36!

I'm in full training mode for the winter swim fest - today it was about 31, but with the wind felt colder = somewhere in the low 20's. Perfect for a swim at the lake. I met a friend there at 2 for a practice run. The water in most of the lake was pretty choppy with the wind, but fortunately the beach was not too bad. 

We were doing our usual procrastinating routine, chatting about life and what a stupid idea it was to go for a swim, when this guy in a pancho, carrying a little drum came down to the beach. He said some friends were joining him for a dip, and sure enough this gang of hippies soon arrived. They were all cool, of course, and we chatted for a bit. The guy with the drum did a little song and chant, and everyone stood in a circle with their eyes closed swaying along. As they were drumming we finished our prep and got to it with the swim.

I did it festival style, wearing only my swim suit, cap, goggles and ear plugs I walked in up to my waist and then went for it. It actually didn't feel that bad, except of course my hands were freezing. I swam 2 laps, four lengths - I now just count to 40 strokes for each length and then turn around. It seems to be just about perfect for the 200. I could see that my friend was swimming for some of the time, and then she walked one length, and then swam again. After she said she forgot ear plugs and the cold water in her ears was just too much. I can believe it! I could also see the hippie drummers in the water - not all of them but a good number. We finished, high fived, and got out. According to my watch the temperature was 36, which is the coldest swim so far this year.

When I got out my hands were so cold I could barely move them, but the rest of me was fine. I stuck them in some hot water and they felt better right away, then I poured the water into my foot bucket, stepped in, and went about warming up. It was really cold with the wind, so we decided to sit in my friend's car. We enjoyed some tea and chatted for a good hour before heading out. My friend is going to be my spotter for the 200 at the festival, and has promised to prevent them from making me get out of the water - it's taking me almost 7 minutes to do the swim, which is still not within the minute limit, so she may have to fight someone :)

I'm planning to go again tomorrow. I think in some ways swimming is easier than dipping because with dipping I always feel obligated to stay in for like 10 minutes, and for the last few minutes I'm just sitting there feeling cold and wanting to get out. This way I am at least moving and out when I finish.