Jersey Girls Tri: 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.