I don’t know if I used to be essentially excited to swim the VBLA 2025 Ocean Swim Sequence 3k, however perhaps extra nervous. Once I first began this weblog in 2010 (?), it was known as LOLZthatswim. Then LOLZthatswim(andrun), and eventually, for the final 10 years, FueledbyLOLZ.
Lengthy story quick, I used to swim rather a lot. I competed by way of faculty. I did a number of open water swims, however for the final a number of years, I haven’t (and partially as a result of open water swimming within the Mojave Desert… properly, doesn’t exist). Primarily although, as a result of hobbies and pursuits change.
I can’t keep in mind the final pure open water swim I did. The final time I did this race was 2012.
Earlier than the VBLA 2025 Ocean Swim Sequence 3k:
I had no technique or purpose, apart from end and never swim the fallacious method. The day earlier than, I competed within the Allen Stone Run Swim Run. I had been swimming (or attempting to anyway) as soon as per week. The water in 2025 was good for me. I’ve gotten hypothermia a number of instances within the ocean, so I used to be blissful for a lot warmer-than-usual water. I didn’t do a warm-up. This yr, it was an in-water begin, which actually I don’t thoughts an excessive amount of as a result of I’d quite not run into the water and get kicked within the face.
The opposite factor concerning the VBLA 2025 Ocean Swim Sequence 3k and all their swims is that it solely will get aggressive and “quick” swimmers. Not that I actually add myself into that class, however if you’re searching for a beginner-friendly race, this might not be the one you’re searching for. Whereas swimming parallel to the seaside makes it beginner-friendly, most individuals are very quick.
VBLA 2025 Ocean Swim Sequence 3k Swim:
At 8:15, we have been off. The factor about open water swims is that you simply simply put your face within the water and actually haven’t any clue about time or tempo till you’re completed. You’ll be able to’t see the underside, which is daunting. Once we began swimming, I started getting prickly sensations. Now, I haven’t completed an open water swim in eons and had simply swam within the ocean the day earlier than. For the primary 1k, I used to be like, what is going on? I virtually obtained out as a result of I used to be like, perhaps I’m allergic to one thing, and this might not be good.
After some time, I simply turned numb to the feeling. A number of instances, I bumped into one other swimmer or they bumped into me, however I simply saved plodding alongside. There’s not rather a lot that’s tremendous thrilling in an open water swim as a result of you have got your face within the water and you may’t see the underside or your competitors (competitors is relative as a result of I used to be not racing anybody LOL).
Lastly, I noticed the turnaround buoy, and we made our method onto the seaside. I completed in round 46:54 minutes, which was truly a lot sooner than I assumed I’d. After the race, I talked to different swimmers and discovered the prickly sensation was jellyfish. Fortunately, they weren’t too unhealthy and didn’t trigger lasting points.
VBLA 2025 Ocean Swim Sequence 3k Ideas:
I’m blissful I did it, and I admire what swimming has develop into to me nowadays as a calming and enjoyable factor to do. I used to be 74th out of 125 and 4/4 in my age group, and that’s positive. I’m blissful to complete.
You’ll be able to see Strava right here and all race recaps right here.
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