Hypothermia

Today's workout:
Swimming-45 minutes

I've decided to write a letter to the head honchos of the USAT board and kindly request that they change the third event of the triathlon to something other than swimming. Perhaps hiking? Dog walking? Or even shuffleboard? This swimming stuff is for the birds! Or more accurately the penguins! The pool heater is still not working, and each day without a heater, it drops a degree or two. There is no way the pool was over 63-64 degrees today. I was the only brave (or crazy) soul in there today. One lady sat by the side and dipped her feet in and quickly pulled them out. She said, "Do you get used to it?" and I said, "No, not at all. I can't feel my toes or fingers." That was 30 minutes into the swim. I was using all my mental toughness to complete the assigned hour swim today. At minute 40, I stopped for a pee break and realized I was shivering so badly that I couldn't hold my hand straight. I had a major headache, and even the goosebumps weren't helping to insulate me against the cold. Something wasn't right-so I swam until 45 minutes were over and jumped out of the pool. I had a nice hot shower, but the goosebumps wouldn't go away. I could barely open my locker because I couldn't get my hands to cooperate-they kept shaking! Finally I got all changed-after dropping everything I tried to pick up...no coordination! I made my way to the desk and asked about the pool. At least two more weeks until the heater is fixed. If not more. Man. That really sucks. I will be able to use another gym location though. It's just not conveniently located to my home and work. Better to have a commute and a warm pool then no commute and a block of barely defrosted ice to swim in.

I was blinded by sneezes on my way home.

Kristi and Wayne are at Dick Nichols pool today. An outside pool that is heated 80-82 degrees. Sounds like a Caribbean vacation compared to the gym pool! Bonnie is debating between joining a Master's Swim Class at a high school near her house or continuing to swim at her gym pool. The high school is closer, which will be nice when the temperature starts to drop for them. Oh wait, that already happened-high of 12 degrees!

So we've had our first injury. Wayne strained his calf playing tennis yesterday. He iced it all night and received top-notch care from the family doctor so I'm told. Treatment included pizza and rest on the couch. Today he had major dental work-out from work for half the day! And yet, he is still swimming tonight. Wayne gets the trooper award for today!

I have to give a shout-out to my number one fan tonight. My darlin Chris. He has been so supportive this first week of training-taking care of dinner each night, making me feel better when I'm exhausted, and encouraging me to keep going. It is so awesome to see him at the gym after my swim on Monday nights!

Stay tuned for more updates on the swimming fiasco.

Later gators!
M :)