“Do one thing everyday that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

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I came, I swam, I survived. 

 

Today’s Open Water Challenge Race (800 meter swim and 5K run) gave me a HUGE confidence boost about swimming in a lake.  Now, I feel so much better about my sprint triathlon next weekend.  As you may know, I have a disastrous history with open water swims, including a DNF (did not finish) during a sprint tri and a major panic attack during an Olympic tri.  I knew I needed one GOOD open water swim under my belt before attempting to do another triathlon. 

 

However, it wasn’t a perfect race… but that gives me room to improve for next week!

 

Today’s race started like the previous 34 races – with peanut butter toast and a banana.  Once you know what your perfect pre-race meal is, don’t mess with perfection!

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I actually ended up eating in the car because new friend Kim and her husband Justin arrived to pick me up.  Next week’s sprint tri will be Kim’s first, and she’s been diligently training with a YMCA triathlon team for the past few months.  She has a YMCA coach that helps the group with running, swimming, and cycling.  Pretty neat way to stay motivated and accountable, huh?

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I started to get really nervous in the car.  I actually had trouble falling asleep last night because I was so worked up, and although I gave myself an epic pep talk in the shower, it didn’t seem to calm me down at all.

 

We picked up our beautiful shirts and swim caps. I was #2, which I took as a good sign! I like 2’s.

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Kim and I ran into another blog reader named Ashley in the parking lot.  Ashley will also be doing her first triathlon next weekend!  Even though I’ve done two tri’s, I still feel like a newbie and it was nice to be surrounded with people who were in the same boat. 

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Together, we listened to the pre-race safety speech.  I was happy to see lots kayaks and lifeguards, considering I held onto kayaks during my previous two open water attempts…

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There was a collective groan when we were told that the yellow buoy was the mid-way point and the red buoy in the far back was the turn-around.  There was also a 1-mile and 2-mile swim group, and I think all the 800-meter folks were hoping the back red buoy was for them, not for us…

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It seemed SO far away!

 

One thing I did differently this time around was I got in the water beforehand and swam a little bit to try to acclimate myself.  Lots of commenters told me that I really NEEDED to do this if I was prone to panicking, and it was great advice.  I felt a lot calmer after swimming some practice strokes and realizing how warm the water was (I think it was 85!).

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And then… it was time to go.  My heart was in my throat!

 

My problem with open water swimming is that I get really, really nervous and my breathing becomes very, very fast.  It’s like I’m beginning to hyperventilate.  I try to tell myself to breathe slowly and calm down, but it’s almost impossible to stop the cycle of panicking once it begins.  After the beach start, I swam about 100 meters before I freaked out and began to panic.  I looked back at the shore and actually thought about quitting right then and there…

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But, I trudged on!  I flipped to my back every 25 meters or so to relax. 

 

I was SO proud of myself when I passed the yellow buoy, the halfway to the turn-around mark.  And when I hit the turn-around, I nearly cried.  I was so happy to be going back to shore. 

 

I had three small freak-outs: one at the beginning, one right after the turn-around, and one at the yellow buoy on the way back.  I look my pulse at one point, and it was in the 190s!  I was in the back of the pack (I think I finished 15th to last), but I actually think that helped because no one was splashing me or kicking me. 

 

Plus – this race is against NO ONE but MYSELF!

 

I swam until my fingertips scraped the muddy bottom, and then I stood up and ran to the shore.  I practically kissed the ground.

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My time – 23:45!  I would’ve been happy with anything, but I was really pleased with this time.

 

We waited for our friends to come in, and then we slowly changed into running gear (transition and the run wasn’t timed, so there was no pressure to bolt).  The second part of the Open Water Challenge was a 5K trail run.

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My new trisuit worked VERY well as a swimming outfit and as a running outfit.  I don’t know if I would want to run much more than a 5K in this trisuit (without a real sports bra), but it was pretty comfy for the 32 minutes it took to finish the run.

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Came home and refueled with a strawberry-banana protein smoothie. 

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I wish I hadn’t panicked three times, but truthfully – I expected to freak out a little bit, given my history with open water swims.  I’m hoping I can beat my time when I attempt the course next weekend during the sprint tri!

 

Also, this Open Water Challenge was kind of a reality check.  I know I’ve been injured for two months, but I have REALLY lost a lot of my cardio endurance.  I was feeling it during the swim.   I’m just not in the shape I was in last October.  That’s fine; it just gives me something to work on.

 

I cannot wait to do the triathlon next weekend!  I’m going to eat that open water swim for breakfast.   All in all, a WONDERFUL race. 

{ 116 comments }

 

  • DadHTP June 4, 2011, 11:37 am

    Yayyyyyy!!!!!

  • kristy @ kristyruns June 4, 2011, 11:39 am

    Awesome job! You kept going and pushed through…excellent. 🙂 You’re ready for next weekend fo’real.

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet June 4, 2011, 11:39 am

    Ahhh congrats on finishing 🙂 It must be such a relief to know that you made it through the swim and didn’t turn around! I’m sure that with a few more practice swims, you’ll do great come the triathlon. Would you practice in open water again this week??

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:00 pm

      I don’t think I’ll have a chance… I’m too scared to swim without lifeguards in the lake!

  • Carolyn June 4, 2011, 11:41 am

    Awesome! You owned that lake!

  • Hillary June 4, 2011, 11:41 am

    What great news, Caitlin! Congratulations on making it through. It must feel incredible!

  • Megan @ sweet on June 4, 2011, 11:42 am

    Way to go, Caitlin! I was thinking about you this morning. Next week is going to be great!

    I am a firm believer (after many tears before big events or races) that showing up is half the battle – or more! If you want to do something and you prep and show up, you’ve already accomplished something huge.

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:01 pm

      Showing up is SOOOO half the battle.

  • Jenn (eating bender) June 4, 2011, 11:44 am

    Woohoo! I am so excited for you and glad that this morning gave you confidence going into next weekend.

  • sarah June 4, 2011, 11:49 am

    Awesome job!! You’ve inspired me to try to find a swim-run race 🙂

  • Jennifer@ knackfornutrition June 4, 2011, 11:52 am

    Congratulations! I bet it felt amazing to be racing again after fighting all these nagging injuries for so long!

  • April @ Grits and Granola Bars June 4, 2011, 11:54 am

    Good job, Caitlin! I’m so excited for you 🙂 I bet you’re gonna rock it next weekend!

  • McKella June 4, 2011, 11:55 am

    Awesome! Doesn’t it feel amazing to conquer your fears? I’m so happy for you, tri’s sound so scary, but you tore it up. Great job!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas June 4, 2011, 11:57 am

    Awesome job, Caitlin!! Little by little, you are helping me become more comfortable witht e idea of swimming. Someday.. soon.. I hope! 🙂

  • Gloria June 4, 2011, 11:59 am

    Great job! I’m so happy for you. You will totally kick butt next weekend 🙂

  • Tanya June 4, 2011, 12:00 pm

    Great job!!!! you made it!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston June 4, 2011, 12:00 pm

    That’s a really cool tri-suit. So you can do all three legs of the race just wearing that suit?

    I’ve been really curious about what happens in transition area and how you change and what people change in and out of for each leg. I’d love more insight form your/your readers experiences!

    I’d really like to do a tri in the future. I think my biggest challenge will be the biking. I only have a mountain bike and would want to see if I like doing tri’s before investing in a road bike. Do you see any people at tri’s using a mountain bike to kind of test it out?

    (Sorry that this comment ended up having like 3 questions!) Thanks Caitlin!

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:05 pm

      Hey Katie!

      Yup, you can do all the legs with a trisuit on. It definitely reduces changing time during the transitions!

      Here’s a breakdown of T1 and T2:

      T1 is from swim to bike – first things first, you need to wash off the dirt from your feet so you can put on your bike shoes. Some people just a towel and water, other people dunk their feet into a filled bucket.

      Gear needed for t1 (minimum):

      Running shoes/socks
      Helmet
      Bike gloves
      Bike

      Some people will also eat during T1, depending on how long the race is.

      In T2, you usually just need to swap out your helmet for a hat (or not) and bike shoes for running shoes. Some people also eat during this T.

      Regarding your bike issue, you could definitely do a super sprint with a mountain bike. I would look for a race that has a 12 mile or less bike. It will slow you down, of course, but you won’t end up significantly behind. Also, you might want to take the bike to a shop, because you might be able to get thinner tires put on that will replicate a hybrid.

  • Amara@GirlinaWhirl June 4, 2011, 12:02 pm

    Yay you! That’s me too –I used to love snorkeling and scuba diving, but i had a near miss with being sucked out to sea once, and now I panic in any type of waves –even little tiny breakers. I get the whole panic cycle thing. I’m so proud of you. Maybe I can beat my demons if you can!

  • Kelly June 4, 2011, 12:07 pm

    Go Caitlin!!

  • Theodora June 4, 2011, 12:12 pm

    Yay! Glad to hear it.

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table June 4, 2011, 12:14 pm

    Congrats! That was just the perfect quote to pair with this post. 🙂

  • Molly @ RDexposed June 4, 2011, 12:16 pm

    Congrats! I also love Eleanor’s quote, “When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a know and hold on!”

  • Marcy (Too Timid) June 4, 2011, 12:18 pm

    Congrats! Awesome. And what a great strategy to do this before your tri!

  • Mary June 4, 2011, 12:18 pm

    Good job, Caitlin!!!! I am doing my first sprint tri in 2 weeks, and I am nervous. You give me the courage to go for it.

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:05 pm

      You can do it! Please let me know how it goes.

  • Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty June 4, 2011, 12:18 pm

    HEY! Congratulations! That is amazing. Well done.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg June 4, 2011, 12:19 pm

    Congrats on finishing Caitlin!!! You freaked out but you conquered it — that is amazing!!! Great job!!!

  • Kris June 4, 2011, 12:20 pm

    Congrats! You’ll feel more comfortable every time you get in the water now.

  • zoe (and the beatles) June 4, 2011, 12:30 pm

    wa-hoo, congratulations, caitlin! love conquering fears 🙂

    also, this is so totally random but i feel the need to tell you — you have such a beautiful, feminine shape! i know that might sound weird but please don’t take it the wrong way!

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:06 pm

      Thank you so much. I’m not going to lie, it took me years to embrace my shape, but now I like it for it’s feminineness (is that a word). It’s not the most athlete, but it’s soft and strong!

      • D June 4, 2011, 6:42 pm

        I agree! You look fantastic! If you ever decide you don’t feel like actually doing the event, you could totally just stand around modeling that tri suit

        • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:44 pm

          oh you guys are too nice 🙂 thanks!

  • Baking 'n' Books June 4, 2011, 12:36 pm

    How you swim…in open water – is beyond me. Seriously.

    Congrats though! Question (excuse if TMI) – but if you “eat” during the car ride – when/how do you get time to go to the “little girl’s room” when needed for any pre-anxious stomach “jitters”.

    Sorry for all the alliterative ” “. 😉

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:07 pm

      I pooped beforehand in the portapotty. After 35 races, I can make myself go on command. Useful skill!

      • Baking 'n' Books June 4, 2011, 7:08 pm

        LOL – here I was trying to avoid the “P” word – and you just put it out there!

        😉

  • Karen June 4, 2011, 12:45 pm

    Yay!! Congrats!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) June 4, 2011, 12:49 pm

    You WILL eat that open water swim for breakfast (in addition to peanut butter, toast, and a banana…). Glad that the trisuit worked out.

    If you have issues hyperventilating, just a question: do you exhale when your face is in the water? This will stretch your breathing out and prevent carbon dioxide buildup in your lungs. Maybe a good thing to try out in the pool this week.

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:07 pm

      I do that in the pool but I noticed about 75% through the swim that I wasn’t, so I started to, and it was SO MUCH BETTER.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 4, 2011, 12:52 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin!!!!

  • Freya June 4, 2011, 12:55 pm

    YES I knew you’d kick butt! GOOO CAITLIN!!

  • Laura @ MyReasontoRun June 4, 2011, 12:56 pm

    yay! congrats!!! i recognized you today, but was too shy to introduce myself 🙂 when i saw you come out of the water with a smile on your face i was so happy for you!!! so glad you are getting over your OWS fear. youre gonna rock the tri next weekend!!!!

  • Christy June 4, 2011, 12:59 pm

    Wooo! You’re only going to get better. I just know it.

  • Dee June 4, 2011, 1:15 pm

    So happy for you Caitlin! Go on girl!

  • Emily June 4, 2011, 1:15 pm

    Way to go Caitlin!! Awesome job, I would have been so panicked, too!

  • Aja June 4, 2011, 1:15 pm

    Great job!
    I’ve noticed a lot of people eat bananas and some kind of toast with some kind of spread on it as a pre-run/swim/etc meal. I guess it really works.

  • Samantha June 4, 2011, 1:16 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin!! Sounds like you had an awesome time and I give you major props for overcoming your fears!! You’re going to rock it next week 🙂

  • Mary-Heather June 4, 2011, 1:21 pm

    Great job!! I actually think it’s even more badass that you panicked and then kept on going! You fought – and won – a harder mental battle than anyone who didn’t freak out, and the mental battles can definitely be the toughest ones. So inspiring! Congratulations. 🙂

  • Shannon June 4, 2011, 1:33 pm

    Great Job!!!! My first tri is at the end of the month and I am super nervous!!! I’m trying an open water swim the weekend before so at least I will have one under my belt. I am really worried about freaking out as well!

  • Lisa June 4, 2011, 1:46 pm

    Congrats on a great race! I just did a sprint this morning and the swim was in the sea – finished dead last in my heat! But I ran out with a smile on my face just happy to be finished with it – I’m sure you’ll do fantastic next week!

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:08 pm

      Yay! All the cool people finish last 🙂 Good job, girl1

  • jen @ taste life June 4, 2011, 1:47 pm

    Yay Caitlin! I’m so proud of you! You just keep going out there and doing things that scare you. Awesomesauce. Can’t wait to hear about next week’s race.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife June 4, 2011, 1:59 pm

    whaooo!! YOU did it. So true, doing things that scare us only make us stronger. SO cool 🙂

  • Michaela June 4, 2011, 1:59 pm

    YAY! I’m so glad you pushed through! You inspire me all the time with your positive attitude. I’m just crackers about you : )

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 6:09 pm

      I’m crackers about you too!

  • Moni'sMeals June 4, 2011, 2:05 pm

    Good for you! Woohoo. Way to take charge. 🙂

  • Sarah June 4, 2011, 2:11 pm

    Congrats! Just the fact that you were so proactive and faced your fears is so inspiring!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 4, 2011, 2:16 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! You’re going to do awesome next week. Way to tackle your fears today!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) June 4, 2011, 2:30 pm

    Great job Caitlin! I think that this was definitely a great way for you to prep for next week!

    Today was such a busy day in the blogger race world. 😉 I did a SUPER half-marathon up in Hickory this morning and now I’m chilling in Charlotte. 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 4, 2011, 2:43 pm

    Congrats girl! The most important thing is that you FINISHED!

  • kris (everyday oats) June 4, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Congrats on your successful race!

  • Amanda June 4, 2011, 2:55 pm

    Great job today!!! So motivating!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 4, 2011, 3:03 pm

    Congratulations! You are so motivating! I want to try an open water swim now too!

  • Michelle@ Crazy*Running*Legs June 4, 2011, 3:16 pm

    Congrats! Way to accomplish your fears — and wow on doing 35 races!!

  • Little Bookworm June 4, 2011, 4:04 pm

    Congratulations Caitlin! 🙂

  • kwithme June 4, 2011, 4:28 pm

    Congratulations! I had a great race too! Today was the one year anniversary of racing and I ran a race that I did last year. I improved my time by 2min 10sec. Very cool!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss June 4, 2011, 4:31 pm

    GO YOU!! That’s awesome! I’d definitely be scared to do that, too..but you conquered it. Woohoo!!

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) June 4, 2011, 4:50 pm

    3 little freak outs and getting er done is such an improvement though! Before you know it you’ll be open water swimming like the pros! Congratulations Caitlin!

  • Heather June 4, 2011, 5:28 pm

    Congratulations … you must feel so much better and ready for your sprint triathalon. You go girl!

  • Trish June 4, 2011, 5:50 pm

    You rock!! Congrats! You’re so awesome for getting out there again and conquering your fear. You should be super proud of yourself. Even thought you freaked out, you did it. Amazing.

    I think you are tremendously brave – you’re constantly doing things that inspire me. 🙂

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) June 4, 2011, 5:53 pm

    GREAT job Caitlin! You are awesome!

  • Amber Faye @ One "Faye" At A Time June 4, 2011, 5:54 pm

    GREAT JOB!! That is so exciting!

  • JenRD June 4, 2011, 6:18 pm

    Congrats! What a great accomplishment!

  • Tessa @ Amazing Asset June 4, 2011, 6:20 pm

    You go girl 🙂 Be proud of this major accomplishment!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef June 4, 2011, 6:26 pm

    great job!!

  • Heidi - apples under my bed June 4, 2011, 6:36 pm

    Yay! Congratulations, Caitlin! Great work. You’re so positive, it’s an inspiration. I love that you gave yourself an epic pep talk in the shower too – how cute. I love your tri suit also – I don’t do anything that would require I purchase one, but I kind of want to anyway…maybe for cleaning the house – I could go from scrubbing the shower, to vacuuming… 😛
    Heidi xo

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit June 4, 2011, 6:48 pm

    Congrats on your race! THat sounds like fun 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 4, 2011, 6:53 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! This was such a good idea to prep you for next weekend. I’m sure you’re going to rock that tri without ANY freakouts now. 🙂

  • Rebecca June 4, 2011, 6:55 pm

    YAY! Congrats!!

    Your panic-attacks sound like a more large-scale or blown-up version of what happened to me during swimming lessons or the swimming portion of gym class. I’ve figured out what my issue is, though–actually two.
    1) I don’t like being able to not touch bottom. If I’m in a pool in the deeper end I’m okay if I can hang onto the wall or a tube or something. But if I’m in a lake and can’t touch the bottom… it’s not good.
    2) I guess this kind of goes along with 1, but I don’t like having my head underwater. During lessons or gym-swim (hah), when we had to do the front crawl or the breast stroke or anything that required my head to be underwater, I flipped out and couldn’t do the strokes properly.
    Probably the underlying issue is a fear of drowning, now that I think about it…

    But GOOD FOR YOU! for continuing and only panicking briefly!! 😀

  • Paige @Running Around Normal June 4, 2011, 6:57 pm

    NICE job!! I can guarantee I’d have a panic attack getting into open water like that.
    I’m impressed 🙂

  • Susan @ All Things In Moderation June 4, 2011, 7:15 pm

    Your awesome!!!! You make me want to get my butt out there and try something scarey! Really!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope June 4, 2011, 7:37 pm

    Congrats!! You look smokin’ in that tri-suit, too! yow!

  • Carol June 4, 2011, 7:49 pm

    Congrats on finishing! The open swim was the scariest part for me last year. I’m hoping to bypass a panic attack this year. You looked fantastic!

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy June 4, 2011, 8:04 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin! Awesome work. I like the tri suit. Just wish they weren’t so spendy! Open water swimming is still something I haven’t tried. But I did enjoy my sprint tri with an indoor swim.

  • Wendi @ earth, Wind and Fire June 4, 2011, 8:12 pm

    Congrats!! So awesome!!!

    I swam in the pool for the second time ever (as in for a workout kind of thing), today. I did 800 m of different kinds of drills and it took me an hour. So I have a LONG way to go but hopefully, I’ll get some good tips from reading your blog!

  • Ally Garner June 4, 2011, 8:19 pm

    New reader in Charlotte, here! Just wanted to congratulate you on the Open Water Challenge. I’d thought ab entering it myself but was originally supposed to be out of town this weekend. Really wish i’d entered-looks like y’all had a great time. Also wanted to say, i’ve been a competitive swimmer since i was 10 & even i would be trepidatious about an open water swim. Kudos to you for conquering it. Love your blog-glad i stumbled across your space this week!

    • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 8:54 pm

      Hi Ally!

      Are you doing the tri next weekend? 🙂

      • Ally Garner June 4, 2011, 9:23 pm

        I wish! But no, we’re going to be in Georgia next weekend to greet my brother-he’s coming home from his 2nd tour in Afghanistan. Yay!

        If you’re doing the Tri, i wish you the best of luck & can’t wait to read all about it on your blog. Many blessings and thanks for your sweet reply 🙂

        • CaitlinHTP June 4, 2011, 9:35 pm

          Well, that’s better than a race!

  • Gretchen June 4, 2011, 8:39 pm

    I’m a newish reader of yours and a new blogger, just wanted to say CONGRATS! My fiancee and I are training for our first 5k, so this is the perfect motivation! I love your blog and look forward to your triathlon recap soon!

  • Courtney June 4, 2011, 8:40 pm

    Great job girl! You are going to do wonderful next week 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 4, 2011, 8:55 pm

    You are awesome! I have a phobia of open bodies of water, so I don’t know if I will ever try a triathlon, but you give me hope 🙂

  • Carol June 4, 2011, 8:58 pm

    WOHOO!!! Way to go! Very happy for you:)

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) June 4, 2011, 10:22 pm

    Me = huge smiling dork reading this post. 🙂

    You rocked it! Congrats! Now you don’t have to waste energy worrying next week.

  • Parita June 4, 2011, 11:02 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin! YOU ROCK! So happy for you!

  • Khushboo June 5, 2011, 1:03 am

    Go you! You are going to rock the next race- you’re stronger than you think 🙂

  • Amber K June 5, 2011, 11:42 am

    Wow, great job! Way to go kicking those fears in the butt 🙂

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa June 5, 2011, 12:52 pm

    Great job! Reading your posts about the tris that you have done really make me want to give one a try. Maybe someday…

  • Brittany June 5, 2011, 5:38 pm

    What a great race! I can’t wait to get into Tri’s in the future!

  • Tara June 5, 2011, 8:17 pm

    Hello! I just found you through daily garnish. I did the Ows Saturday too! I am a trymca coach at Lake Norman YMCA. Small world. I am doing Latta Sat. I can meet you for a Ows if u want. It will help for you to get in the lake another time. I live near LN. Love your blog!

  • kristen June 5, 2011, 9:39 pm

    AWESOME JOB!!!! and you look so happy!
    Just think every time you swim you will get more and more use to it and you are a swimming pro!

  • Rachael June 6, 2011, 8:27 am

    This is so awesome!! Good for you!!

    I have to say that you look smashing in that tri-suit. You have a beautiful hourglass figure 🙂

  • Ashley June 6, 2011, 10:45 am

    Way to go Caitlin!! 🙂

  • marian June 6, 2011, 12:12 pm

    congratulations caitlin! it must feel so great to have accomplished that and conquered your fear. your will do great in the tri next weekend 🙂

  • Jen June 6, 2011, 12:28 pm

    congratulations caitlin! you look so professional in your trisuit! 😉

    there are lots of ebbs and flows with fitness. i was just commenting to brandon last week that i can’t believe the running shape i was in last fall/early winter versus now.

  • Cindy Robinson June 6, 2011, 2:17 pm

    YAY! Good for you. Glad you were able to stick through your challenges!

  • Ali @ Ali Runs June 6, 2011, 2:24 pm

    Congrats on the Open Water Swim! You overcame your fears and I’m sure this will give you a ton of confidence next week!

  • LauraJayne June 6, 2011, 4:12 pm

    Congrats! Swimming is scary, let alone open-water swimming and you are definitely making SO much progress! I know you’ll rock your tri next week and you’ll regain your fitness far quicker than you expect!

  • JenATX June 6, 2011, 5:53 pm

    hey try not to feel bad about having those freak out moments.. we can’t help how we feel right? we can only help how we react to our feelings & i’d have to say you reacted well by finishing! good job 🙂

  • Marcy (Too Timid) June 8, 2011, 10:31 pm

    I linked up to this in my post about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Ali June 10, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Congrats on finishing the swim. It’s even harder doing the open water swim without a wetsuit! Good luck next week 🙂

  • suzy pepper June 11, 2011, 8:01 am

    I’m so, so proud of you. I have panic disorder – I’m well aware of how horrible panic attacks are and how they can just about ruin everything. You didn’t let it ruin your race and I’m proud of you. Panic really does go down if you just keep charging on. You did great, and you’ll do even better next time.

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