I’ve been training for my long distance open-water event for several months now (it’s this weekend!) and one of the great things about this type of swimming is that it’s generally a solitary sport. I sometimes go out with another fellow die-hard, but there isn’t much opportunity for conversation. There is, however, significant opportunity to think. I’ve made a list of some of the most significant things I’ve learned over the past months:

-Muscles and endurance that you assumed were long gone can be resurrected
-You can acclimate to ridiculously cold water, though it won’t be the slightest bit enjoyable
-You can also become accustomed to swimming through weeds
-The ice cream headache you experience after leaving shore generally doesn’t last more than 10 minutes
-I can survive a 10-minute ice cream headache
-If you allow your mind to wander too far, it will inevitably land on some version of the “I wonder what else is in this lake/river/ocean with me” thought
-That almost never ends well
-I have the most amazing friends and family who have all contributed to this great adventure in some way
-When people hear that I’m swimming across Lake Tahoe without a wetsuit, they immediately fall into one of two camps: those who think I’m crazy and those who are simply curious and want to learn more
-Those in the second camp, more often than not, migrate to the first camp
-A fully-grown man can completely freak out after seeing a four-inch fish. I’ve seen it happen.
-If you stand in knee-deep river water and hold very still, the fish will actually circle your feet
-The last song you listen to before starting a long-distance swim is one of the most important decisions you will make   all day
-You really can do just about anything you set your mind to, and that includes conquering fears
-The hardest part of the journey is not the endless training, it’s getting started each day.

This has been a bit of a cathartic experience for me, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. But the part that has brought the most satisfaction is setting a goal, committing to that goal and then seeing it through.  This has taken me out of my comfort zone many times over. But each time, my horizon has been expanded just a bit more. And I’ve learned that picking something big, something that may even seem insurmountable, and working toward it is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in a very long time.

I’ve  also learned that the hardest part is getting started. Jumping in the water, for me, is infinitely more difficult than the actual training that is to follow. Knowing this, I plan to pick something of this magnitude each year so that my horizons continue to expand. And I would encourage everyone else to do the same. Whether it’s work, family, religion or sports, pick something- ANYTHING- and see if you can pull it off. It’s impossible to become stagnant when you’re on the hunt for the next great adventure.

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I am wildly frustrated.

I have now ordered four “thermoregulating speedsuits” only to be told by four different reps/distributors/”customer service” experts that each of the four suits aren’t available.

Here is where my frustration begins to build: I have an MBA with a specialization in marketing, so I have some level of understanding of premium products. A premium product, and its ridiculous price tag, is really only a premium product if you can’t get it. The less it is available, the more the consumer wants it. Sad, but true.

As I’ve “ordered” four different suits from four different manufacturers only to be told (after checkout) that it’s not available, backordered, or not even in production yet, my own personal price point rises. With each unavailable suit, my desperation rises and I move to the next viable option with lower standards and an increased willingness to pay a bit more just to get the suit. I have fallen victim to the oldest marketing ploy in the book.

One suit in particular promises to be cutting-edge in its ability to keep you warm while helping you go fast. This was suit number four, so price had become almost a non-issue. The customer service rep explained the benefits of the suit to me, its microfiber technology, the way the zipper is sewn and I nearly began salivating. I was sold. I asked them if they accepted Visa, and of course, she said they did. I gave her my size, and began to rattle off my credit card number only to be told that the suit wouldn’t be available until next month. I nearly lost it.

So, after much frustration, I have decided to pay homage to my swimming roots and cross Lake Tahoe in a plain old racing-style Speedo. This is the same kind of suit that has seemed perfectly adequate for the past 30 years and only became antiquated in the past year or so when all these new, seemingly unattainable technologically-advanced suits took their place.

I have also decided to take the money I had saved for one of these new, elusive suits and share it with my friends at Nordstroms. Having just received their new catalogue, I’m pretty sure that the advertised products are actually available.

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A few weeks ago I ordered a new full-body racing suit from Speedo. This suit is one step below the suits worn in the Olympics (pricey!) and my motivation was warmth, not speed for Tahoe- though I’m not one to turn down extra advantages.

The suit, and its staggering price tag, arrived in the mail and I hated it. I’m not particular about many things, but I am particular about racing suits and wetsuits. So, I sent it back.

I’ve spent the past few weeks on the hunt for a suitable (pun intended) replacement and I believe I’ve found it in a new TYR suit. The technology in this suit is apparently cutting edge and while all of that is nice, I just want to be as warm as possible. The key ingredient in this particular suit is a very thin layer of rubber that sits next to your skin. Wetsuits are illegal, but this suit is not. I was sold. But, it gets better: because this suit is so technologically advanced, the layer of rubber is covered by a very fine layer of titanium. And, as if that isn’t enough, the outer layer is limestone. Limestone slips through water, bringing enhanced speed. I have no idea why the titanium is there.

Just when I thought swimming across Lake Tahoe without a wetsuit and at altitude couldn’t get any harder, I’m now adding metal and rocks to the mix.

I am an “old school” swimmer, which means that the most technologically-advanced gear I generally use is a kickboard, so this should be interesting. But, if it keeps me a few degrees warmer, which I’ve learned is called thermoregulation, I’m in.

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I have hit the swimming jackpot. A friend that I have swam with for years is also training for a long-distance open water swimming event. We’ve now done two river swims together, and I’m realizing that there is definitely strength in numbers.

His event is not until early August, a full two weeks after my Tahoe crossing. But, he’s game to sneak a swim in as often as possible, and I’m ecstatic.

This morning we hit the river for what has become our “usual route” with one significant difference. He enjoyed the luxury of a full wetsuit, while I enjoyed, well, nothing.

Today marks not only our nation’s independence, but my independence from my oh-so comfortable neoprene body armor. I left my house this morning not quite sure how this would go, and I’m happy to report that I did it. I’m also happy to report that now, three hours later, I’m finally nearing a relatively normal body temperature.

I’ve cleared another significant hurdle as I’ve zeroed in on an artful blend of earplugs, “warming cream” (which, incidentally, I am convinced works only in my mind, though I’m not willing to take chances and go without), a neoprene swim cap and prayer. When used in concert, you truly only freeze beyond belief for the first five minutes. From there, it’s smooth swimming.

Upon returning home from this morning’s adventure (thanks again Mike!), and downing several cups of tea, taking a long, hot shower and bundling up in several layers of clothing, I sat down at my computer to order another round of staples- earplugs and warming cream. I thought about ordering a supply for Mike too, but then remembered that he gets to bask in the comfort of being nearly covered from head to toe in a wetsuit, and I decided to keep the “warming cream” for myself.

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Yesterday the World ran a blog post I wrote several months ago about my son and his lemonade stand. The topic of the post was my son’s desire to expand his product line by saving enough money to purchase a soda machine that he would set up on our well-traveled sidewalk. I should probably mention that my son is 7.

This morning, I had heard from two friends who had shared the article in last night’s paper with their kids before I had enjoyed my second cup of coffee. Both moms were calling to tell me that after hearing the article, their kids “wanted in”. They wanted a tiny part of lemonade glory. I spent the rest of the morning thinking about this. So far, the lemonade stand has taught my son about fiscal management, inventory management, diversification, marketing and customer service. It now presented the opportunity to teach lessons in human resources or franchising, so we talked about it.

I told him that two of his friends wanted to be a part of his lemonade stand and that the next time Luke’s Lemonade was open for business, he should call them to come help. He asked a few questions, I provided a few answers and his conclusion was quite simple: “If I let them help, they’ll learn the secret to my lemonade.” He had a point.

I’m a big believer in the concept of “the more the merrier”, but business is business, after all. So, before his friends are invited to help, they will be presented with a non-disclosure agreement for review, probably crafted in orange crayon (his favorite color). It’s never too early to instill the concept of proprietary protection, after all.

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There has been a fair amount of media attention as of late regarding the constantly rising cost of participating in sports. Granted, I am an independent, professional adult, fully capable of making my own decisions. And, I have chosen to join a team that will be racing across a very large, very cold lake next month. It’s fully my own decision, and was the initial drop that created a ripple of similar independent, uninfluenced decisions. But man, is it ever expensive.

The lake that I have been yearning to cross for several years now is Lake Tahoe (read: airfare and lodging expenses). I’ve made the decision to join a team that is the defending five-time champion (read: extreme pressure resulting in the need to purchase the latest swimwear technology). That technology does not come cheap. In fact, the price tag mirrors that of the average car payment. Incidentally, from my perspective, the increased speed, averaged at $75/second, is secondary only to the perceived increase in warmth. It’s a swimsuit with legs. Granted, it’s a very thin swimsuit, but I’m convinced that the addition of legs will somehow make me feel warmer- and hopefully faster.

When it’s all said and done, this weekend adventure will cost about the same as a small vacation. I have questioned whether or not it’s worth it and I’ve decided that it is. I have big plans of being on a team that makes history (if we win the sixth consecutive title), enjoying mild hypothermia with new friends and relishing in this story for the next 50 or so years.

I’m also very glad that “staycations” are popular right now because our plans of a summer vacation will now involve (free) activities that are close to home.

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As I prepare myself to swim across Lake Tahoe with a team of women while braving altitude and extremely cold temperatures sans wetsuit, I decided it was time to enlist my secret weapon.

My former coach (both club and college) is an internally-recognized open water swimmer. In fact, he has recently returned from Florida where he was selected to lead the US National Team Open Water camp. It was time for me to bring in the Big Gun.

I know my training is going well. So, my question for my former coach was how in the world to prepare myself for the freezing temps and altitude I am getting ready to encounter. He had four recommendations:
1. Start swimming in the Columbia without a wetsuit (it’s hovering in the mid-50s)
2. Submerge yourself in an ice bath for 30 minutes at a time
3. Gain 20 pounds
4. Cover your body in lanolin prior to getting in the water.

Hmmm…. I’m not sure about any of these suggestions, but I am sure that the knows what he’s talking about. So, I’ve decided to give them each a try, with the exception of #3. I don’t consider myself to be an overly vain person, and this is evidenced by my willingness to cover myself in lanolin while swimming in water that is sure to turn my skin a vibrant shade of purple, but I am vain enough to know that gaining 20 pounds is out of the question. I want to challenge myself and accomplish something significant, but my plan most definitely does not include a daily regimen of Ben and Jerrys.

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This past Saturday, eight women came together to form three teams at the Moses Lake Triathlon. There was one Olympic distance team and two Sprint distance teams made up of exceptional women that struggle mightily to make fitness a part of their daily schedules.

All of the women had children. One even crossed party lines to race for our team- rejecting an offer to race for her own team. One woman was a newbie. A good time was had by all.

With fierce determination, cheering from our gaggle of kids, a collective overwhelming competitive drive and a touch of luck, the “mommies” made a clean sweep. The Olympic distance team won (beating teams of men) and the two Sprint distance teams took first and second.

The best part? After the races were over and the hardware collected, we piled the kids back into the team Volvo and SUVs and headed back to Wenatchee. Upon returning home, we each returned to our weekend duties of laundry, grocery shopping and doctoring skinned knees relishing in the day’s “mommy sweep”.

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It’s official. I have received, completed and submitted my portion of the registration form for the Trans-Tahoe relay.

However, when the form arrived in my mailbox, there were extra names listed and I was to provide my information as an alternate. I was confused, so I called the team captain and we had our first official “live” conversation.

I asked her why there were extra names and her response, without hesitation, was that they always included alternates because at least a few team members “chicken out” each year. Chicken out?! I’m left to wonder what I don’t know.

It was a good conversation and despite a slight tinge of apprehension, I’ll be there: without a wetsuit, skin glowing purple from the frigid temperature, and hopefully with a smile on my face.

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Here’s the deal: I’ve been recruited to join a team of women who will race across Lake Tahoe in two months. It’s an 11.5-mile journey and each swimmer takes a 30-minute shift until we hit land. I had been looking for a new challenge and have decided that this fits the bill.

Now here’s the catch: Tahoe almost never reaches 60 degrees and we can’t wear wetsuits, making mild hypothermia a recurring condition. And, Tahoe is over 6000 feet above sea level. As if these two conditions weren’t enough to deter my enthusiasm, this team I’ve landed on has won the event for the past five years. No pressure. Oh, and I’m convinced there’s something in the lake I’ve been training in that is not doing my stomach any favors.

Over the months I have talked with several readers of this blog who have spun tales of past athletic triumphs and waxed poetic about their glory days. But, I’m not convinced the glory days are over. Granted, I’m not as fast, nor will I likely ever be, as I once was. But, I’ve set a new benchmark for myself and it’s wildly exciting to work toward a goal.

Trust me, I can think of 100 different reasons to not jump in a frigid lake, just as you will be able to list countless reasons not to challenge yourself. But none of those reasons have proven stronger than the one reason why I should: because I’ve told myself I will.

I challenge everyone to set a goal for themselves this year and work like crazy to achieve it. The glory days need not be in your past; they just might be before you.

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