Tuesday, June 3, 2008

More About Swimming

I just learned something interesting about myself the other day.

When I got back from the 20K in Des Moines it was humid and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. I was trying to figure out what I should do with myself. It was hot and I couldn't go running. My actual schedule said I should be cross training and this gorgeous day needed to be utilized. As I was putting my stuff away I noticed a little bag tucked away at the back of my closet. It was my wetsuit. At that moment I decided it was time to bust that thing out and see what it's all about. I grabbed the wetsuit, hopped on my bike and headed over to Shady Oak Lake.

It was exciting. I was putting on my expensive piece of latex for the first time since buying it. Standing on the shore of the lake I was plotting my course. I'd swim literally straight across the lake from one beach to someone's back yard.

Did I care if they didn't like that? Absolutely not. If they wanted to stop me they could come in after me.

As I slowly walked out into the water it felt nice. The sun warmed the shallow part of the lake very nicely and it felt great. All my gear was on and I was ready to do. I hopped into the lake and took about two strokes when it hit me. Not a rock but a sensation. A horrible sensation.

After two strokes the pretty shore turned into a deep and dark chasm.

The bottom? No where to be found.

What's down there? I don't know.

And with that I turned right around and made a mad dash for the shallow part again.

Yes folks... apparently it's true.

I'm afraid of the water.

Seriously. For about an hour I tried to work up the courage. Out and back... out and back... for one hour. That was the pattern. I just couldn't summon the strength to get out into that water. After all, there's no telling what the heck is out there just waiting for me to hop in.

If someone was with me I know the story would have been different. But by myself? No chance. And with that my swimming adventure was cut short. That was not cool.

But, I do have a small sense of relief. After checking out the Department of Natural Resources, I see I was swimming at the deepest part of the lake.

Hopefully tomorrow will help shed this irrational fear.

2 comments:

Kris said...

Hey Jim!
I can't wait to hear all about your 20k and I promise you I will have you over your open water fear in no time ;) I was extremely intimidated my first few times and wouldn't leave the area where my feet could touch bottom. Hope you are having a great week and I'll see you soon!

Anonymous said...

Not a fan of unchlorinated, deep water myself. If I can't see the bottom, I'm not swimming in it. I was going to wade out into a pond here to get my dog to swim...until I saw all the goose poo. Never mind.

Are you ever on ichat these days? I lost the charger to my telephone in the move. Rats.