More details when less exhausted... but ....
surprised myself w/ the time.... My main hope was to finish before they had to invoke the time limit of four hours.
During the swim, I was sure I was pushing that time limit... very, very choppy late in the race... seasick... but seasickness didn't even matter when I stumbled/scrambled up onto the beach
3 hours, 25 minutes, and 12 seconds after the start! :fish2: :groovy:
And then, the icing on the cake: an award!! First female over 50. Well, also only female over 50, but no matter! I was so ecstatic--the award is lovely and will be a wonderful souvenir to remind me that I can hang in when it's tough and reach the finish line!
The organizers do a GREAT job taking care of the participants from start to finish! And swimmers get towels to keep with the race logo ... then they have bags for each swimmer/kayaker containing good quality long-sleeve t-shirts for both and a finisher's medal!
Then there's a party for swimmers, kayakers, and family/friends afterward, with a delicious and plentiful spread of food at a local restaurant!
And all for a great cause too. The race director is very dedicated to this event because it's named in memory of his daughter who passed away a few days before she was to swim in 1999, and so proceeds benefit the Family Bereavement Fund of Hospice Care. This to me is a shining example of someone who didn't turn inward in the face of loss but outward to give back to his community. He and his wife are an energetic, inspiring couple!
If anyone wants to go longer and is looking for an extremely well-organized, worthwhile challenge, this is your race!
You can check out www.greatsouthbayswim.com for more info. I recommend a look at the swim history link in that web site!
Congrats! You realize that there is no going back now. Once you get longer swims in your blood, it just makes you want more.
Now you also have serious bragging rights at practice.
Congrats again!
-LBJ
Thanks Leonard! I also thank you for all the helpful advice you shared as I prepared for the swim! What an experience it was!
As for doing more long swims... :eek: Funny thing is that as I neared the finish, I was of two minds: one... NEVER again! This is IT! I'll be grateful to get my feet back on land!" and two... hey how cool is this! Do I really want it to be over already? What other longer swims can I try? To this voice, I said, "shhhhh!!! not now!" But I suspect it's not going to keep quiet. ;)
I'm the slowest swimmer in my masters' groups, but now, true, I can hold my own endurance-wise!
My runner friends are doing a lot of cheering!
Yeah, dangerous thoughts of future distance swims creeping in....
Congrats! You realize that there is no going back now. Once you get longer swims in your blood, it just makes you want more.
Now you also have serious bragging rights at practice.
Congrats again!
-LBJ
CONGRATS FMIF! You are a total inspiration! The 1.4 miler I'm swimming next month is the longest open water I've done, but I'm hoping to "get the bug" and keep going for more! Hearing your experience just makes me want to keep it up! :woot:
FMIF, "you da man!" so to speak...
OK so we're gonnna tandem next year and do "swim across the sound" right?? Maybe Donna can fly up and use it for a training trip ;)
:D
Thanks Rich and scwids!
scwids, good luck in your swim! Have fun w/ it too! Ha ha, gets addictive... Parents, have you talked to your children about swimming? ;) Funny thing, if you'd told me when I did my first o.w. swim that I'd do one over five miles, I'd have said you were crazy!
Rich, heh, I know the Sound is way, way wider than the GSB! I might start thinking a raft looks very, very good at a certain point.... ;)
But this "still, small voice" that says "why not?" is going to resurface and cause more swimmin' mischief, I can bet! You have to watch those "still, small voices"! :wiggle:
After my previous post. I went back to look at YOUR original post. and realized that at exactly the time you started. I was in the water at a local lake, swimming the 1/2 mile across...having been out of the water for 2 wks due to a huge head cold.... I was taking it easy. (my daughter from out of state was up, she did 2 miles).... to think how many people all over were all swimming at the same time.... I am planning my own 3 mile swim end of month across a bigger lake...you have inspired me as well, as I am slow but like to think steady. Have done 2- 1 mile swims. Have my boat ready and tested, now to get mentally ready.
Hey Fish
A virtual high five to you!!!! I am totally amazed that you can do 5 miles at once. I just did my second event ever Saturday at 1.76 miles. Can't get my arms around 5 miles yet...........Damn that little voice. Hmmmmm Well if I increase my yardage........ You know the drill. Great job and you totally have my respect.
Spudfin
PS The Long Bridge Swim in Sandpoint Idaho ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey all,
Thanks for the kind words and good vibes!
Spudfin, congrats on your swim! Ha, watch out, it is addictive! Great job!
Hoosier, wishing you a successful three miler! You'll do great!
Off traveling in the west now and hardly on line at all, but stole a bit of time at the hotel computer.
Good swimming to all!
