I woke up on Sunday with great sense of denial and disbelief that I had signed myself up for a 3,000m swim. I was filled with some apprehension about the charity swim because it seems so .. long and so much distance to cover. But swim 6 x 500m loops – I did; smile during the transitions between each loop – I did; sustain manageable breathing throughout – I did; finish with the ability to run – I did. Whee. It was so much better then Desaru’s pathetic 500m where I had much trouble with the swim transition. What worked for me – bilateral strokes, taking deep nice and slow breaths helped kept things under control and heart rate steady. Breaststroke on the other hand brought trouble because it increased the frequency of breathing and as a result, quickened my heart rate. I found out quickly that it didn’t work for me though I would have been able to move forward just slightly faster (so it seemed). Midway through, I shouldered some kicks by a fellow blue cap, peeked and spotted a familiar black, white and red striped swimsuit, it was Jaa! Friend not foe! I was very glad to have company for the remaining 3 loops. Swam close to her & her friend and formed a small school of dolphins.
I enjoyed the long swim because I was able to pace myself, pull each stroke without rush and feel the glide with the push of waves en route to shore. It’s a pity that we’re only able to swim such distances under race conditions where time is held prison by the championship chip strapped around the ankle. But having said that, it’s nice to know that I’m able to beach my ass onto a safety canoe in time of need aka potassium deficit. I’ve always loved the ocean and I still do. For someone inclined towards Gattaca’s gleaming sterile surfaces, I now have newfound appreciation of the natural elements. I find myself starring at pictures of overseas waters with a strong sense of yearning to travel for the sake of a nicer open sea/lake swim..and a trail run. Wanderlust is kicking in.
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