Lake DeValle, Livermore, CA
We look happy here don't we? Its because
we are still on dry land, all warm and snug in our
wetsuits. This was our second open water training
and while driving over, the temperature in my car read
48 degrees.
Moments later we began the "Death March" into
the chilly waters....
Geez, I have never been in water sooooo cold. It felt so much colder than Boot Camp. This time I could care less about parasites and murky water, but experienced brain freeze when I started to swim to the first buoy. At first, all I could do was dog paddle just to get some feeling in my extremities and kept thinking, "don't panic, just breathe and swim...." Our goal was to swim two time around the buoys (about 1 mile) in 40 minutes. All I could think of was reaching the first buoy to begin my swim before the 40 minutes are up.
Captain Tony was nearby during my entire swim, keeping a watchful
eye on Dana and me. His presence was very reassuring, although I was
worried that with me being so slow, he was slowly freezing to death. Once my brain
started its slow thaw, I began to set goals (i.e. complete 10 strokes without
stopping, and increase from there). When I broke it down like that, the journey
wasn't so daunting. However, I was very relieved that time was up before
I started my second loop around the buoys.
After peeling off my wetsuit and changing into my bike gear, it was time
for 40 minutes of spinning. Coach Simon led us on a challenging spin session, but I was so happy to be out of that water and getting warm again that I did not throw Simon a "stink eye". After the spin, it was time for a 20 minute
run/walk session. Since I'm training for Aquabike, I use this time to walk and stretch.
Some friends and teammates are trying to convince me to do the full
Vineman, but I'm really on the fence about that. The deadline to complete the
full Vineman and AquaBike entry forms is next Tuesday. I'll let you know
if I change my mind....but don't hold your breath.
After our first run/walk, we got back on our bikes for 40 minutes of hill repeats. I have to admit, I really enjoyed this session. The hills were challenging, but not too bad. Coach Dave road by and gave us pointers that will help us with the uphills. I need to practice riding uphill out of the saddle. 
Nutrition wise, for the first time I used Perpetuem as one of my "energy" drinks. Despite the thick texture, it did the trick---no cramping, no bonking, no gagging. I felt pretty good the entire day. For me, I think Heed and Perpetuem will be my liquid nutrition plan.
Very cool, Carol. Literally! Way to brave the waters... I love how the term "death march" is sprinkled all over your blog ;) Despite the mental and physical challenges, the photos show you all as strong and determined ~ exactly how I know you all to be! Glad to hear you're also getting things together for fuel options. And I'm with you on hill climbs out of the saddle; I need the practice too! Warm up now ~ Aquatic Park awaits! Looking forward to facing it altogether as a Team.
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