Sept 2, 2013 Oceanside Swim Club Labor Day Pier Swim Done!

     We did the swim this morning and it was fun.  The swim was supposed to go off at 8:30 AM but it was delayed by heavy fog.  We went out at about 10:15 AM.  It was still foggy farther out; we couldn't see the big, orange buoys where you turn.  That was a problem for time and direction.  I felt like I would knock off a few minutes from my last time but I was actually about a half-minute faster at 37:12.  The water had a one-foot chop all over.  The water was a bit rough getting out but I don't think it was an issue for most participants.  The back and forth swimming trying to find the buoys was a pain for both buoys.  Also, on the swim in, the young lifeguards sitting on the surfboards as guides were too far north; this added distance to the swim and the run to the finish on the sand was longer.
     The water was chilly but nothing excessive.  I didn't want to bring my camera down to the sand so unfortunately no pictures.  A lovely, nice crowd, a demanding swim, and a new experience.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/03/tp-once-around-the-pier/

http://oceansideswimclub.com/

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim Tomorrow

I had to take yesterday off and I think also today due to some serious back pain.  I did get a little bit of a swim streak going there which was good stuff.  However, the last 4 nights were bad, and I've been taking lots of pills, wearing ice packs, TENS unit, and my daily back support.  And all that crap still doesn't work.  With 2 days off I should be ready for a go tomorrow morning.  I need a calm surf zone tomorrow.


"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Friday Swim. Monday is the Labor Day Pier Swim

No need for photos today--Friday. The water was just like yesterday. 32 minutes around the Pier.  I saw 2 large dolphins far out swimming along relaxing past the surfers.  By the time I got that far out, they were long gone.  I felt great today on my swim--really great.  I think I improved a bit over the last couple of weeks.  Lots of surfers stretched along the beach, with small but nice waves to keep them excited.  Also the last two days were great for new surfers.  I saw some of those.  Surfing is like fishing; you don't have to be good to enjoy it.
Today there were many bands of COLD water and warm water.  The cold was nice.
I don't feel like writing tonight.  Take it for granted that you need to get in the water if you can, even if you are a broken-down old fool like me.



"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Special Prep Swim Oceanside Labor Day Mile Pier Swim

Thursday was excellent at the Pier. So flat, CLEAN, mellow, no currents, ripples, no nada.  Just a glorious swim.  I did my Pier in 30 minutes.  I never do that.  This was 3 minutes quicker, and the tide wasn't low.  I felt good about my stroke, its efficiency, and my relaxation.  Not many people there-just lucky beachgoers.  The back was medium bad last night, but not horrible.
I have some photos.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Another Prep Mile Swim for Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim

I went earlier to the beach today to get a prep swim in for the Labor Day Pier Swim.  I am getting excited about it.  Last night was very painful with my back but ok this morning.  The water was fantastic.  Blue water with the best visibility that I remember for us: approximately 20 feet visibility. Amazing here.  Temp about 61 to 63 degrees per surfline.com with waves 1-2 feet.  This was a great day for beginning surfers to get out in the prime areas because no surfers were there.
I saw about 8 swimmers going around the pier, probably also getting ready for the feel of the upcoming pier swim.
I have said it before but I'll say it again: This stuff is free folks!  We will now be coming into my favorite fall and winter months when the beach is quiet and barely used except for the surfers.
I was concentrating on my form today, my breathing bilaterally, and stroke efficiency.  My swim time was 33:50.  I knocked 2 minutes off of my swim time.  It was mellow water, though.  But I'll take it.


"The first time you quit is the last time you try."