I have been "beneath the surface" so to speak. So much has happened since I last posted. I will have to break it down as well as I can remember.
Sept. 2nd - Colin's Hope 4 mile swim. It was indeed a special day. I feel gratitude every time I think about the Holst family and how they have turned the loss of their little Colin into a positive. We swam on Colin's birthday, and his Dad released balloons before we swam and sent us into the water with words about his son and then he said "Happy Birthday Little Buddy". The swim was to raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. I was filled with emotion during and after the swim.
Oct 12th - Lake Travis Relays - 12 miles Solo - Was scared, didn't know what to expect, was a bag of nerves, had a great time. Priscilla kayaked the full 12 miles for me. OMG, she is amazing and she totally gets feeding! Alisa came for the start of the race and I was so glad to have her there so I could have someone to receive my endless nervous chatter. My sister and Calvin came out to Carlos and Charlies to celebrate after the race! The race: my plan was to start out easy and controlled and stay that way the second half (it was an out and back and a little side out and back), and then give it what I had at the end! I started out very comfortable and remember thinking after the first mile, this is gonna be a great day. I feel F***ing GREAT! I also remember thinking, I hope I feel the same way in 5 hours! I waited an hour for the first feed and then every half hour after that. As we were doing the "side" out and back I saw one solo swimmer ahead of me, and I said, "Hey P, time how far he is ahead". She later said, 3 plus minutes and I said, "well, that's gonna stay that way, because I'm swimming this pace and it's gonna stay that way. Also, when we were doing the "side" out and back, I was very close to a relay boat and when I stopped for a feeding, I heard someone yell "Katy, it's me Pam". It was Pam, Leslie and Meghan and the rest of their relay.....ha, I had just done the Colin's Hope swim with Pam, Meghan and I did Ironman AZ together (not really together, she was about 2 1/2 hours ahead of me) and I knew of Leslie from Lynne, my swimming mentor. OMG, I was so excited to see those ladies! And how much fun was it for the next 2 1/2 hours on the half hour (every time I stopped for a feed) to hear them cheering for me? It made the race so much fun. I needed it, we swam against the current on the way back. Headed back to Carlos and Charlies, I caught 3 minutes plus guy and I can't lie, I got a little excited....but I didn't know if I could hang on....but thought hell, just swim and have fun and that I did. I love having kayak support! It is amazing....and Priscilla was so awesome at having everything I needed at each feed! The good news is that I felt like I could have done more and I had a blast racing!
After the Race - The celebration was short and sweet! The next day, my two brothers, sister, and my Mom were all in Austin, packing her house up to move to California. Nothing like a little "reality check". My immediate family has not all been in the same place since 1995. It's been awhile. It was an emotional two weeks. It was an intense. Maybe I will share more about this another time. Suffice it to say, we got "beneath the surface" and we all came up for air, and we are blessed to have had the opportunity. I love my family!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Colin's Hope
Hope!
Hope give us much….expect, trust, anticipate, wish, optimism, plan, desire, aspiration, faith, dream…
I have so much emotion today as I write for many reasons.
I think back to 22 years ago today, when my Mom called me and I learned that my brother had been killed in a helicopter training exercise in the Air Force. It was shocking and unbelievable. It felt as if my body had been completely drained of life itself. I rushed over to my parents home so that I could be with them. My brother Mike drove to Austin from Ft. Hood. I do not remember much from that night, but I do remember that when we are all together, my father brought us into their bedroom and he knelt down before a cross, then we all knelt and my Father led us in prayer. He prayed for strength and the hope of healing for our family. Hope sustains us, at least it is what carries me forward. Of all the events and chaos that surrounded my brother’s untimely death, he was 26, I will always remember my father’s prayers for our family. Hope is what helps us find light in darkness.
I recently met another family that lives through the Hope of their son, nephew, brother, grandson and friend. His name is Colin. He was a sweet, little boy that tragically drowned at the age of 4. His family has turned the unthinkable into positive by creating a foundation to promote water safety and drowning prevention: Colin’s Hope www.colinshope.org. You can make a donation here to support their efforts.
This is Colin’s story that can be found on their website.
Colin Holst was born on September 2, 2003 in Austin, Texas. The baby boy with the mop of dark hair that looked just like his mother was the perfect complement to his two-year old sister with her sandy hair and a face just like her daddy’s. Although, at first he brought many sleepless, colicky nights for his parents, by the time he reached a year, Colin was a happy & energetic toddler. And from the very beginning, “Little Man” or “Buddy,” as he was known to his family, loved to run! Colin liked nothing more than to challenge his friends, his sister or even his mom and dad to a running race, and you can be sure he won most of the time! Colin entered preschool at a young age and found that making friends came easily to him. His enthusiasm and energy was contagious and, before long, he and two of his classmates had become known as “The Three Amigos.” The boys were inseparable in and out of school, playing and plotting and dreaming about all the adventures they would have together. Colin loved to announce, after a particularly good day with his friends or his family, that it was his “Best Day Ever!” And every best day was soon followed by another for this lucky little boy.
The year Colin turned 4, he loved cartoons and video games and Power Rangers, all things the boys his age were crazy about. Colin enjoyed going to the beach and the pool with his family, but he never took to the water quite like his older sister. He’d always been cautious around swimming pools and didn’t particularly like getting splashed by the older kids. But the year Colin was 4, something changed during his annual swimming lessons. He was brave and he tried hard and, much to his parents’ delight, his swimming began to improve. He would stay under longer, kick his feet, and blow bubbles, and he was doing it…he really was! When Colin got his medal on the last day of his swim lessons in June, he let his dad take a picture of him…and his beaming smile on his goggled face showed how proud of himself he was.
The very next day, Colin went with his family and some friends to a big pool that he’d never been to before. He was having a ball playing in the fountains and sprinklers with his friends, all while under the watchful eyes of several adults in his group and a number of lifeguards. In the shallow water, Colin demonstrated his improved swimming skills to his mother, who encouraged and applauded him for doing so well. The kids in his group moved around the pool together in a clump, playing and splashing and ducking in and out of the water. And then, in an instant, Colin wasn’t with them. Time stood still as their eyes swept the pool looking for him, and then, only moments later, he was pulled from the shallow water unconscious and not breathing. Efforts to revive him at the pool were unsuccessful, and Colin died at the hospital the next day, having never opened his eyes again after his swim.
Life changed forever that day for Colin’s family and friends. Their son…their brother… their grandson…their Buddy…one of the Three Amigos…was gone forever. The unimaginable not only happened, but it happened to their child. And they lost Colin not in a terrible car accident or to a merciless disease, but at a swimming pool on a beautiful summer day surrounded by people who loved him and were looking out for him. It was this fact that drove Colin’s family to start Colin’s Hope. They were shocked and amazed to learn that drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of 4! Fueled by their desire to prevent such a tragedy from happening time and time again to other children, they founded Colin’s Hope to promote water safety in their community and to educate children, parents and lifeguards on drowning prevention. Believing that a few simple tips and rules might make a difference in the life of another child keeps them passionate about their new purpose, and their angel Colin is guiding them every step of the way. Through their hope…and Colin’s hope…they are finding light in the darkness.
I don’t believe in coincidences. We all are connected and come into each other’s lives for a reason. I have the honor of swimming in the Colin’s Hope Got2Swim4Miles that is raising funds for this amazing foundation. We have had a training swim on Sundays for many weeks and I have gotten to know incredible people. As I mentioned, the Holst’s are a remarkable family who have turned a terrible tragedy into positive energy through their foundation. The Got2Swim4Miles is a group of swimmers and water guardians (the kayakers and SUPers that make sure we are safe in the water) who are passionate about making a difference. It has been a gift to get to know each person that is part of this journey. Words cannot really describe the bonds and friendships that have been developed.
I will swim tomorrow with thoughts of Colin, Kelly’s Grandpa, and Virginia’s close friend’s son Nicky. I will glide through the water in their memory. I will swim with hope in my heart, gratitude, and thoughts of all the good that has been part of this journey. Hope is what helps us find light in darkness. Colin, tomorrow will be “The Best Day Ever”and so will each day after.
Hope give us much….expect, trust, anticipate, wish, optimism, plan, desire, aspiration, faith, dream…
I have so much emotion today as I write for many reasons.
I think back to 22 years ago today, when my Mom called me and I learned that my brother had been killed in a helicopter training exercise in the Air Force. It was shocking and unbelievable. It felt as if my body had been completely drained of life itself. I rushed over to my parents home so that I could be with them. My brother Mike drove to Austin from Ft. Hood. I do not remember much from that night, but I do remember that when we are all together, my father brought us into their bedroom and he knelt down before a cross, then we all knelt and my Father led us in prayer. He prayed for strength and the hope of healing for our family. Hope sustains us, at least it is what carries me forward. Of all the events and chaos that surrounded my brother’s untimely death, he was 26, I will always remember my father’s prayers for our family. Hope is what helps us find light in darkness.
I recently met another family that lives through the Hope of their son, nephew, brother, grandson and friend. His name is Colin. He was a sweet, little boy that tragically drowned at the age of 4. His family has turned the unthinkable into positive by creating a foundation to promote water safety and drowning prevention: Colin’s Hope www.colinshope.org. You can make a donation here to support their efforts.
This is Colin’s story that can be found on their website.
Colin Holst was born on September 2, 2003 in Austin, Texas. The baby boy with the mop of dark hair that looked just like his mother was the perfect complement to his two-year old sister with her sandy hair and a face just like her daddy’s. Although, at first he brought many sleepless, colicky nights for his parents, by the time he reached a year, Colin was a happy & energetic toddler. And from the very beginning, “Little Man” or “Buddy,” as he was known to his family, loved to run! Colin liked nothing more than to challenge his friends, his sister or even his mom and dad to a running race, and you can be sure he won most of the time! Colin entered preschool at a young age and found that making friends came easily to him. His enthusiasm and energy was contagious and, before long, he and two of his classmates had become known as “The Three Amigos.” The boys were inseparable in and out of school, playing and plotting and dreaming about all the adventures they would have together. Colin loved to announce, after a particularly good day with his friends or his family, that it was his “Best Day Ever!” And every best day was soon followed by another for this lucky little boy.
The year Colin turned 4, he loved cartoons and video games and Power Rangers, all things the boys his age were crazy about. Colin enjoyed going to the beach and the pool with his family, but he never took to the water quite like his older sister. He’d always been cautious around swimming pools and didn’t particularly like getting splashed by the older kids. But the year Colin was 4, something changed during his annual swimming lessons. He was brave and he tried hard and, much to his parents’ delight, his swimming began to improve. He would stay under longer, kick his feet, and blow bubbles, and he was doing it…he really was! When Colin got his medal on the last day of his swim lessons in June, he let his dad take a picture of him…and his beaming smile on his goggled face showed how proud of himself he was.
The very next day, Colin went with his family and some friends to a big pool that he’d never been to before. He was having a ball playing in the fountains and sprinklers with his friends, all while under the watchful eyes of several adults in his group and a number of lifeguards. In the shallow water, Colin demonstrated his improved swimming skills to his mother, who encouraged and applauded him for doing so well. The kids in his group moved around the pool together in a clump, playing and splashing and ducking in and out of the water. And then, in an instant, Colin wasn’t with them. Time stood still as their eyes swept the pool looking for him, and then, only moments later, he was pulled from the shallow water unconscious and not breathing. Efforts to revive him at the pool were unsuccessful, and Colin died at the hospital the next day, having never opened his eyes again after his swim.
Life changed forever that day for Colin’s family and friends. Their son…their brother… their grandson…their Buddy…one of the Three Amigos…was gone forever. The unimaginable not only happened, but it happened to their child. And they lost Colin not in a terrible car accident or to a merciless disease, but at a swimming pool on a beautiful summer day surrounded by people who loved him and were looking out for him. It was this fact that drove Colin’s family to start Colin’s Hope. They were shocked and amazed to learn that drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of 4! Fueled by their desire to prevent such a tragedy from happening time and time again to other children, they founded Colin’s Hope to promote water safety in their community and to educate children, parents and lifeguards on drowning prevention. Believing that a few simple tips and rules might make a difference in the life of another child keeps them passionate about their new purpose, and their angel Colin is guiding them every step of the way. Through their hope…and Colin’s hope…they are finding light in the darkness.
I don’t believe in coincidences. We all are connected and come into each other’s lives for a reason. I have the honor of swimming in the Colin’s Hope Got2Swim4Miles that is raising funds for this amazing foundation. We have had a training swim on Sundays for many weeks and I have gotten to know incredible people. As I mentioned, the Holst’s are a remarkable family who have turned a terrible tragedy into positive energy through their foundation. The Got2Swim4Miles is a group of swimmers and water guardians (the kayakers and SUPers that make sure we are safe in the water) who are passionate about making a difference. It has been a gift to get to know each person that is part of this journey. Words cannot really describe the bonds and friendships that have been developed.
I will swim tomorrow with thoughts of Colin, Kelly’s Grandpa, and Virginia’s close friend’s son Nicky. I will glide through the water in their memory. I will swim with hope in my heart, gratitude, and thoughts of all the good that has been part of this journey. Hope is what helps us find light in darkness. Colin, tomorrow will be “The Best Day Ever”and so will each day after.
Friday, August 13, 2010
What defines me?
Somebody said to me today “I hope that swimming the English Channel isn’t what defines you for the next 5-10 years”. It took me a little off guard, but my immediate response was to relate that taking care of my Mom has been what has been huge part of what had defined me for the past several years. I then proceeded to say that I was excited about this enormous goal and that I am going to talk about it a lot. I hope that the motivation and excitement does inspire others. That was the end of the conversation, but the comment had quite a sting and had me thinking for a good while. Some thoughts...
1) That person didn’t know that I have been the primary caretaker for my Mother who has Alzheimer’s and lives alone, and just two days ago a family decision was made to ensure that my Mother gets into assisted living. One of my brother’s and his wife live in California and my niece and her husband live there too. We think that assisted living in California might be the best option, because there are more of them than just me to visit her. My mom has been staying with my brother and sister-in-law all summer, and I have enjoyed some much needed respite. As much as I have been exhausted and frustrated by maintaining the care for my Mom, it really has been a huge part of my life and a big piece of what defines me. I am sad that she won’t be living here and I will miss her greatly. Maybe that’s one reason the comment hurt (unbeknownst to the sharer of the wisdom of what should or shouldn’t define me).
2) I have successfully completed two Ironmans, a slew of marathons including a 50K trail run and a few half Ironmans in the past 3 years. Do these accomplishments define me? I don’t know. I do know that I have spent a great deal of time training for these events and have developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I know that I am physically and mentally stronger, because I have trained for and completed these endurance events. I hope that all of these things are part of what defines me.
3) I have a job that I am totally passionate about. This past June marked my 20th anniversary as a civil servant. I work for a federal agency, Corporation for National and Community Service. My job entails working with a variety of non-profits and public agencies managing National Service Programs. Essentially, I have the good fortune of doing work that makes our country a better place. I hope that my work is part of what defines me.
4) A little over a year ago, I was present when my friend gave birth to her son; this was the most amazing event of my life. This experience is part of what defines me.
5) I am a sister, aunt, girlfriend, friend, co-worker, teammate…..to name a few things. All of these are part of what defines me.
6) I am planning to train and prepare to swim in the English Channel in September, 2012. I aspire to make a successful crossing by swimming from England to France. I desire to be an inspiration to myself and others by publicly sharing this goal. I hope that these are things that define me.
Really, it’s not one thing that can define you. I am more than someone that aspires to swim across the English Channel. I believe that I was asked this question today to remind me of that. Thank you for asking.
1) That person didn’t know that I have been the primary caretaker for my Mother who has Alzheimer’s and lives alone, and just two days ago a family decision was made to ensure that my Mother gets into assisted living. One of my brother’s and his wife live in California and my niece and her husband live there too. We think that assisted living in California might be the best option, because there are more of them than just me to visit her. My mom has been staying with my brother and sister-in-law all summer, and I have enjoyed some much needed respite. As much as I have been exhausted and frustrated by maintaining the care for my Mom, it really has been a huge part of my life and a big piece of what defines me. I am sad that she won’t be living here and I will miss her greatly. Maybe that’s one reason the comment hurt (unbeknownst to the sharer of the wisdom of what should or shouldn’t define me).
2) I have successfully completed two Ironmans, a slew of marathons including a 50K trail run and a few half Ironmans in the past 3 years. Do these accomplishments define me? I don’t know. I do know that I have spent a great deal of time training for these events and have developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I know that I am physically and mentally stronger, because I have trained for and completed these endurance events. I hope that all of these things are part of what defines me.
3) I have a job that I am totally passionate about. This past June marked my 20th anniversary as a civil servant. I work for a federal agency, Corporation for National and Community Service. My job entails working with a variety of non-profits and public agencies managing National Service Programs. Essentially, I have the good fortune of doing work that makes our country a better place. I hope that my work is part of what defines me.
4) A little over a year ago, I was present when my friend gave birth to her son; this was the most amazing event of my life. This experience is part of what defines me.
5) I am a sister, aunt, girlfriend, friend, co-worker, teammate…..to name a few things. All of these are part of what defines me.
6) I am planning to train and prepare to swim in the English Channel in September, 2012. I aspire to make a successful crossing by swimming from England to France. I desire to be an inspiration to myself and others by publicly sharing this goal. I hope that these are things that define me.
Really, it’s not one thing that can define you. I am more than someone that aspires to swim across the English Channel. I believe that I was asked this question today to remind me of that. Thank you for asking.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Gratitude!
This picture speaks volumes. Open water swimming can really bring you to a wonderful place inside your head. This is where I swam on Sunday morning. I marvel that this is right here in Austin. It was one of the most amazing swims I have ever done. I swam with two guys that love cold water swims and one of them brought someone to Kayak for us while we swam for an hour in the chilly waters. The most exciting part of the swim was swimming within 50 feet of 3 beautiful swans. I am grateful!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Swimming is Fun!
For the past few years, while doing Ironman Training, I have only been swimming once or twice a week. I have been shifting that in the past few months, now I’m swimming 5-6 times a week. I am getting faster which is a good thing, because now my long swim pace is getting faster but doesn’t feel harder. I love that.
I swam in a 2.4 mile race last Saturday at Lake Travis. I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of time or who else would be there. I knew that Carrie would be there, because she is getting ready to do a 4 mile swim in Lake Austin. How cool is that, a woman who used to be last out of the water in triathlon (as she describes it) to training to do a 4 mile swim. Her husband was there too, Ali, John, Tammy, Christine, Alissa, I had no idea so many friends were swimming it too…..YAY! Dina came to support Tammy so that was fun to chat with here pre and post race and good on her for getting in post race to test the waters.
While we were waiting for race time, I notice that Jennifer….a really strong swimmer was at the race. Yay! I have not kept up with her in long races in the past, but figured I had been swimming a lot so would just wait and see.
After our morning chit chat and pics, we meandered to the downright balmy 86 degree water. Not my favorite, but it is what it is. Did a little warm-up and swam to the start. The course is a two loop course that includes a swim around the cove for the last quarter mile or so. Horn went off and I found myself on the feet of some guy. We were a little too far to the right of the buoys, but I liked his draft. Finally, we moved over and we were on course, but were now swimming next to each other. As we neared the buoy for the turn around to get back to the cove, I noticed some tapping on my feet, so I did breast stroke around the buoy and let the tapper pass me, it was Jennifer. At this point, we were now in a pack of four; two dudes, Jennifer and I were splitting up the drafting. As we turned into the Cove, I lost my draft….poop! At the half way point, I looked at my watch and saw 27:30. I thought, NICE! Off to catch them, midway to the turn around I was back with the pack and hanging on. Back to the cove, and we are getting close, half way around the Cove, and Jennifer starts moving really fast, CRAP…..guess I will too, we turn out of the cove and I try to sneak by her on the right…damn she saw me, edged into the rocks nowhere to go. Damn she’s smart! Ok, so we all think the finish is a run on land so the three of us (we dropped one of our pack), jump up to run out of the water, but officials are yelling at us to swim through the start buoy. Crap, she dove towards the finish with the other guy and I right on her feet. Did I mention that some kid beat us all by over four minutes. The race was so much fun, it’s always more fun to win, but I had so much fun pushing the limits and figuring out the drafting in the water. Our times were around 52:30. I forgot to stop my watch right away.
After the race, breakfast with the Carrie, Shawn,and Christine! Perfect Morning and then home to nap….the week had caught up with me and I was planning a long swim in Barton Springs for Sunday morning.
I swam in a 2.4 mile race last Saturday at Lake Travis. I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of time or who else would be there. I knew that Carrie would be there, because she is getting ready to do a 4 mile swim in Lake Austin. How cool is that, a woman who used to be last out of the water in triathlon (as she describes it) to training to do a 4 mile swim. Her husband was there too, Ali, John, Tammy, Christine, Alissa, I had no idea so many friends were swimming it too…..YAY! Dina came to support Tammy so that was fun to chat with here pre and post race and good on her for getting in post race to test the waters.
While we were waiting for race time, I notice that Jennifer….a really strong swimmer was at the race. Yay! I have not kept up with her in long races in the past, but figured I had been swimming a lot so would just wait and see.
After our morning chit chat and pics, we meandered to the downright balmy 86 degree water. Not my favorite, but it is what it is. Did a little warm-up and swam to the start. The course is a two loop course that includes a swim around the cove for the last quarter mile or so. Horn went off and I found myself on the feet of some guy. We were a little too far to the right of the buoys, but I liked his draft. Finally, we moved over and we were on course, but were now swimming next to each other. As we neared the buoy for the turn around to get back to the cove, I noticed some tapping on my feet, so I did breast stroke around the buoy and let the tapper pass me, it was Jennifer. At this point, we were now in a pack of four; two dudes, Jennifer and I were splitting up the drafting. As we turned into the Cove, I lost my draft….poop! At the half way point, I looked at my watch and saw 27:30. I thought, NICE! Off to catch them, midway to the turn around I was back with the pack and hanging on. Back to the cove, and we are getting close, half way around the Cove, and Jennifer starts moving really fast, CRAP…..guess I will too, we turn out of the cove and I try to sneak by her on the right…damn she saw me, edged into the rocks nowhere to go. Damn she’s smart! Ok, so we all think the finish is a run on land so the three of us (we dropped one of our pack), jump up to run out of the water, but officials are yelling at us to swim through the start buoy. Crap, she dove towards the finish with the other guy and I right on her feet. Did I mention that some kid beat us all by over four minutes. The race was so much fun, it’s always more fun to win, but I had so much fun pushing the limits and figuring out the drafting in the water. Our times were around 52:30. I forgot to stop my watch right away.
After the race, breakfast with the Carrie, Shawn,and Christine! Perfect Morning and then home to nap….the week had caught up with me and I was planning a long swim in Barton Springs for Sunday morning.
I don't know what I'm doing!
I’m not really sure how this all works. There really aren’t a lot of coaches for English Channel swimmers, but there are people that have done it before and that is how I plan to learn more. I have found two mentors, both women, who knocked the crap out of the English Channel. Both of them swam across in less than 10 hours. WOW!
Every time I mention swimming the English Channel in Austin, invariably someone will either say, you need to talk to Lynne Smith or Julie Galloway. Lucky me, I’m talking to both of them and I am grateful for every bit of wisdom that they are passing on to me. From sharing training partners to ideas about ramping up my distances in the water, these two ladies are the real deal. They inspire me.
This whole English Channel thing is a whole new world to me. Who knew you have to pick a tide? And Neap Tides are apparently better than Spring Tides, but more people are attempting Spring Tides than have in the past. Who knew you have to book a boat pilot two to four years in advance? Yeah, they don’t just shut down the channel so that people can attempt to swim across it. I love seeing the pictures of swimmers not more than a few hundred meters from these enormous vessels.
So, I’m making the contacts to consult on the ability of the tide. Each pilot has a queue of 4 swimmers for each tide. You book your position with the tide. Then you go to Dover, England a few days before your tide and don’t book a flight until a few days after, then you hope that the swimming gods have looked out for you and that you get to make your attempt to swim the channel. I am trying to book a tide for 2012 , but I don’t really want to be there in the middle of the Olympics that are in London that year. There is a tide from August 25-29, 2012 and I am looking at trying to book a pilot for that period. These pilots aren’t free either. You get to drop quite a few pounds to do your swim (I’m talking money here of course, since I will probably have to add a few pounds of insulation to my body). No, you do not wear a wet suit…just a regular every day bathing suit. Brrrr! They say skinny girls need not apply to swim the channel. I read that somewhere and it cracked me up. Thank God, I’ve never been accused of being the skinny girl.
Talking about insulation, this whole acclimation to the cold water should be interesting. They say the water warms up to 63-64 degree in August, half a day or more in that cold of water takes some adjustment. I don’t really have a clue to go about this, but Lynne’s blogs gives some hints. Anyone from Austin may remember reading about her in the Statesman, she used to take ice baths fully submerged breathing through a snorkel. I thought she was crazy when I read about that, but I secretly admired her for being such a bad ass.
You get to do a six hour swim in 60 degree water prior to attempting the Channel. This swim can take place anywhere you want as long as the water is cold enough. This is a requirement and has to be observed by someone then you send in official paperwork. You also have to have medical clearance. You send in paperwork for that too (the year of your swim). Lots of planning just to get a slot.
I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m figuring it out. I think that is what makes this so exciting….I really get to chart so many new waters so to speak. It’s about the journey!
Every time I mention swimming the English Channel in Austin, invariably someone will either say, you need to talk to Lynne Smith or Julie Galloway. Lucky me, I’m talking to both of them and I am grateful for every bit of wisdom that they are passing on to me. From sharing training partners to ideas about ramping up my distances in the water, these two ladies are the real deal. They inspire me.
This whole English Channel thing is a whole new world to me. Who knew you have to pick a tide? And Neap Tides are apparently better than Spring Tides, but more people are attempting Spring Tides than have in the past. Who knew you have to book a boat pilot two to four years in advance? Yeah, they don’t just shut down the channel so that people can attempt to swim across it. I love seeing the pictures of swimmers not more than a few hundred meters from these enormous vessels.
So, I’m making the contacts to consult on the ability of the tide. Each pilot has a queue of 4 swimmers for each tide. You book your position with the tide. Then you go to Dover, England a few days before your tide and don’t book a flight until a few days after, then you hope that the swimming gods have looked out for you and that you get to make your attempt to swim the channel. I am trying to book a tide for 2012 , but I don’t really want to be there in the middle of the Olympics that are in London that year. There is a tide from August 25-29, 2012 and I am looking at trying to book a pilot for that period. These pilots aren’t free either. You get to drop quite a few pounds to do your swim (I’m talking money here of course, since I will probably have to add a few pounds of insulation to my body). No, you do not wear a wet suit…just a regular every day bathing suit. Brrrr! They say skinny girls need not apply to swim the channel. I read that somewhere and it cracked me up. Thank God, I’ve never been accused of being the skinny girl.
Talking about insulation, this whole acclimation to the cold water should be interesting. They say the water warms up to 63-64 degree in August, half a day or more in that cold of water takes some adjustment. I don’t really have a clue to go about this, but Lynne’s blogs gives some hints. Anyone from Austin may remember reading about her in the Statesman, she used to take ice baths fully submerged breathing through a snorkel. I thought she was crazy when I read about that, but I secretly admired her for being such a bad ass.
You get to do a six hour swim in 60 degree water prior to attempting the Channel. This swim can take place anywhere you want as long as the water is cold enough. This is a requirement and has to be observed by someone then you send in official paperwork. You also have to have medical clearance. You send in paperwork for that too (the year of your swim). Lots of planning just to get a slot.
I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m figuring it out. I think that is what makes this so exciting….I really get to chart so many new waters so to speak. It’s about the journey!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
I'm saying it out loud!
That's right, I'm saying it aloud. The thought of swimming the English Channel has run its cycle in my thoughts off and on for many years. My friend Carrie reminded me recently of a bike ride in 2007, we were training for our first Ironman, and I said then, when this is over, I'm gonna train to swim the English Channel. She said, of course you will and she meant it. That is exactly the kind of friends I have, they don't question my sanity when I propose a big dream. I chose to do another Ironman instead. That first Ironman wasn't fun. It was 95 degrees on the run and I was miserable. I had to do another one. I did and I did it right...I had fun on the journey and the day of the race for my second Ironman. I will continue to remind myself of that joy as I embark on this journey. I told Carrie a couple of months ago that I continue to think about the English Channel....she told me: "I know you can do this". I am so grateful that others believe in my ability before I do. I said it again, but it wasn't quite real in my mind yet, I let it marinate a little more, then I started making little hints on Facebook, and now I say it out loud every day. I believe I can do it, but for the love of God, there are so many factors to being successful in crossing the English Channel. Some fun statistics:
* Less than 50% that attempt a solo crossing are successful.
* More people have climbed Mount Everest than completed a solo English Channel crossing.
* Approximately 40 swims a year never get started because the conditions are not favorable to start the swim.
These statistics put great fear into me, but they also excite me. They also remind me that this really is about the journey, not the destination. That may sound cliche, but it is so true in this instance. I'm saying it out loud, My Journey has begun.
* Less than 50% that attempt a solo crossing are successful.
* More people have climbed Mount Everest than completed a solo English Channel crossing.
* Approximately 40 swims a year never get started because the conditions are not favorable to start the swim.
These statistics put great fear into me, but they also excite me. They also remind me that this really is about the journey, not the destination. That may sound cliche, but it is so true in this instance. I'm saying it out loud, My Journey has begun.
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