Stepping into the water was easy enough. It was cold, but the neoprene suit wrapped around my legs was keeping my comfortable. So off we went. Then I felt it. That kind of shocking, bucket of ice water dumped over you cold that takes your breath away. It was hard to swim normally. I tried putting my face in the water, but every time I did, I felt like I couldn't breath. For most of the way out, I rotated my face back and forth with each stroke, but rarely did I try the three-stroke bilateral breathing I had done in the pool.
About fifteen minutes after we started out, I waved at my bro (who was now 200 yards ahead of me) that I was turning back. Initially I sighted on a dock on the shore from which we had left. It was not until I got closer to it that I realized that it was not the spot from which we left. So I turned again and then saw the start point. Due to weather, the buoys they normally use out there were not available today. It was probably just as well, I got a good long swim in. This is a guess but probably fairly close:
Once out of the water, rinsed off and changed into some dry clothes, we hit the road for Longmont--Union Reservoir to be specific. This is the site of the Summer Open Sprint Triathlon and it was our opportunity to ride the bike course.
This was quite a good ride. The course was flat with only the gentlest of hills and rises. Unlike the big climbs I have to do around home, this one allowed me to open up the speed. I feel confident that I'll be able to ride it even faster when I go back in two weeks for the race.
It was, overall, a satisfying day. It did much to bolster my confidence in my ability to actually complete a Triathlon. I also have to say it was nice to have a warm, pleasant day for both activities.
Just to get a little more practice, I'm heading back to Bowles Reservoir next Saturday when the buoys will be set up again. It ought to be a good dress rehearsal for the race swim.
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