big swims

Two down, one to go!

It's summer, and for some of us on the swim team, that means open water/long distance season. Me? I don't swim in the lake all that much, but I do like a swim where I can just go and go and go.

Case in point: the 10 km timed swim at the UIC Natatorium late last month. 2 hours, 29 minutes, 48.61 seconds of go and go and go. I paced off Adam as best I could, and even clawed back a bit of distance from him in the later stages before cramping calves forced me to stop to stretch a few times. I was afraid the cramping would keep me from my goal of making a sub-2:30 swim. Happily, I squeaked in under the wire. Parts of that swim weren't pretty, but I was quite pleased with the second wind after 5000 meters.



And then I went home to nap followed by eating everything I possibly could.


This past week I took a longer lunch and shared the pool with John (who also swam the 10 km with me and Adam) and Seth (who has yet to do the 10 km - have fun Seth!!!!). We each did a 5 km timed swim. A maddeningly erratic swim for me with a switch to a modified single-side breathing pattern to restore some good technique to my stroke. The cramps held off. I know I took the swim out far too hard, but I did want to, well, go for it. 1:11:38.54 was my time, and frankly, I'm pleased. Not too bad for almost-41!


May and June are crowded with long swims (and in March, April, and May I put in over 40 miles a month in the pool, I should add). Up next is Noblesville, a team event with Liz, Dana, and Mike. I'm looking forward to it greatly - I've done swims there twice, and I've had a good time in each case. I've also had a national title and record, but that's a high bar to reach again. I'll settle for a good swim, a good time, and no sunburn.

After the 10 km, one or two people joked that it was odd to see me wet, in a swim suit. Yes, perhaps. I tend to swim mostly on my own early in the morning rather than with the team, I know. Still, there really is nothing like doing the events with the Smelts - the swimmers I know and like so well.

One more to go, then a week away from swimming while away at conference. I have no other summer events planned, but you can bet I will be keeping regular hours at the pool. I have to look good for that wedding later this year, after all!