Commitment is a funny thing... You stew over these things, ponder "what if", try to answer as many questions as you possibly can before making that commitment.
I have spent the past weeks discussing the channel, the level of effort, researching everything imaginable about cold water, weather, tides, who is the best boat captian, coaches, family impacts, training, food....yada, yada, yada and in the end it just comes down to commitment.
My long winded point? I have choosen the date range for the channel swim - August 20 - 27th, 2011. Thats 664 days from today and counting.
Now the fun begins....
Oct 8, 2009
Eye Opener - Meeting one of the Channel Legends for lunch
Well, today was a big day mentally. Finally met with Marcia Cleveland for lunch (with my friend and training partner Doug McConnell) and got down to the business of whats involved, organization, how she helps as a coach, time, costs, etc. Meeting went well and feel comfortable with continued path.
I however for the first time wondered what am I getting into? Not a bad thought but just the sheer training, time, leading up and then the actual swim started to really sink into my brain.
I'll begin digesting all of this Sunday when we as a group go swim for the first time in Lake Michigan, assuming weather is ok.
I however for the first time wondered what am I getting into? Not a bad thought but just the sheer training, time, leading up and then the actual swim started to really sink into my brain.
I'll begin digesting all of this Sunday when we as a group go swim for the first time in Lake Michigan, assuming weather is ok.
Oct 1, 2009
Planning, planning and more planning
Thanks to all the kind notes and encouragement
Charity:
I met with a guy and my training friend Doug McConnell last week to learn about how to use my (and Dougs) desire to swim between now and when we go in 2011 as a charity fund raiser. His name in Bob Lee and he recently rode his bike 6500 miles (yes that number is correct) all across America to raise money for several charities. He provided some great insights but the point that stuck in my mind was when he asked... what was my passion? I couldn't really say since I have been blessed with (knock on wood) little physical or mental health issues.
He really got me thinking ---- what is it beyond my selfish desire to accomplish this life goal that is important to me? So, the self reflective quest begins? The sooner the better since every mile I swim is one that could be making money. I would very much like to do something both in Goshen, IN and Barrington, IL so your ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Training:
I continue to swim 5 - 6 days a week at 4000 yards and continue to get in Lake Zurich near my house (or actually Kevin Rillo's house for those of you that know him) with my usual training partners. The recent cold snap should drive down the water temp and make this Fridays swim, ugh cold. I prefer not to know the temp before I get in just like I didn't like having Goshen coach Brian Rathke telling me 10,000 yards of workout was coming my way. I'm in that "just do it" mode and accept its cold and swim hard. With this colder water also comes concern about how far, how long and how cold I can tolerate swimming outside. I am looking to get a kayak so my wife, Jennifer, or others can come along for safety.
Charity:
I met with a guy and my training friend Doug McConnell last week to learn about how to use my (and Dougs) desire to swim between now and when we go in 2011 as a charity fund raiser. His name in Bob Lee and he recently rode his bike 6500 miles (yes that number is correct) all across America to raise money for several charities. He provided some great insights but the point that stuck in my mind was when he asked... what was my passion? I couldn't really say since I have been blessed with (knock on wood) little physical or mental health issues.
He really got me thinking ---- what is it beyond my selfish desire to accomplish this life goal that is important to me? So, the self reflective quest begins? The sooner the better since every mile I swim is one that could be making money. I would very much like to do something both in Goshen, IN and Barrington, IL so your ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Training:
I continue to swim 5 - 6 days a week at 4000 yards and continue to get in Lake Zurich near my house (or actually Kevin Rillo's house for those of you that know him) with my usual training partners. The recent cold snap should drive down the water temp and make this Fridays swim, ugh cold. I prefer not to know the temp before I get in just like I didn't like having Goshen coach Brian Rathke telling me 10,000 yards of workout was coming my way. I'm in that "just do it" mode and accept its cold and swim hard. With this colder water also comes concern about how far, how long and how cold I can tolerate swimming outside. I am looking to get a kayak so my wife, Jennifer, or others can come along for safety.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)