Open water swims and other stuff...

My first open water swim was last Sunday--it was VERY challenging!!  I only swam .5 miles and the differences between swimming in the Gulf and in a pool are staggering (to me).  It's almost not even the same sport; running on a treadmill and outside are different but there are significantly fewer differences than the pool/open water swims.

The first time I swam was last Sunday.  The ocean was fairly choppy (though not too bad) and getting used to the idea that I'm not going to run into a wall in the next 25 yards (and will therefore have to stop to turn around) takes some getting used to.  I knew because I was swimming parallel to the shore that I wasn't getting in over my head, so to speak, but getting smacked by the waves and all the nerves I had made it far more difficult than I anticipated.

I will also admit to an irrational fear of sharks.  I am from this area of the Florida Panhandle, so I logically know that sharks are not lurking by the shore to eat every other swimmer that comes out there.  However,  it is my irrational fear.  I'm hoping the more I swim, the easier it will become and the fewer nerves I'll have,  but I plan to get out there and swim regardless.

I also swam today.  The water was amazingly smooth and I got in another half mile.  I think I was better this time, but it still did not come easily to me.  Practice is something I'm going to definitely be doing for the next few weeks...or, more likely, until the water is too cold to swim in anymore.

This past week I also signed up for the EOD Wounded Warrior 200 mile ride on 12/13 October.  It will be a ride from the EOD Memorial on Eglin AFB to Panama City Beach; 100 miles each day.  I did this last year too but I'm really hoping this year's ride goes better.  I also am going to try to raise $1000 for the EODWWs, so my donation page is at the bottom of this page.  I'll repost it as well, in case anyone wants to donate.

I also got a new bike!  My Giant Avail is a great road bike, but I really wanted to get a tri bike.  I did a test ride on it yesterday (rode about 13 miles) and loved it.  I'm feeling very positive about my training and can't wait for that ride in October!

Active.com fundraising page:  https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/CatherynAdams-Brooking