THE BROOKLYN HALF - A RACE RECAP

FYI, the Brooklyn Half Marathon was the most AWESOME half marathon I have ever run!!!!!!! I cannot wait to run it again next year.

Why the Brooklyn Half? Well, hubby Tom and I are doing the 9+1 option through the NYRR (New York Road Runners) club.  If you run 9 NYRR races and volunteer for 1 race, you are eligible for guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon.  And both of us want to run the New York City Marathon...badly!

My husband was born and raised in Brooklyn, I was born and raised in Staten Island.  Each of us remembers watching the NYC Marathon on television and wondering what crazy ass person would ever want to run 26.2 miles? Fast forward into adulthood and these two crazy asses want to run the 5 boros of New York.  As former New Yorkers, we consider it a right of passage. 

Packet Pickup:
Ok, so back to the Brooklyn Half.  Logistically speaking, its a nightmare!  No really, it was.  There was no race day packet pickup, there was no place to park, there's construction everywhere, no signage directing you,  and of course it was pour rain. It sucked!  Tom and I got into a verbal confrontation in the car. The stress of aimlessly driving around was getting the best of both us. Tom let me out of the car and drove loops while I wandered around the waterfront looking for packet pickup, in the pouring rain with no umbrella. Eventually I spotted a big tent way out on a pier and I headed that way. At last, I was in the right place.

With race bibs in hand, I headed back to the car.  Race day parking would be at Coney Island and we would be taking the subway to the start line. Tom decided to pre-purchase our metro cards while we were in Brooklyn.  Excellent idea on his part!

Race Day:
Saturday was race day and the weather was perfect!  We left New Jersey at 4:40 in the morning and arrived at Coney Island nice and early. Or so we thought.  The line into the parking lot was already insanely long.  I sat quietly in the passengers seat while Tom had a near meltdown as we waited to get into the parking lot.  Once the car was parked we simply followed the crowd onto the subway platform across the street.

The 1/2 hour subway ride was completely filled with excited runners making their way to the start line at the Brooklyn Museum.  There were more than 25,000 runners ready to take over the streets of Brooklyn. You could feel energy and electricity in the air. 

Need a porta pottie? Your in luck! Porta potties as far as the eyes could see.  There was never a line to use a porta pottie and that's a big deal in a race this size. I'm going to start rating races based on their porta-pottie-to-runner ratio. 

Tom and I in corral 20

The race was broken into two separate start waves.  We decided to move into corral 20, which was the first corral in wave 2.  Runners in the first wave were lined up. The National Anthem was sung, the horn blew and the runners took off. It took about 25 minutes for the runners in the first wave to clear out.  Next it was our turn.  Our corral opened, and we moved up to the start line.  We were at the front of the pack. The National Anthem was sung, the horn blew and wave number two was off and running!

We ran down Washington Avenue (a nice quiet street) and turned the corner heading towards Grand Army Plaza.  As we rounded the corner you could see them! Crowds of spectators lining the streets cheering and yelling. It was so damn motivating.  I couldn't believe how many spectators turned out with random signs, bells, drums, whistles...you name it!  Adults and kids cheered us on and motivated us along.

After looping Grand Army Plaza we headed into Prospect Park.  Again, there were more spectators, more people cheering, more people high-fiving us along the route.  Prospect Park was a little hilly but not too bad in my opinion.  Somewhere around mile 5 was where we met our biggest incline.  After that, it was a flat course.

We ran the loop inside Prospect Park then headed for Ocean Parkway.  We were 7 miles into the race and I felt wonderful. Ocean Parkway was completely closed off so you had plenty of room to spread out.  More people lined the street in scattered areas cheering us on.  NYRR had water stations at every mile marker and the volunteers were incredible, friendly and motivating.

As I approached the end of Ocean Avenue, I could see the rides at Coney Island.  It was time to run on to the boardwalk. The streets and boardwalk were lined with spectators, and I mean lined! I managed to keep a really nice, steady pace throughout the entire half marathon. I approached the boardwalk, saw the finish line and began my sprint to the finish.  The crowd loved my sprint and cheered enthusiastically. 

I completed the Brooklyn Half in 1:46:54...my best half marathon time so far.  My husband wasn't far behind. He came running through the finish line with a terrible cramp in his calf that flared up during the last mile.  He looked like peg leg running down the boardwalk, but an awesome, badass peg leg! He never stopped running. Tom finished in 1:55:00. 


The traffic heading home was the worst part of the race.  It was the last logistical nightmare we had to face. And in case you didn't know this, Brooklyn people are the most crazy ass drivers out there.  Next year when we run again, we need to come up with a better parking/commuting plan since it took us nearly 2 hour to get out of Brooklyn. It was a long day, but worth every single second in the end! The afterglow lasted for at least a week. Hell, it's still there now!

Thank you Brooklyn for an AMAZING half marathon filled with the BEST spectators and fantastic memories! Tom and I will be back to run your streets again next year.  And I'll be wearing a shirt that says No Sleep Till Brooklyn.

   
 

SWIM WITH YOUR HEAD UP AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

What a long week of craziness. I started the week off feeling terrible about swimming, terrible about triathlons and terrible about almost everything. But then Wednesday rolled around and I pushed myself through my training session, and I swam 1,000 yards non-stop for the first time.  The first 300 to 400 yards were the toughest (they always seem to be) but then I eased into a routine of stroking and breathing.  I felt good and comfortable.

Thursday morning I completed a 17 mile bike ride then hurried to the pool afterwards. I did another 1,000 yard swim in the pool and felt relieved that I was able to maintain that distance for a second day in a row. Maybe it wasn't just a mere fluke.

Thursday evening I was scheduled for an open water swim in Long Branch. It was a chance for Jersey Girl Triathlon participants to come out for a practice swim in the area where the swim portion of the triathlon will be held.

Luckily I was prepared to sit in bumper to bumper traffic, because thats exactly how it went down.  I arrived in Long Branch two hours after leaving my house.  I couldn't find a parking spot near by, so I had to park about a half mile away and walk to the beach with my gear. I was running a tad late because of the traffic and the gals were already in the midst of their swim.

I rushed over to the group, yanked on my wetsuit and hurried into the water. Nothing like having absolutely NO time to overthink things.  I was back to business as usually swimming with my head up.  I rounded the first buoy exhausted. I took a deep breath and put my face in. Instantly I realized that I couldn't exhale. I panicked, lifted my head up and took several more strokes. I tried again and again, and each time the same thing happened. What in the world is happening to my brain now? If I can't exhale in the water, than I certainly can't inhale because my lungs are already full of air.  I completed the shortened swim course and headed out of the water to meet up with the group on the beach.

My friend Jenny arrived late after working all day in Manhattan. Poor girl had a rough commute, but I was so happy to see her. She got her wetsuit on and hurried into the water. She completed the swim course quickly and was out in a flash.  I told her what was happening to me.  She decided we should swim the course together and told me not to give up on the breathing after one shot. She encouraged me to stick with the breathing/stroking sequence, but more importantly I needed to do it without lifting my head up.  "It will come, I promise" she said. So into the water we went, with Jenny leading the way and me following. I did what she said; I put my face in the water, no exhale. I rotated to air, no inhale. I didn't panic, I just put my face back into the water and boom...there it was. A nice deep exhale. I was able to swim several sequences in a row, inhaling and exhaling rhythmically.

My discovery of the evening was that every time I swam with my head up, the initial shock of putting my face into the water caused me to hold my breath.  As long as I didn't panic though, I would exhale on the second try. This is a great lesson in why you shouldn't swim with your head up. Plus, it completely exhausts you.

So Jenny and I finished our second lap with another swimmer. We all swam towards shore and got close enough to be able to feel the bottom of the ocean floor. We were so thrilled making our way out of the water that we didn't see, hear or notice the gigantic wave about to engulf us. At the last second I saw the wave about to hit, but there was nothing I could do. It washed over our heads completely, yet somehow (and believe me I don't know how) we were still standing.  "Well that sucked" I said to Jenny. The girls on shore came towards us to make sure we were ok. And coach Brian? He had a little smirk on his face.  He probably thought it was a good character building lesson for me. And in my heart of hearts I knew it was.

A 'Note to Self' and a note for you too; when you're exiting the water on a beach, don't get all happy and excited. Check your back for incoming waves and get as close as possible to shore BEFORE you stand up. And if there's a Dunkin Donuts on your way home, treat yourself to an Oreo Coolata. Because their pretty awesome.
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Jenny and I survive the big wave and we're still smiling
 

PREVIEW OF THE RANDOLPH LAKE TRIATHLON

July 13, 2014 will be my first triathlon. The Randolph Lake Triathlon is a 1/2 mile lake swim, a 16.4 mile "challenging" bike ride, and a 5k run (partial trail run).  The race director from Paramount Multisports offered participants a preview bike ride as well as a preview swim.  And I am SO taking advantage of this opportunity! My brother Lester, an avid cyclist, asked if he could join us for the group ride. Come hell or high water he's determine to make me a better cyclist, because I suck at it.

This was my first time biking in a group formation. No worries though since the group left me in the dust within the first couple of miles. Marty was the "sweeper" (poor Marty) and promised to stay with me through the entire course. That was really good because I had no idea where I was going.  So now I'm trailing behind with Marty and my brother Lester commanding me from behind.

The first major incline was about two miles into the course.  Marty pulled up along side me as I struggled up the hill. "Switch to your smaller wheel" he yelled. "I don't know how to do that" I yelled back.  I think I saw him roll his eyes, even though I'm sure he'd deny ever doing so.  "Push the small tab on the left twice" he yelled.  I pushed the left tab twice and suddenly peddling got a bit easier. Just keep spinning, just keep spinning...I survived big hill number one.

The course was a constant battle of rolling hills.  When you weren't struggling up a hill, you were fly really fast down a hill.  There were potholes galore, blind curves and cars flying around us. The entire time Marty and Lester stayed behind me telling me when to switch gears.  "You need to peddle faster, pick up your cadence, switch to an easier gear" my brother yelled.  I was peddling and switching as fast as I could.

Then around mile 9 we approached Cemetery Hill. I had hear about this hill on Facebook but there was no way for me to be prepared for it.  I was on the smallest, easiest gear, standing and peddling, struggling up Cemetery Hill.  After about a third of the way up, I honestly couldn't peddle anymore.  I got off my bike and decide to do the walk of shame.  Marty and Lester waited for me at the top.  I finally reached the top, got back on my bike and set off to finish up the last 6 miles.  We completed 15.2 miles of the 16.4 mile course. Marty explained that the course goes on to Route 10 which will be closed on race day.  Since it wasn't race day and Route 10 was open, it was to dangerous to chance. I was totally ok with this!

Next, we headed out to the lake for our swim. There was a big turnout for the swim and I met the nicest group of people.  I asked someone what the swim course was and she responded with "oh, its the perimeter of the entire lake".  I was like "WHAT"??? That lake is huge!!! I can't swim that far. I go into a silent freak out mode.

I got my wetsuit on and I followed the group in. By about 150 to 200 yards in I was exhausted.  Why? Because I was swimming with my head up...again.  Suddenly, I go into a full blown panic attack and I want out of the lake, NOW!!! I turn to look for an easy escape route and I realize there is none. The only way out is the same way that I came in. And that wasn't the greatest option either.  I flip on my back, breathe slowly and try to relax. I decide I'm going to continue forward, slowly.  And that's what I did. I swam slowly, flipped on to my back whenever I felt winded or anxious and then continued freestyle when I calmed down.  It was a long swim, but a kind lifeguard stayed with me the entire time.

I was the last swimmer to complete the course.  The other swimmers waited for me on shore and patted me on the back and some of the gals high fived me.  Everyone was happy, joking around and sharing food.  I survived the swim and I know I'll do better on race day.  Two weeks and counting down. Yikes!

MY EMOTIONAL SWIM ROLLERCOASTER

I hate this week! I hate everything about this week.  And it's only Wednesday. I know I'm being a whiny little bitch. And the worst part of it is that I have absolutely nothing to be whiny about and SO VERY MUCH to be grateful for. I'm guessing its normal to ride the triathlon emotional rollercoaster sometimes.  Maybe we all get our turn on this ride.  And right now the ride sucks and I'm holding on for dear life. I'm just not in a good place mentally at the moment. 

Six months ago, when I first began my 'learn to swim journey', I saw the Randolph Lake Triathlon advertised online. It sounded like a good triathlon but I didn't know back then if I'd be able to swim a half mile by July.  I signed up for 2 other triathlons instead.  They both take place in August and both are shorter swim distances. The only x-factor with the other triathlons is that their ocean swims whereas the Randolph Lake Triathlon is a lake swim.

Then this past weekend I did something stupid. I discovered the Randolph Lake Triathlon Facebook page and I asked if this was a beginner friendly triathlon.  Several people responded and told me its a terrific triathlon. A few said it was their first ever triathlon and they still partake in it every year.  So, what did I do?  Yeah you guessed it...I signed up of course. Because you know, that's what every insecure swimmer should do.  And now I'm  Monday morning quarterbacking my readiness for a 1/2 mile OWS. And my lack of intelligence? Well that comes into question too. 

The race director offered participants of the triathlon a preview bike ride and a preview lake swim. So in my defense that was one of the ways I got suckered in.

So now I'm signed up for a July triathlon (because I couldn't wait until August) AND I have a preview swim in 6 days and I haven't swam a half mile non stop yet in the pool. 

I went to the Y on Monday and decided I really need to add distance to my swim.  I walked in and the pool was overwhelmed with screaming day campers...and I mean SCREAMING!  There was only one lane open and of course it happened to be next to the mob of screaming kids.  I started swimming up and down the lane and I just couldn't bring myself to focus.  Every time I got near the deep end, someone was cannon balling into the water and it felt like I was going to be hurled three lanes over.  And all I kept thinking about was breathing.  I tried to ignore it and I managed to squeeze out 8 full laps. I stopped for about 2 minutes, took a break and managed to squeeze out 8 more laps. At that point I called it a day.  My swim practice was just crappy. I felt crappy. It was all crappy. And this started off the emotional roller coaster ride.

Tuesday, I woke up 4:00 am feeling nervous and sick over this whole thing.  It felt like a flood of bad thoughts, bad emotions.  I went back to the Y and it was the same scene playing out all over again.  Sort of like movie Groundhog Day.  I manage 8 slow laps, break in between, 8 slow laps, call it day. This isn't going to work.

Wednesday rolls around and I'm feeling totally unenthusiastic because I know I have to do it all over again.  This time I get to the Y a few minutes before noon.  Maybe, just maybe, the kids will be going to lunch and I'll have some peace and quiet.  I mosey on over to the pool and there they are, screaming away.  I look at the clock, it's 11:58 am.  Suddenly the councilor yells "ok, everyone out of the pool". YES, YES, YES my evil plan worked! The pool suddenly became quiet and peaceful, plus I had a lane all to myself.

I jumped in and started swimming.  I always do my first 8 laps slowly and I over rotate on purpose a bit when I get air.  It makes me feel more secure getting my entire face out of the water in the beginning.  After I got my 8 laps in, I felt really good so I decided to keep going. No break today.  I ended up doing 20 full laps non-stop (which is a tiny bit over a 1/2 mile) and I felt elated. 

I left the Y feeling much better about my progress and my ability. I also came out of my funk from the last two days. Now I just need to transfer that confidence and security into the open water.  Gulp...

OPEN WATER SWIM (OWS) CLINIC- TAKE 1

It was beautiful Memorial Day morning. I arrived at Victory Park in Rumson NJ nice and early. I was nervous. And I mean REALLY nervous. I honestly didn't know what to expect since I was about to do my first ever open water swim.

The group size was about 18 people or so, and we were all busy putting our wetsuits on while our instructor Brain went over details. He discussed sighting, turning a buoy, getting into and out of the water quickly, etc. It didn't matter because I wasn't going to remember much of it anyway once I got into the water.  And if you're interested, click here to read my info on sighting, wetsuits, buoys and dolphning.

Coach Brian had placed three buoys in the water located at 6, 10 and 2 o'clock positions. After he was done speaking, we headed into the water.  My husband Tom accompanied me on this trip. Luckily he decided to go for a run while everything was happening.

I got into the water and walked deeper and deeper until the water was up to my neck. Then it was time to swim. Since I didn't feel confident putting my face in the water and swimming freestyle yet, I decided to swim with my head up...Tarzan drill.  I made it to the 6 o'clock buoy but I was already exhausted from swimming with my head up.  The group treaded water for a minute or so, and I was elated that I was able to float. My wetsuit felt pretty awesome and it gave me a sense of buoyancy and security.

Coach Brain informed us that we would be swimming all three buoys in a clockwise rotation. I stayed at the back of the group, considering it was my first open water swim. I started swimming with my head up again, but I couldn't keep up with the group. Plus, I kept getting smacked in the face with small waves. I decided I was acting like a baby, so I stopped and treaded water because I needed "a moment".  I was really afraid and I could feel my heart pounding.  "Relax" was all I could tell myself.

And so, at that moment I decided to go for it.  I put my head down and began swimming freestyle.  The water looked strange at first because you couldn't really see too far down, but it wasn't as dark or scary as I had imagined it would be.  The water was a nice greenish blue color.

I cut the first buoy off and caught up with the group.  I was swimming with them and starting to relax a bit more when I turned to take a breath and got smacked right in the face with a wave.  Somehow, and don't ask me how, I remained calm.  I spit some of the water out and swallowed a tiny bit.  Well that sucked! But I survived it.

Remaining calm and focusing on my swim stroke helped to keep my mind off of breathing. I noticed during the swim, and I could imagining this, but it felt easier getting air outside as opposed to an indoor pool.  Every time I swim indoors my sinuses clog really badly and getting air feels a bit more labored. Here it felt...easier.

After swimming with the group for a while, I realized Tom had returned from his run. He was taking pictures.  I smiled and posed for the camera giving an enthusiastic thumbs up. Open water swim clinic number 1 complete! I hope the next goes as well...but that's another day.



My "before she drowned" photo. Coach Brian is over my right shoulder

Our swim group in the water and getting it done



A big thumbs up for myself and my husband. Its not so bad.

 

LESSONS FROM MY FIRST OPEN WATER SWIM (OWS) CLINIC

DO NOT...and I repeat...DO NOT wait until race day to experience your first open water swim!!! I know there are a group of crazies who go out and experience their first OWS (open water swim) on race day.  I personally don't know these crazies but I highly recommend you not join their club.

PUTTING THE WETSUIT ON:

• The wetsuit is pulled up like a pair of pantyhose.  If you have longer fingernails, be VERY careful you don't puncture a hole into your wetsuit.  You can try wearing a pair of gloves when your putting your wetsuit on.
• Make sure you pull the wetsuit high up into the crotch area.  Seriously! Don't be shy about grabbing your crotch and getting the wetsuit right up in there.  Everyone is grabbing their crotch so trust me, no one will even notice you.  Having a hanging crotch is going to make for an uncomfortable swim. So as your shoving the wetsuit into your crotch, think of me :)  Oh, and pull the sleeves up so that you can get the wetsuit up into your armpits comfortably too.  You don't want to restrict your arms and legs.
• Roll Body Glide onto your neck to keep the wetsuit from chaffing you around the neck area.  DO NOT use Vaseline. Vaseline will break down the integrity of your wetsuit.  I was told you can also spray Pam cooking spray onto your ankles in order to remove the wetsuit quickly during transition.  Another cool trick I learned.
• Goggles - Consider purchasing two sets of goggles; one with a tinted lens and one clear lenses. If its very sunny out you can wear your tinted goggles.  On a cloudy day you may prefer wearing goggles with a clear lens. 

SIGHTING:

• Sighting is SO important. Practice, practice, practice sighting!!!  In fact, do yourself a favor and practice it every time you go swimming, even in the pool.
• In sighting, simply lift your eyes up out of the water, take a quick peek and return back to swimming.  The key is to not lift your head out of the water.  Doing so throws your body out of alignment and will cause your hips and legs to sink, making the swim more difficult. 
• Some people in the clinic were told to sight every 11 to 12 strokes.  These were the experienced swimmers.  I was told to sight every 6 strokes.  Some folks were told to sight ever 3 strokes. The coach had a swim about 12 feet with our eyes closed while he watched.  He based his assessment on how quickly or not so quickly we veered off course.  
• When sighting, try to find a large landmark to sight.  This is especially helpful in the ocean where waves may make it difficult to see a buoy. If there's a large house or something big on the shore, use that as your sighting object.  Try not to use a boat for sighting. You can never be sure that the boat isn't going to move.    
• As you begin approaching a buoy, make sure to sight more often.  Your going to want to position yourself away from the cluster of people going around the buoy, so frequent sighting is key here..

During the clinic I had the opportunity to watch a group of novice swimmers make their way to a buoy and turn around.  I was shocked at how many swimmers never sighted and went completely off course.

TURNING A BUOY:

There are a couple of different ways to turn a buoy.  There's the "novice way" and the "fancy ballerina experienced way".  Here's a breakdown of both:

• The novice way is to lift your entire head out of the water and swim freestyle around the buoy. Your basically doing a Tarzan Drill and keep your arms wider (2 and 10 o'clock) so that you can claim some personal space for yourself as you navigate the buoy.    
• If your approaching the buoy and notice swimmers clustered around it, simply overshoot the buoy a little bit to get around the cluster.  Once you are completely around the buoy, return to regular freestyle swimming and sighting techniques.
• The professional way of turning a buoy is going to take some practice.  We were told in the clinic to overshoot the buoy a tiny bit even when doing it the "professional" way.  If you watch the video below you'll see why overshooting the buoy, even by a little bit, is a good idea!  

Video Demonstration: Turning a Buoy the Professional Way

 

 

DOLPHINING:

 

Dolphining was another technique that we practiced during our swim clinic. You use this technique to get into and out of the water quickly and using less energy. It's especially helpful if you're going into or coming out of waves in the ocean. While we practiced it a few times, I kept forgetting to plant my feet with each push off.   Once I realized that I wasn't pushing off with my feet, I corrected my mistake and found it helpful.  Be forewarned though. The first time we did it, everyone got a nose full of water. You seriously need to keep your head tucked.  That was another thing I kept forgetting. 

 

 

Video Demonstration: Dolphining or Dolphin Technique

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



TOTAL IMMERSION SWIMMING. WHY NOT?

I decided to give the Total Immersion Swim Method a try. I purchased the Perpetual Motion DVD's and began using them in mid March.  And just so you know, I am not at all affiliated with Total Immersion, nor am I trying to sell you on their methods or products.  I'm just going to share my honest opinion of the program.

I know it isn't for everyone, but Total Immersion did help me over some hurdles.  Very early on I realized that swimming is a technique driven sport.  And sometimes there's so much to think about (head position, hip position, body rotation, rotating to air, spearing the water, kicking...) you get it! Like a million different things coming at you at the speed of a freight train.

There were 10 lessons in the Perpetual Motion Freestyle DVD series. It starts with the Superman Glide (lesson 1) and ends with lesson 10 (the Two-Beat-Kick).  And FYI, good luck trying to figure the Two-Beat-Kick.  Each lesson is about 10 to 15 minutes long, and is broken down in baby steps.  Great for the novice and/or older swimmer. You can complete the lessons as quickly or slowly as you need to. But why rush through them?

I was a little apprehensive at first because I felt as though I was starting over again. But who was I kidding?! I didn't have a good swim technique at all, so it wasn't a big deal.  I realized it would be easier starting over again now, as opposed to learning bad habits and starting over again later. Yes, I looked silly doing the Superman Glide but I really didn't care what anyone thought anyway.

Lesson 3 was really challenging for me. Lesson 3 is where you begin learning how to balance yourself while rotating to air and taking a breath.  I was stuck on this lesson for a while simply because I kept losing my balance every time I rotated to air. And I kept getting water in my nose and I detest water in my nose!  It's very common for beginners to develop a terrible habit of lifting their head when they rotate to take a breath.  I'm guilty of this myself and its something I need to work on. 

The best thing about the lessons was that I completely ditched the swim fins.  I had gotten to a point where I couldn't swim without the fins.  Every time I tried swimming without them, my legs sunk terribly. It started making me nervous that I was never going to be able to swim without them.  And you can't use fins in a triathlon. But here I was...swim-fin-free!

Now there are Total Immersion "Junkies" (as I call them) out there. There are some who overthink EVERY single aspect of EVERY single movement.  I'm not that person.  I took a lot away from the program technique-wise, but there are a few things that don't work for me.  Mainly the two-beat-kick (I just don't get it) and the pull phase of the stroke.  Two triathletes recently told me to learn a "high elbow catch and pull", which I'm currently working on. I have read that EVF (Early Vertical Forearm) is more efficient, especially in open water.  But other than that, I consider it a pretty good investment. For the first time since I completed my swim lessons in January I look forward to practicing. And I use the TI drills in my warm up every time I swim.

MAKING FRIENDS WITH BADASS JERRY

I was only two or three days into my new venture at the Y when I met Badass Jerry for the first time.

I heard locker room stories that Jerry, age 76, travels around the US competing in various Masters swim competitions.  And, he's a winner too! When he isn't competing, you'll find him in a lane practicing. When he isn't practicing, you'll find him lifeguarding.  He's a terrific lifeguard and you always feel safe under Badass Jerry's watchful eye.

Whenever Jerry lifeguarded he would watch me swim. At any given moment, Jerry would come walking over to my lane to point out something about my lousy technique that was driving him crazy.

So I was at my 6 week anniversary of learning to swim and Jerry was still trying to help me become a better swimmer.  I told him about my meltdown the day before and how I cried in the car. He looked at me with this strange look and said "you can't quit now"! Now I don't know why, but I was surprised by his response. "I'm not quitting"! I said "I'm here today so that should prove to you that I'm not quitting".  I mean really. If I was a quitter, we wouldn't be standing here right now having this discussion, would we?

Jerry took a moment and explained what over reaching meant. He said that when I spear my hand into the water, I spear it very far out front which causes me to push the water down as opposed to back.  He tells me to try the Salute drill. As your hand is ready to spear into the water, pretend your saluting as your hand reaches your temple are.  Just don't over exaggerate the motion.

As I'm leaving that day, Jerry hands me an envelope containing several swim and triathlon articles.  One of the articles, which I happened to enjoy, was written by Terry Laughlin. I had never heard of him before so I searched for him on Google and discovered Total Immersion Swimming.  Hmmm, interesting.  

WHEN THERE'S NO ONE TO SAVE YOU, SAVE YOURSELF

By mid-March the weather had turned brutally cold on much of the East coast.  I had been practicing swimming three days a week and I was already six weeks in to my new "sport".  Between January and March I had dedicated much of my swim time doing various drills.  Probably 80% of my practice was drill sets, while the other 20% was spent trying to figure out whole stroke swimming.  AND, by this point I was a swim fin addict. "Hello. My name is Arletta and I'm a swim fin addict".  That's how the story went.

Some stupid inner voice lied to me and said that I could get myself off the swim fins whenever I was ready.  This turned out to be terrible advice from the stupid voice, so don't listen to the stupid voice.  It's only a temporary fix. 

It was a random March day and I was finishing up my practice set when a lifeguard approached me.  "You know" she said, "your over reaching your stroke and pushing the water down as opposed to pushing it back.  You really should start correcting that".
Problem 1 was that I had no idea what "over reaching" even meant.  Problem 2 was that I thought my swimming WAS improving.  Even if I was only 6 weeks into it.

I climbed out of the pool, thanked her for her advice, walked out into the cold March air, got  into my car...and CRIED! Alright I didn't cry, I sobbed. Really hard for about a full minute. 
It was a bad moment, one that I am not proud of! I take full responsibility.
Maybe I just needed to let it out.  I felt for a moment, really disappointed and somewhat scared.  It was this overwhelming feeling that came over me. This thought screaming that maybe I'll never "get" it and maybe this whole triathlon idea is beyond me.  Maybe it isn't my destiny. 

A line from a Bruce Springsteen song says "God have mercy on the man who doubts what he's sure of".  That line resonated with me at that very moment. 

Later that evening I told Tom about my day...lucky him. He always gets to hear the good stuff.  He calmed me down and reminded me that "I'm old" and that learning to swim for the first time at the ripe old age of 46 was going to take time.  "Rome wasn't built in a day ya know"!

I had a choice to make; sink or swim. I chose to swim.  Sometimes there's no one around to save you so you have to try and save yourself.  

I HAVE UNTIL AUGUST TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

The end of January had arrived, and with it, the end of my swim classes.  I was anxious to start “training” for my future triathlon.  Even though I hadn’t signed up for one yet. 

My first training day at the pool offered me the chance to meet one of the swim instructors, the ‘Swim Nazi’. She was sitting on a chair next to the pool watching a woman do countless laps back and forth. I began swimming with my pathetic technique, trying to remember all that I had learned in swim class.  My legs sank terribly, and I couldn’t make it halfway down the lane without gasping for air.  I felt insecure, scared and stupid. So if anyone asked me why I sucked so terribly at swimming, I would tell them the truth.  “I’m new to swimming”.  I hoped that response would send them running in the opposite direction.  But oh no, it didn’t!
I even began questioning myself as to whether or not I was prepared for this long journey in learning how to swim. I quickly discovered that swimming isn’t about endurance, it’s about technique. REALLY, REALLY good technique.
And that was one of the biggest differences between running and swimming.  When you become a runner, you see improvement fairly quickly.  The first time I went out for a run, I couldn’t finish a 1/2 mile distance.  But within one week I was able to complete that 1/2 mile and I was able to add a bit more on to the distance.  It was that quick improvement that helped keep me motivated from the very start.  And here I was, learning a completely new sport all over again.  At age 45 (I was turning 46 in two months).

The Swim Nazi approached me and told me to rotate my hips from side to side. I shook my head up and down as if I completely understood what she was talking about, but I had no clue.  My inner voice whined and protested that swimming requires 500 different moves, all happening at once and I don’t know what move I’m supposed to focus on first.  Oh, and my past fear of putting my face in the water? Yeah, it came back again just not as intense.

The Swim Nazi recommended that I consider purchasing a pair of swim fins. Not scuba fins…swim fins.  She said they would help keep my legs buoyant and I could focus on my upper body movement without worrying about sinking legs.

It was worth a shot, so I purchased swim fins…and I LOVED them.  My technique sucked but at least I was going quickly up and down the lanes, and I became brave about venturing into the deep end (yes, swimming in the deep end was an issue for a while).
I became a bit more confident and started researching upcoming triathlons.  I found The Jersey Girl Triathlon.  It was being held in Long Branch NJ.  300 meter swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run.  I have until August to make it happen!

I'M THE NEW GIRL ON THE BLOCK

Most people don't wake up one morning and say "hey, I think I'll become a triathlete"!  But that's how this craziness started for me.  The idea of doing a triathlon had been swirling around in my head for a while, but I squashed the thought every time I remembered that a triathlon requires three disciplines; Swim, bike, run.  Since I only knew how to do two of the three disciplines (bike and run), I successfully ignored the beckoning call of my inner voice.  That was until I watched the 2013 Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

I had been an avid runner for 2 years and was in midst of training for my first marathon. Seriously, why can't I just be happy with that??? I mean, running a marathon is a pretty damn awesome! And it's even more awesome when your first marathon includes Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and fireworks.  Considering I was a late bloomer, entering into the world of running at age 43, why should I push it?

I'm one of "those" people who can't leave well enough alone, because here I am.  A month after Ironman Kona 2013, I contacted my local YMCA and asked if they offered swim lessons to terrified-non-swimming-adults. Of course they did! And as luck would have it, they had a 10 week beginner adult swim course starting at the end of November.  I signed both myself and my not-so-happy husband Tom up for swim classes.

We met our instructor Ray, and I realized it would be a small sized class indeed.  There were only three of us; myself, my husband and another girl about 16 years of age.  I told Ray I was terrified to put my face in the water.  I think the young girl was terrified too, but she was even more afraid to tell Ray the truth. He tried to be sympathetic and gave me 10 minutes to get over my fear. Nothing like baptism by fire, or baptism by water.

I was surprised at how quickly I got over my fear.  Before I knew it our little group was moving up and down the lane, a vision of kicking legs and swinging arms trying to simulate something, ANYTHING that looked like freestyle swimming. By no means were we pretty, oh no we were not.  But I was relieved to be over my fear of putting my face in the water. Or so I thought...

Later that night Tom informed me that he had absolutely no desire to take swim lessons. I was on my own in this venture.  My other classmate (the young girl) came to about 5 classes then secretly confided in me that she didn't have the endurance for swimming. That was the last time I saw her. So, I ended up with 5 private swim lessons and I became the sole survivor of the adult swim class.

By mid January my classes with Ray ended and I completed the DisneyWorld Marathon the week before. I was ready to start practicing swimming full time.

I'm the new girl on the block and I'm the new girl in the pool!