Finally got the first open water bare skin swim in today, a brisk 58.8 degrees for about 15 minutes as I swam out and around some buoys in Lake Zurich nearby the house. It was sunny so that helped and after some initial quick strokes began to settle down and relax, thinking about my stroke versus gasping for air and thrashing around like a seal waiting for a great white shark. Although come to think of it, I was probably mistaken by some local kids on the next door pier for just that.
With luck, plan to incrementally add time and days as water temp rises so that during summer I can be in the lake 3 days a week minimum and then plan my longer swims for the weekend. At some point will add in Lake Michigan, I believe it is still in the low 50's!
Hi Don,
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog...I'm Matt Fetters a 49 yr. old swimmer in the DC area and I toy with the idea of doing a BIG swim at some point in my life (Around NYC, English Channel, Catlalina) but I don't know if I really have the motivation to make it all happen. So for now I'll just draft in the wake of your blog - I look forward to folowing your progress - Good Luck.