking across the finish line, no matter how long it took, was very commendable (while I was sitting on my butt watching this). I said to myself, "I want to be one of them. I want to do something in my life that not many people can do." I began dreaming about competing in the Escape to Alcatraz triathlon and running across the finish line. After a few months of dreaming, I discouraged and belittled myself. I can't run, nor can I bike. However, the triathlon is always nagging me in the back of my head. I started working out more the past few months. I started swimming a mile each week. As luck has it, the sudden great weather provided me an opportunity to start running on the beach. The thought in the back of my head tugged on my sleeve even harder. Now a triathlon seemed a little more possible. Again, luck found me an affordable, amazing wetsuit to work with.

Open water is so different from being in the pool. You are in the middle of a vast expanse of water—there is nothing to hold on to, you can’t touch the bottom, forces are pushing you around. During the course of the workout, Coach Renee stayed close to me by the beach where I was able to reach the ground. We started off by getting me comfortable with putting my head in the water.

It was a whole different sensation in the ocean water. With your head down, you can't see anything. It was like floating in the abyss. I instinctually squeezed my eyes shut as I plunged my head into the water only to realize I had goggles on. Perhaps they were a little too clear. I probably held my breath for the longest time today. I was so caught up in being inside my head that I forgot I can just turn my head to the side. The more times I entered the water, the more comfortable I became. I was more aware of myself relative to the water.

I absolutely love my wetsuit (with the exception of its girly color). It is so lightweight and easy to slide on and take off. It keeps me at a comfortable temperature. I didn't even notice the temperature change when I got in and out of the water. Its buoyancy is amazing. I don't even have to tread. All I have to do is lean back. Although the salt water makes it easier too. And what I love best is...it makes me look sexy. =P

I wouldn't say I am addicted yet, but I can definitely say I would do it again.

Until next time. I will keep you updated on my progress.