12 Days

That's how much time I have left to prepare for the Fat Salmon. It's a swim race in Lake Washington. I swam the 1.2 mile course last year, but this year I am attempting the 3.2 mile race. Last year I remember watching the 3.2 mile swimmers pass by the shore and I waited for the 1.2 mile start. They had already swam 2 miles, but they looked so strong and fast as they dashed by. The lead swimmer was way out in front, he was making under 20 minute miles, which is really, really amazing considering the water is pretty choppy and cold.

At the end of the race they had helpers in the water yanking you out. Good thing too. I was so cold and tired, I couldn't keep my balance walking in the water up to the steps. It was that feeling you have when you take off your roller skates and walking just feels weird, but worse because you're in your swimsuit, you're a little purple from being so cold, people are cheering, and all you want to do is pass by the timing area to stop the chip timer. Those guys were not afraid to grab your arm, and I was so happy for the help.

This year I will join the crazy 3m swimmers. I hope I can keep up. My swim sista, Haze's advice is find your fat salmon and stay on his/her heals. Hopefully I can drag behind someone who can swim straight and at a reasonable pace, where I can keep up. Zig-zagging on a race this long could add an extra quarter mile or so. So sighting will be important.

Here's a map of the route:

Last week I got in 14,500 yards (8.2 miles) this week I'm shooting for more. Next week I need to take it easy and taper for the race. My goal is to come in under 1 hour 45 minutes. An hour and a half would be awesome for me. We will see. I borrowed a wetsuit today, I'm going to try it tomorrow in our lake swim.

I think I need buy some salmon colored nail polish. I'll paint my toes salmon, just to get into the spirit.