And the "Dissing" goes on....

Wow, I had an experience several hours ago. Before I go any further, I will say this: "You can't judge a book by its cover." As I am doing intense research for my possible upcoming 18 mile swim from my island (Roatan) to Utila, I am starting to talk to people here about the tides, currents, time of year, time of day to attempt such a feat in my "elderly" state. I am considered very old here for someone who swims and exercises a lot (58). The swim will happen right after I turn 60. And I thought I left all this behind when I left the States. HA!! I am also a scuba diver (of course) and a snorkeler (absolutely). I stopped in a dive shop but my friend was in Germany. One of his divemasters, Jenny from England, wanted to know why I was asking so many questions. I mentioned I was entertaining the idea of an 18 mile swim to Utila. Her first repsonse was: you can't do that, you're not in shape at all and you are too fat. Granted, I am not an athlete, I am a swimmer, and I don't equate the two anymore because of lots of other factors. She began to tell me a story of a young 30-ish woman who is a triathlete who jumped in the ocean yesterday and began swimming west. Well, at Lighthouse Point, she was overcome by current and swept out. She tried to get back but failed (going againt current). A boat had to get her. Jenny's point was that she was half my age, half my size, and if she couldn't swim against current, I stood no chance whatsoever in the swim to Utila. I should know better than to try something this huge because I am large, and this triathlete was thin with lots of muscles and huge legs. That I could not possibly compare the two of us. She was right about that. I am probably the better, most experienced swimmer in open ocean even if I don't look the part. Of course I tried to explain to her that not all triathletes are good swimmers. I have swum in enough triathalons to find this out. There are a handful who are or were elite swimmers, but the majority are not. After all, I always place 2nd or 3rd overall in these types of swims and I "don't look the part." People make fun of me every year until the swim is over. I have great admiration for triathletes; I cannot fathom the degree of training they must put themselves through. But the average layperson hasn't a clue. So for anyone out here trying to do their best, don't let words from a person who may not know enough about what they are talking about to get to you. Especially for any newcomers faced with an uphill battle to better yourselves in the water. Sticks and stones may hurt my bones but words will never hurt me. Even at my experience of swimming, people who know very little about swimming continue to make negative comments. So be it. So when I do attempt the 18 miler, I will definitely look Jenny up. Swim for health, swim for fun, swim for confidence, and most importantly, swim for yourself!!!:groovy: Donna