Not the Worst

After completing an 8-mile of run in a 30mph headwind to and from my house (seems impossible, right), today I joined the YMCA of Dover Delaware...exciting stuff. After completing all necessary paperwork, I made my way to the pool. I have to say that I was more nervous about swimming in front of people who know something about swimming than about swimming in general. I was also concerned about my goggles fitting properly, potentially losing my contact lenses, and inhaling water/choking/making a complete fool of myself. I would like to reiterate that I have, in my lifetime, completed approximately 8 total laps in a pool with lane lines. There was a lot that could have gone wrong.

On the up side, it was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely glad that I have until April to build up my endurance, but I actually felt like I sort of belonged in the water. My goggles fit just right and there was no loss of lenses. Neil was surprised that I did not suck as badly as he might have expected, and I was surprised by the same thing. He gave me some form tips and a few drills to work on my stroke which were definitely welcomed. I am now on the hunt for a good program to build up for my official training. I have a website of 50 swim workouts, and hopefully some of them are for beginners.

Today's swim also brought up some other thoughts. As I type this evening, I can still smell the chlorine on my skin, so I definitely need to be diligent about my moisturizing regimen. My skin tends to be dry in general, and the swimming will definitely not make that any better. I have also been toying with the idea of donating my hair to Locks of Love or another similar organization. I think it is best that I do this before my hair gets totally destroyed by the pool chemicals. I am slightly nervous about going with the short hair again, but it might make everything easier in terms of working out. We shall see. I am giving myself a week to decide.

Day two of 2010 = successful success!