90% Mental, 10% Physical

Yesterday I participated in the Crystal Lake Open Water Swim Race. I haven't raced there in a few years, but it was always a well run event on a quiet lake. This time was no different. It was great to see friends old and new. Some I hadn't seen for two years.

They offer a 1 or a 2 mile swim. Very interesting as it seemed like more people opted for the 2 mile this year. And answer me this...why with all the colors in the rainbow would they pick two cap colors so close together? Lime green and florescent yellow. Pink or blue...common folks.

One day I'll get a real glamor shot.

The course was an out and back for a mile and twice around for the two mile. This would be the first time I completed a 2 mile open water swim. I've swam more than 2 miles in the pool and in the lake but it is always broken up. This was going to be a good test to see first, if I could make 2 miles and second, how tired I'd be upon finishing. The MI Titanium is 2.4 miles so pretty close to judge training.

I know this was a huge mental hurdle for me to get over. I've been stressing for a few weeks. But I'm happy to say I finished the 2 mile swim. Even felt good at the end, so 2.4 should be just fine.

The first mile I didn't go that hard. I just wasn't sure how much energy I should expend to still be able to complete the second mile. But as I headed out for lap 2, I picked up the tempo.

As I swam that final stretch to shore and the run up the beach, a woman came up on my left. We were neck in neck and stood up to run up to the beach and through the shoot. Well as many swimmers know your equilibrium is off when you stand up after being horizontal for so long. I equate it to that camp game when your in a relay race. You put your forehead down on a bat and spin around it. Then stand up and try to run straight back to your team. You veer off in all sorts of directions like a drunk.

So as we both ran for the beach I slipped and then she did. Looked like I was tackling her and really wasn't sure if I caught her foot when I fell. But confirmed today with my friend that I didn't tackle her. But I couldn't stop laughing and just let her go through the shoot first. Little did I know she was in my age group and took third place by 3 seconds. Oh well, I'm fine with not coming home with some jewelry. She was half my size and if by chance I did cause her to fall, she deserved 3rd.

And the chase is on.

Letting her go first...sportsmanship

If I had to do it all over again, I'd gladly let her go first. What were we competing for? A million dollars...no a blueberry muffin post race.  In my eyes I was a winner. I overcame my anxiety of "can I do 2 miles?" and it wasn't a huge struggle to finish.

But I still start giggling to myself as I picture in my head the two of us trying to make it to the finish line and so unsteady on our feet. Must have been so entertaining for the crowd.

I think yesterday was 90% mental for me and 10% physical. But aren't all our efforts that way? Self doubt can undo all your training.

Enjoy the swim,
Sheri