The one that got away...

I have been waiting for this race for literally over a year. Last year I did not have a qualifying event to get me in; however I did have an amazing bunch of friends that got me through my own personal 5K OWS! 

So I knew I could do the distance, I swam several other events that gave me times to enter, and I waited...and trained...and trained...and waited...finally the day was here!!! And actually the weather wasn't that much different than my first time, or so I thought...

I even was lucky enough to find another person who loved swimming as much as me! Thanks Lorinda for all the early training days. 

Seriously...a LOT of early training days!

Normal nerves the day/night before, and looking back probably not the best idea to have my first 18mi tandem ride AND a 10k night time trail race the day before, but hey? last year I did a 2/9/2 Duathlon the day before and was fine so what the hell! 

For the record my son and I had an amazing ride!

And El Chupacabra was so fun; will do it again next year for sure!

Thirty minutes before the race, believe it or not I was remarkably calm. And the baby duckies looked calm...so what could possibly go wrong?!?!

I was the first one in the water because I knew it would take time to acclimate my body. I had opted for the NO-WETSUIT division for several reasons, including the official temp of 68.3 being given by the director and knowing that I have a tendency to overheat. I got in, got the worst part over: shocking face, and getting hands wet. I listened to the race director's speech, gave Lorinda a hug, and then maneuvered for my spot. 

In a tread start I always like to line up w my land mark AND let the sprinters get in front of me. The horn went off...I started my watch (cuz...you know)...and off I went! I felt great, the water was comfortable, the waves weren't too bad, I had a couple of women that were making me crazy because they weren't swimming straight, but dealing with it.  Lined my self up with the shore and settled in for a nice long swim. About 25 minutes in something weird happened, I looked up and had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA where I was! I could not find a kayak, or a buoy, a recognized land mass...nothing!!! It was scary. I started to tread and spin around looking for my marks...When I finally found them I thought to myself "well...that was weird"!  I put my head back in the water and started swimming again.  Again...again...again...it kept happening to me, and now my right ear felt weird. I was swimming in circles and couldn't tell up from down...AAAGGHH WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?! I was so pissed off! The boat finally came up and asked if I was ok, if I was too cold? I told him I didn't feel cold but was a little disoriented, and he pointed me toward the right buoy. Two more time this happened before I was just so pissed and so far behind I opted out. Knowing I'd never make the first lap time cut and wondering why I couldn't put my head in the water without getting lost, I reluctantly crawled into the boat...very very angry turtle!

I have honestly never felt so humiliated...no shame in being safe...no shame in failing...BULLSHIT! I was freaking pissed off. I trained. I was ready. Lots of other people were out there swimming. I'm a fucking swimmer!!!! (Sorry for the language but this is really what was in my head) Probably a really good thing that nobody I knew was on that shoreline!

It was a looooong walk to the van and I knew I needed to call my husband. Of course, as soon as I did all of my anger turned into overwhelming disappointment and grief, the truth...I was sad! I don't know how my husband understood one thing I was saying as I was bawling and babbling on the phone with him. He said "I'm glad you are safe. I think you're nuts for trying that anyway! I love you...now call Alicia! and post updates on Lorinda because I'm sure it must be crazy there if you got out!" Does he know me or what?

So I called this lady...the nutso that cheers for me when I can not cheer for myself and cried and babbled to her! I know it wasn't my day, I know we all have struggles, I know it's better to be safe and alive and smart...but it still sucks!!!

Fortunately for me I had a powerful distraction---my new friend Lorinda was still out there!!! HOLY Crap Lorinda is still out there and the weather had gotten a lot worse:

I told Alicia I needed to get off the phone and could she please pray the weather holds off. I went back out to sit in the rain and wait and pray for Lorinda. She was doing great, she made the turn right at an hour, but visibility was not good. She didn't know but the director was on phone with lake/weather guys deciding what to do! YIKES!! 

God cleared it up! I know it was Him. And I had the super fun opportunity to send updates, and pics, and even make an awesome video of Lorinda finishing her first 5K OWS!!! FREAKIN AMAZEBALLS!!

So in hindsight...although for me this was the one that got away...I was fortunate enough to experience true friendship, being there for someone else! Congratulations Lorinda! And a huge big mongo thank you to all my friends that called, text, face booked, and sent me virtual hugs when I was down! 

Yuri Cook- thank you for being best kayak support ever!

Alicia-not even sure how you understood one word I was saying; I love you!

Catherine-you always have the rock solid truth I need to hear; and say it with love and humor. I love you!!!

Jolene and Fiona- always have the calming encouraging words I need exactly when I need them! So blesses to have you as friends. 

Greg-I don't think you realize how much your coaching means to so many!

Shannon and Heidi- two of the strongest women I know, thank you so much for helping me pick my head back up!

Erin-forever you will be stuck in my heart! Thanks for letting me say all the ridiculously inappropriate things I need to say and then laughing with me!

Teri-I'm still waiting on my taffy!

Nichole and Liz- thank you for helping me get right back in there...I love you girls!

So many other ladies have encouraged and sent virtual hugs. I needed them ALL! I am so blessed to have such good friends!

So to the one that got away...Suck it!

I live for the new day! 

LOVE, DkTurtles!