Lucky?s Lake Swim

We came. We Swam. We biked. We Conquered!

Basically we rock and don’t you forget it!

Surprisingly I was not nervous at all for my open swim this morning. Unlike last year when I attempted my first open water swim with no training what so ever, this time I felt a little more confident thanks to the pool work I’ve been sneaking in at the gym the past couple of weeks.

Before I headed to the lake I had two tiny slices of pumpkin nut bread with almond butter, superfruit spread, and chocolate chips. And an apple.

I met Katy and Kelly at Lucky’s Lake Swim just before 8:00am.

Lucky is a man who is passionate about swimming and has done quite well for himself. He has a huge, beautiful house that site right on the banks of a beautiful open lake. Every weekday and Saturday morning Lucky opens up his backyard to any swimmer looking to get an open water training swim in. His open water swim can attract up to two hundred swimmers on any given Saturday! There is no fee and after the swim everyone is welcomed to use his shower facilities or warm up in his hot tub.

The swim is a complete 1 km distance – 500 meters out and 500 meters back.

Last March Kelly and I attempted Lucky’s Lake Swim the week before what was suppose to be our first triathlon. Unfortunately, Kelly had her accident a couple of days later and was unable to perform in the tri.

Last March the water was COLD. You can read the complete recap here, but trust me it was a struggle. The water was so cold that Kelly had to give up and turn around about a quarter of the way out. I finished the swim, but it was a struggle and took a lot of repeating my mantra ‘I am a machine’ to get me to the end.

Today was completely different. I felt more confident in my stroke and endurance, the water was much, much warmer, and we had our official swimming rock star on hand to push us through.

Not only is Katy an accomplished triathlete, she is also a certified lifeguard, a former swim coach, and has completed Lucky Lake’s Swim over a dozen times before. She was our rock this morning.

The three of us decided to stick together during the swim. Katy is a fantastic coach and did nothing but encourage Kelly and I the whole swim. Kelly and Katy are faster swimmers than I am, but I tried my hardest to at least keep their feet in my eye sight.

The first half was really the most difficult. I needed to take a few breaks and swam on my back a few times. The other side of the lake didn’t seem to be getting any close, but I kept chugging along.

Once we did reach the other side I felt this huge sense of accomplishment already. I knew if I could do half, then I could do it again.

The first half must have just been a warm up because I felt like I was kicking ass on the way back. Despite a strong current that was causing us to drift to the left, I didn’t need half as many breaks and I was moving much faster than the first time.

Before I knew it I was just a few yards from Lucky’s backyard and was sprinting to the finish. Swimming rock star? Damn straight!

Kudos to Kelly who was able to avenge her last visit to Lucky’s Lake. Not only did she complete the 1 km open water swim, but she did it with a smile! She even said next time she’ll do TWO laps!

Everyone who completes Lucky’s Lake Swim has the honor of signing the great wall on the back of Lucky’s house.

Look! It’s me!

Kelly couldn’t wait to add her name to the wall (which has now expanded to the ceiling!)

Go Kelly!

Swimming – Check!

Time for a bike ride!

We turned our open water swim into a brick work out this morning by tagging on a 14.5 mile bike ride.

For the first 8 miles we rode around the surrounding neighborhoods at a leisurely pace. Kelly was starving at this point and had to say good bye.

After Kelly left Katy kicked into overdrive and we cycled our little hearts out for the remaining miles.

Next time I’m bringing my running shoes. I still had so much energy after the bike, I really wanted to go on a quick run. All I needed was a 2.5 mile run and I would have basically ran my sprint triathlon this morning.

Kelly had brought us a few Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies she had baked last night.

I had one on my way back home.

I still feel great!! This morning’s brick work out has me very excited for my upcoming sprint triathlon at the end of May. I have never been more confident that I can do this and with just a little more training I know that I won’t only complete this, but I can do it in a killer time.

Bring it on!

P.S.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MADDIE!!!!

My baby is 1 years old today!!!

We’re celebrating with puppy party at the dog park tomorrow. I know Maddie is counting down the hours until then.