Last night I went out with VOWSA with my new (used) wetsuit. Firstly, let me back up and explain about the wetsuit thing...
Last Thursday, after my full lap with VOWSA I realised my wetsuit wasn't adequate for warmth, as I emerged from the ocean going blue and shivering. I found a true swimming and triathlon wetsuit on Craigslist and picked it up over the weekend, taking the MEC one back for a refund. So off I went last night, to try the new (used) one out for the first time.
Exciting news - there was a grey whale out there! Whilst this was off-putting for some of my fellow swimmers, I couldn`t wait to get out there. Then the other news, the ocean temperature had dropped to 16 degrees (c). That`s pretty cold.
The water was beautifully calm, the sun was shining, and I headed into the water full of optimism. However, it was clear when I started out that this was going to be a challenge. I made it to the first buoy and headed west - and the sun hit my eyes, making it difficult to spot the next buoy.
I felt my pace slowing, becoming more laboured. A guy arrived and asked if I was okay. I said yes and asked if he`d swim with me. He agreed, but after a few more strokes I felt that it was an impossible task and said I would head back to shore.
Not many more strokes later, in the direction of the shore, I felt so tired. At this point I realised I couldn`t get back. Floating on my back to relax didn`t help and my chest became tight. `This is why you swim in a group with lifeguards around` I thought, so I waved and called for help.
Another male swimmer arrived before the boat did and checked to see how I was doing. Okay I said, but I needed the boat soon. Thankfully, the lifeguard was a strong rower, although she was some way off she reached me quickly.
I was strong enough to pull myself into the boat. By this time I wanted to rip my wetsuit off, I felt I was being crushed. The lifeguard helped me get the zip undone and handed me her sweater. I think I might have fallen in love with her for a moment. That happens when you get rescued - right? Anyway, the relief I felt was ridiculous. I thanked her way more than was necessary and she managed to make me feel like I wasn`t a complete idiot for getting into trouble.
So - what does this mean? For now it means that I need a break. I`m not ready for this. I know I can swim the distance, all three together would be fine, but out in the ocean, out of my depth and in cold water I`m not ready. I need to reset my goals and keep my fitness up, plan to increase my stamina and work towards the next local triathlon. Probably at UBC where the swim portion is in a pool.
Lessons learned... Open water swimming is hard work. Don`t ever think that doing the distance in a pool reflects what its going to be like on race day. I should have started open water swimming earlier in the season. Even then a drop in temperature like this would have been a serious challenge. Secondly, asking for help when you need it is good. Knowing your limits is good. Open water swimming in a group is good. And lifeguards are great! Its hard for me to believe I used to be one.
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