River Day and weekend—Sept. 12 and 13
Two lovely swimming days, one long, one short!
Saturday, Sept. 12: River Day, a French Creek Racing
event, encompassing a 5k, mile, and 800m swim plus a swim/run/swim, consisting
of an 800 swim/5k run/800 swim. People could choose any or all of the above.
First, BIG thanks to John Kenny and an amazing crew of volunteers,
as always. Without their dedication and support, these races couldn’t be held.
And they’ve been highlights of my summer!
I originally signed up for the three swims (not the
swim/run/swim—I’m too out of practice running for that one).
The 5k? My SLOWEST ever. I seem to recall by watch saying
3:11, but I saw 3:15 on the official result. No matter. Let’s just say it could
be timed with a sundial. My mistake? Hadn’t practiced using the swim buoy/tow
float to hold water/gels—at one point I opened it to take water and a gel.
For those unfamiliar with this device, used by swimmers to
increase visibility—also, if desired, to rest on when needed, as it
inflates—and to store refreshments and other items, here’s a video:
https://www.newwaveswimbuoy.com/pages/how-to-use
Note that the gent in the video mentions that he puts his
phone in a waterproof container before putting it into the “dry” compartment.
“Dry.” Yes, he actually said that.
In my case, …. Not
dry. When I opened it to get to my water and a gel, it must not have closed it
tightly enough. Swimmers, I’m sure you’ve seen devices like this:
So … it turns out that the New Wave Swim buoy can also work
the say way. (Perhaps a good tool to take to the pool as well as open water.
Fill up storage compartment with water.)
Let’s just say: DRAG!
So instead of being unhappy that I had a very slow 5k swim
and missed the mile start, I’ve decided to put a positive spin on the swim:
STRENGTH TRAINING, YES!
Also, I got to experience a river I love for a longer
time—my favorite, beautiful river that has sustained me all summer. Yesterday,
it was especially lively. We had an oblong course, three one-mile loops, half
upstream, half downstream. The upstream part wasn’t too difficult, since the
flow rate was fairly light. The section leading to the first turn was shallow
and required care so I wasn’t hitting my feet against the rocks only a foot or
so under me. The downstream part… unexpected chop, as the wind was blowing
upstream and roiling up the water. During the first lap, it was somewhat
startling. I’m used to chop along the coast in bays and oceans. To find it in
the Schuylkill – whoa, what’s this?? However, given that it was going to be
what I’d have, I decided to enjoy it. It was a fun roller coaster ride, gentle
compared to last year’s Cedar Island swim, but frisky for the Schuylkill.
I was well behind the others, which I decided had to be okay
since I didn’t see myself catching up. Some of those in my wave were the
speedsters, so they would be done and showered before I was half finished.
Instead, I settled into a pace I wouldn’t regret after half a mile. Or a mile.
I probably took it too easy—59 minutes for the first mile. At this point, I
stopped for water, and I thought the water and gel had done their work and I’d
picked up the pace, but when I reached the second mile, nope… no faster, even
though I felt as if I was pushing harder. (Swim buoy as swim parachute,
remember?)
Since I hadn’t gained any time, it was time for mistake
number 2… “what? No faster? I’d better not stop!”
Well, it didn’t take long to recognize that this wasn’t
wise. I get leg cramps while swimming, and usually they seize up my leg for a
moment and then release their grip. I rarely have to stop. But before I even
reached the first turn buoy, my leg cramped so badly, I thought I’d have to
call for help. Fortunately, the cramp calmed down and I was able to keep going.
After successfully negotiating the first turn and heading downstream, those
cramps would be my steady companion. While I was able to slip through some of
them, others would shut me down and reduce me to treading water until they let
me go. As I passed the start/finish area, I thought of bagging this swim and
returning to shore. But then it occurred to me: what if I didn’t get to do any
of the other swims I signed up for? What if this one was the only one I’d get
to finish. I wasn’t going to leave without at least one swim finished. If I
missed one or even two more, so be it. I was going to finish this 5k.
Furthermore, I still loved being in the river—the chop, the
sun shining on the water, rhythm of breathing—this was home.
Finally, 800m turn buoys came into view—it would be only a
quarter mile from there to the finish. I swam harder as I got closer…. Closer…
Closer. Touched the dock. Finished.
At first, I thought I’d missed the start not only of the
mile but the 800. Fortunately, I still had 25 minutes before my 800 heat. After
some chugs of Gatorade, 2 protein bars, and a bottle of XRCel (https://xrcel.com/for-the-athlete/#what_it_is),
I was ready to take on a second swim (and it didn’t hurt that the swim would be
only a fraction of the previous distance).
For the 800, I pushed my pace harder since I didn’t have to
keep too much in reserve. Once I was headed downstream, I got into semi-sprint
mode, and it wasn’t too long before I reached the 800 turn and could swim to
the finish. My time was 25:48, which while not my fastest 800 wasn’t my slowest
either. Considering I’d been swimming over 3 hours with the tow float turned
parachute, I was pleased.
After all the kayaks and gear were packed and put away, Jana
Nagoski, John Kenny, and I found outdoor seating at the Great American Pub in
Conshohocken, where we raised pints of beer and feasted on some tasty goodies).
Thanks, John, for the ride home, for your puns, for your support of my swimming!
Below: Setting out to prepare the course
Sunday, Sept. 13: a quiet one hour swim which Garmin
tells me was 2173 yards of pure bliss: a sunny morning, a nice mix of slow,
easy swimming, some drills, some mixing of strokes (butterfly, backstroke,
breaststroke, mostly freestyle), and sprints.
Every time I see the Schuylkill, you might understand why I
think with affection, MY RIVER!
posted by DPMcManus @ 6:17 AM
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