St. Anthony’s: Swim. Tipover. Run.

This morning was a baby swim/bike/run pre-race warmup.  The water, unlike yesterday’s calm surface, looked ugly and angry.  After stepping into the water and getting beat around by the waves a little, we went forward and swam in a washing machine for about fifteen minutes.  We rode the waves up and down, and swallowed large quantities of salt water.  But it was awesome!  When I first stepped into the water, I felt a familiar little panic rising up in my throat.  Instead of listening to the panic, I swallowed it and just attacked the waves.  After a few minutes, I was able to feel the rhythm of the breakers and swim a little.  And it was actually fun.

The bike was fine.  Until I stopped at a red light and experienced another one of my famous low-speed tipovers.  After only seventeen expletives, I was up and back on the bike.  With a sweet boo-boo.  Swim Bike Klutz.

Slow, ten minute jog and the Expert and I called it a day.  After stopping at Publix again for hydrogen peroxide and liquid bandage. We are heading out in about an hour to rack the bikes, and then start the pre-race veg-a-thon.

I am so grateful to be here.  I am so grateful to be safe, alive and well.  With family who loves me, despite my craziness. The Expert and I just watched CNN and the reports from the recent storms across the South are playing over and over. Swimming through rough water is my biggest problem at the moment.  Some perspective. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are suffering from the recent events. 

Mike McBlessings would be proud of my perspective. Which reminds me, don’t forget that the Expert and I are racing this race to benefit the Getting 2 Tri  Foundation– so please check out the organization if you haven’t already, and if you can spare just a little coin, you can make a donation here.