Not Swimming
I’d originally planned to compete in the La Jolla Rough Water Swim today, but since my fracking shoulder’s kept me from doing any serious yardage this summer, I passed. NGF and I did, however, go watch. The event was HUGE! Another one of those little secrets San Diego keeps so well because the paid media outlets seldom venture beyond Qualcom and Petco to report on sports around here.
This is a one-mile open water swim. Conditions can be tranquil but the swells can also get pretty large. The tide today was reportedly abnormally high (and the men’s heats were scheduled for high tide). Scheduled times slipped, but as the announcer said, ‘You’re in La Jolla on a beautiful day. Enjoy it.’
Literally hundreds of swimmers with heats for gender and age groups going most of the day. No wetsuits allowed, and from the tents and busses, competitors from all over had turned out for the day.
When I first started thinking about competing in this event a few months ago, the race start was the main issue giving me concern. Now it completely terrifies me. I have no desire to drown trampled underneath a hundred or so type-A personalities. Shoulder permitting, I have no doubt I can swim the distance. With a little focussed training I’m sure my finish could have a respectable time. But how does one get ready for that mess?
…the more senior gal pal that was the last swimmer in the women’s heats was inspiring. She must have been in her 70’s.