A Night in the Washing Machine

A long pool swim was on the calendar tonight and I'd mentally prepared myself to swim hard, non-stop and consistent. As we made our way to the pool, it became apparent that we stood a good chance that we'd been dragging a thunderstorm behind us which would result in us getting kicked out of the pool during the swim workout. Nevertheless, we wanted to take that chance. We got a lane quickly. Completed a quick warm-up. Started the watches. Off we go!

Let me preface this next part by saying I, in no way, am attempting to offend anyone. I greatly appreciate anyone who exercises or attempts to exercise and tonight is no different. The adult swim aerobics class was beginning at the same time we started to swim. They started out with their elbows against the wall kicking their feet in the water or either hanging on to a noodle to warm up. They practically went unnoticed by those of us doing laps in the open swim lanes. However, at some point into the aerobics workout, and about 15 minutes into our swim, I found myself swimming forward but being thrown against the lane lines. Literally! Completely out of my control. My initial thought was WOW, what's up with me and my inability to swim straight tonight?!?. I continued swimming. On my way back towards the shallow end of the pool, I realized that I was being caught in an undertow like never before. I glanced to my right and there they were, 50+ pairs of feet playing follow the leader in a circular motion. Arm weights dancing in sync as they moved simultaneously counterclockwise. Instantly, I was sucked in, like attempting to swim in the inside of a washing machine. I popped straight up in the water like a cork in the lake whose bait has just become acquainted with a fish. I looked around and nobody else seemed to be noticing what was happening but me. I proceeded on. I did another lap and same thing. By the time I made it back down to the deep end this time, I soon realized that it WASN'T just me. There were two guys swimming in the lanes next to me and they both were experiencing the same thing. I politely asked if I could move to the outside lane and share with the one gentleman that wasn't having as great a difficulty as the rest of us. I couldn't believe what a commotion they were creating until I moved out of current. Sheewww! Big difference...

I continued on, swimming strong and smooth. Stroke after stroke...lap after lap...and then I was halted by a horrific whistle! Blowing, blowing, blowing. Again, I popped up like a cork and realized that one streak of lightning had ended the continuous swim that was on the schedule. Everybody out of the pool. Single file, they again moved in synchronized fashion up the stairs and disappeared into the locker rooms. For us, the waiting begins...30 minutes from the first lightning streak or sound of thunder followed by lots of prayer that it doesn't happen again at minute 29 because the time would start again. At 8:15pm, we finally make our way back into the pool. Two swimmers, two lanes, smooth like glass. 2700 meters later, the workout was done.

It wasn't a continuous swim but it was a very, very good swim. I am very pleased with it despite all of the obstacles. I guess you never know what your swim conditions are going to be like.