There were a lot of things going on in my mind - an the minds of my teammates as we arrived at the Hansom Dam Recreational area in Sylmar . Why are we here? I don't wanna do it! Can't we just fly to Hawaii and Practice open water swimming there?? There was fear and uncertainty - Along with some excitement and some "Gung-ho!" attitudes. What wasn't there for the first timers there - myself included - was an ACTUAL sense of what we were getting into.
The Training. Schedule told us we would be doing a mini - mock Tri today .. But, Since we were delayed in doing our First Open water swim a couple weeks back - this was just going to be 30 minutes of swimming in the lake - followed by a hour of running. This is winter - and even though to is California - Let me tell you - The water in lakes and the ocean is cold this time of year. Full length wet suits are required. What they don't tell you is that gloves, hats and boots would be nice too… along with a full face mask.
The Iron Team for Team in Training was heading out before us and then were just jamming it out before us - All that Superman truing they have been doing made them prepared for this. Some of the Lavaman Team head been through this before. I was going to just go for it - I was not afraid of the lake - I swan in lakes before. And I had this wetsuit on - I headed into the water and I moved to the front. And instantly - my feet were freezing! Its one thing to dab you feet in the cold ocean surf, while the rest of your body is in the warm sun - but as you wade deeper into the water and start splashing that cold water on your face - and Pushing it down into your wetsuit - then holding your face under the murky water for 10 seconds. then 15. then 20… Holy cow - this is cold! and this is not as simple as jumping in the pool and going for a swim.
I had borrowed the wet suit. And I have never swam with one before - let me tell you - that is a new experience. While, It is very buoyant and it does help to keep you warmer in the old water - It also can pull up around your throat and it can really make you feel like its choking you. It can be a very uncomfortable way to swim - and, in the combination of the freezing cold water - It is really are to relax and swim at your best.
I had two moments that I thought I was not gaining to make it around the lake. I could not seem to catch my breath. I was hyper ventilating… Thank goodness for the life guards - I grabbed onto the Surf board - and caught my breath. I got myself calm… And with a bit of struggle - made it around the lake. My Wonderful Coaches stayed with me and made sure we did it. That helped a lot - it was a Freezing cold lake - and a huge challenge. When I finally got out of the lake - My feet were stinging from the cold…. 30 Minutes in a cold lake is very hard… it takes a toll.
I climbed out of that lake and to the transition area and dried off quickly ( But not as quickly as I will have to do in the race) and Got my running shoes on and Head out for the hour long run along the Dam. At first - I felt okay - Probably because i was still half frozen.. But as I started to Head out for the hour long Run - I started to warm up . and the ankle I twisted started to get feeling again , Which, incidentally was not a good feeling. But As I ran along, I realized that I was going to make it. The challenge was to do my best. To show up and To create awareness for The Good Work of TNT and LLS - To let people know that they can do what they can do to make a difference in the life of the people who are really struggling - those people fighting for their life.
I finished it - and Then listened to a Great Mission Moment with the Folks from IronTeam - and heard about a girl who was in so much pain in treatment that she could not stand up or walk - but, She was still sending us thanks and wishes of good luck in our race - She was glad we made a difference… And that makes me want to show up again this week and do it all over again! Go Team!
