Driving through Florida, I often look at the inviting lakes and streams, dream of going for a swim, and then wonder how you can tell if there are any alligators in a particular lake. I assume that the people who live there know where to swim, and where not to swim, but to us travelers, it can be a mystery. A mystery you don't want to solve by getting nibbled on by a ten-foot long prehistoric critter.
The swim part of the Half-Ironman is 1.2 miles in open water. In a 50-yard lap pool, that is about 42 laps. The first time we got home I swam 1.6 miles in about 70 minutes in our local recreation center. I also got in a mile at a YMCA that is across the street from a truckstop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. I wanted to get in some kind of open water swim, and kept looking on Google, and Google Maps for places to go. We have observed some swimming areas near truckstops over the years. There is the Columbia River, near Troutdale, Oregon. Also the lake near the TA in Sparks,Nevada. The state campground is right across I-15 from the Flying J in Willard, Utah. This early in the year many of the swimming areas are not open yet, because it is too cold to swim.
We had a day off, waiting for a load, in Sacramento, California. Cindy agreed to run with me down to the Sacramento River, wait while I swam, and run back with me to the 49r Travel Plaza where we were parked. I found a website that had river temperature information on one of their links. The river was 58 degrees. Sounded chilly. The Chattanooga River is supposed to be 72 degrees during my race. Sounds nicer. As it turns out, 58 degrees is CRAZY chilly. Not bad for wading, but I was glad Cindy was there to encourage me to get in.
I look like I am checking my equipment in this picture, but I am actually working up my nerve to get in the water. BRRRRR!
Dang, when we get by home next time, I am grabbing my wetsuit! I will also be praying for loads to Florida. Maybe those gators aren't such a big deal after all.
