Saturday, got fitted for proper running shoes by Mick Dowling in Terenure; he seems to think I need insoles made - I think he’d know what he’s talking about. Sunday, a pretty long cycle with some of the others from Piranha and 3D. I think we covered 70K+, roughly, at a fairly quick pace (I’m sure the more advanced people thought we were crawling).
And then to top off the weekend myself and Cliona went to the 40 Foot to try out my new wetsuit. Sam (Piranha) and Nessa (3D) were there to brave the cold water, along with the usual lunatics who partake in sea swimming here.
My wetsuit is pretty tight, and when I got in the water I felt warm - but found it very difficult to breathe. I paddled about a bit, but couldn’t get my body into a good position - and basically when we got out into deeper water I got a bit “intimidated” (I bottled it) and went back to the shore. I don’t know if the suit is supposed to be so tight, but the combination of the newness of sea swimming and the suit managed to freak me out a bit. Turning my head to breathe and finding a wave there was also an interesting experience. I’m sure I’ll go and try again next week, hopefully I’ll get used to the suit and the open water in time. Thanks to Sam and Nessa for keeping an eye on me in the water, and Cliona on the shore - it was much appreciated.
Good God man, you look like you are motoring in that photo! Fair play, I’m sure it was mental swimming in open water, I would hate it, and as you know I’m one of the world’s best swimmers.
I most certainly was *not* motoring. Look at me, kicking my feet like an amateur! In fairness, it was a bit of a nightmare, but I have to get used to it. Swimming in the suit is a bit like swimming with somebody sitting on my chest. Anyway, we’ll see how I get on next week.
Wetsuits are meant to be tight to keep the cold water that gets into the suit from moving about so that your body heat can warm it up.
If you think waves are scary then wait till you meet a RIP current. These currents jet you out to sea and you cannot swim against them, just remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
Large Breaking waves are not only scary they are terrifying, get caught in a large breaking wave and you will be washing machined or barrelled. Round and round not knowing which way is up. You will need to hold your breath for at least six seconds and it’s not a good idea to have this happen on a pebble beach otherwise you may end up with head injuries.
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