The Danskin Part 1: How to Lose Races and Alienate Swimmers

After several months of *training* (i.e. learning to stay on the bike, running one 5k with a lightning speed 13+ minute mile, and swimming the occasional lap of breast stroke), race weekend had finally arrived.  The whole group of us went to pick up our race packets and get marked for the big day!  It was so exciting!

After getting our packets it was  time to rack our bikes.   We got a chance to check out the course as well.  We went to the water to see the buoys that marked our swim.

My expression immediately went from

to

My trusty friend and unofficial bike coach Patty reassured me:  "It's not far.  It will be fine!  And there will be lifeguards out too!"

I tried to believe her and went home, pushing the impending thoughts of doom the swim as far out of my mind as possible.

The next day we headed out early in the morning, and I was full of vim and vigour!  (Ignorance really *is* bliss).  I stripped down to my swimsuit and met my race buddies!  I looked around and sneered derisively at all the silly girls who had wasted their money on fancy wetsuits.  When it was finally our time to start, we went and stood ankle deep in the frigid water (I'm pretty sure they flew in an Arctic glacier to feed the lake).  Dave managed to snap a picture as my feet were going numb:

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2...