I had been asked that question just minutes before by a KOMO 1000 news radio interviewer. My response was "because it's a great cause, and I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it". I began to think about and really evaluate my answer. Why was I doing this? Of course the obvious was what I had stated, but were there any underlying reasons? Of course there are, but my 101 blog and shrinking my thunder thighs just didn't sound as altruistic as saving lives.
One of the underlying reasons was pointed out to me by my sweet hubby. You see, for a very long time I've been known as the girl who was great at starting things, but when it came to finishing....
Brent knows that I am not that girl anymore, but trying to break an image that others have built up is just about as easy as herding greased cats. Completing a 2 1/2 mile swim in Lake Washington may help to convince people that I do indeed complete what I start. I may not do it in the "normal" or "right" way (aka the way they think I should) but I do get it done.
So, as I was out in the choppy waters of Lake Washington, I began to wonder why I cared what others thought of me. The answer is suprisingly simple, I didn't care what anyone thought, but I may have begun to believe that they were correct. I needed to prove to myself that I could finish this.
There really wasn't a "right" way to train, I tried to make it swimming at least 3x a week. A few weeks into my training, my sister (who is a fantastic and seasoned swimmer) happened to be in town. We went swimming together and she gave me some great pointers that were much needed for this swim (the main one was to broaden my stroke, it helped to keep me stable in the rough water).
I attended 1 open water swim clinic (see day 35 ~ go big or go home) and I did a couple of practice swims at Angle Lake and Coulon Beach.
I just realized that my title reminds me of the new pampers 'I poo in blue' commercial. I in noway meant for that to be the case, it's just that "The second item on my 101 blog #2 made me feel like I was hot stuff" just seemed a little too wordy and a little egocentric.
I am super excited that we raised $42,000, I am looking forward to doing it again next year. I wonder what I will think about then?
The pre-swim safety talk. Nothing they said could have prepared me for what I was about to face.
The waves were "wicked fierce" and this was "the choppiest swim in 13 years with more swimmers than usual requesting to get pulled from the water."
Beth my kayaker and I were both glad to be out of the water. She told me after that it was difficult to spot us because the waves were that big.
Her kayak stayed upright.
Several other kayakers were not so lucky.
I made it!
I am so proud of you!!!! You are a rock star. I was catching up on some of your other posts too, and I agree, SOOOOO glad the church is not the bldg. I am glad to count you as a sister because of Christ and not because of 4 walls. But you know that already :) I know you can achieve whatever you decide to put your mind to.
ReplyDeleteYeah Tricia!!! Neither rough water, nor parking issues, nor scary pre-race talks can stop you from #2!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad the advice helped (and how freaky to read in this post EXACTLY what I said to you - those are some listening skills!).
And BTW, I always ask myself that "what am I doing here" question at the beginning of every triathlon or open water swim. Maybe everybody does, or maybe it's just a "Knight thing". In any case, your answers are exactly the sort that keep me coming back for more, so I think you'll be coming back too.
Congrats again!
You are an amazing woman! I think you will be thinking about how hot you look now and that this is getting to be too easy for you :)! So proud of you woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteJen T