That was way harder than I thought...

I met up with some open water swimmers this evening for a dip in the ocean in my new wetsuit. I have to admit that my first time out with them was a bit of a failure. The combination of the new wetsuit crushing my chest, waves slapping me in the face, and ridiculous buoyancy all combined to induce a mild panic attack. I think leaving my first ocean swim (with wetsuit) until 2 weeks prior was very silly - not quite as silly as not practicing at all though I suppose.

I couldn't do the loop and a lovely woman who was swimming with some novices escorted me back to shore where I did short laps in and out to get used to the feeling. I started to get comfortable in the waves but quickly got too cold. I think I was in the water for 20 minutes or so in total. Getting in and out to chat to the volunteers about progress didn't help this.

With 2 weeks left, a dodgy foot and a fear of swimming distance in the ocean, things are not looking good! I will need to get down to the swim meet on Thursday and try again, this time more mentally prepared, if I'm going to make it.