Now, for some reason or other, I thought it might be a good idea to get fit. I have noticed that when I cycle to work now, I don't just stick in the lowest gears anymore, but other than that, I am not quite there yet.
One part of this whole endeavour will be swimming. And because we will be going out in not that warm water, I had to get a wetsuit. Which aren't cheap. Fortunately there is a company in the area that, because of this project, has decided to lend us the suits. And if we want them afterwards: we pay half price.
So, the other day I got one. The largest one. For men! Not really what I had in mind, but there you have it. The day I got the suit, there was also the kick-off. Nothing to do with balls or kicking even, but everything to do with getting the suit on for real and going out into the water.
Changing amongst the trees, trying to get this suit on, walking barefoot over pebbles and grass and little sticks and goodness knows what else, I made it to the water's edge. And yes, I did walk in. And yes, I did swim. Not long mind, but I got wet!
Soon after there was a group photo, then I went in for a second time and then I got changed. Under the trees and in the pouring rain. After which I went home to a hot shower and some hot food.
And just for those who are wondering: air temperature was about 10 degrees, water temperature was about 13 degrees. In other words: it wasn't tropical by any stretch of the imagination!!
Hari OM
ReplyDeletethis makes me think I ought to give my old wetsuit an airing - though it may not quite cover all the parts nowadays! They are not the easiest to don and doff, even in optimum and private conditions, so I commend you on the courage for this alone!!! Well done for sticking with it my friend. YAM xx
Well, you can say that again: they are hard!! But, once they are on, surprisingly comfortable.
DeleteYou did it. Yet again! Good for you. You have incredible determination!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't feel like it yet. Right now it feels like I am going with the flow and doing what I am told. As of next week though, I will be doing a lot more training and doing it on my own as well!
DeleteI used to love riding a bike. Unfortunately Raleigh, pop.
ReplyDelete451,000 is just too dangerous for bike riding. When I was working at the University we had lots of students from The Netherlands they always wanted to buy a bike the first day there were in Raleigh. I had to convince many of them to get the lay of the land first. Scary unfriendly bike city
Hugs Cecilia
Not a fun swim at those temps.
ReplyDeleteIt was actually okay once I was in. Mind you, it wasn't warm by any stretch of the imagination, but it was okay for the short time I was in.
DeleteWow, that is REALLY cold! Did the wet suit warm you up much? We heard of people wearing pantyhose under them for warmth.
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Crikey Mara ....... you deserve 87 out of 87 for effort, aye?? The biking and the running is hard enough but the SWIMMING???? If you lived here where I live it would be ok but OMD!! It's COLD, even freezing, over there. AND those wet suits are IMPOSSIBLE to get on. You'll lose weight just getting in and out of it, aye?? Crikey Mara ..... you're great. Mum and I are with you all the way. Mum says to tell you she's doing and extra 15 minutes on the exercise bike every day. See you are inspiring others. AND you have noticed a difference already??? How good is that??
ReplyDeleteI must admit I am most worried about the swimming. Mainly because I am not very good at it. And that wet suit is so difficult to get on! I don't know how some people manage it in like three minutes! I need closer to the 87!!!
DeleteWe only swam for a little while though and then I got changed. Don't want to overdo it on the first day...
Oh my, you are amazing. I would have run in the other direction and said forget it!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience you are having. Different but good in its own way.
ReplyDelete