Swim, Swam, Swum

What a busy Sunday! Several of us made the trip to Charlotte to drop off 8 bikes and 8 gear bags. We went to the Bike Stampede at Lowe's Motor Speedway also. I had attended it last year and maybe it was the newness last year that excited me but I was disappointed this year. There wasn't nearly as much cool stuff as I'd remembered and there were vendors advertised that were obviously previous attendees because they weren't there this year. Anyway, it was fun spending time with friends and checking out bikes and such. (There were also go-kart races going on at the track. 6-year olds doing 70-80mph in go-karts...I am thinking, maybe I will try that next year!)

After dropping bikes and grabbing a bite to eat, we came back to Columbia and it was time to swim. Lake Murray Dam swim revisited. The water temperature was a lukewarm 66 degrees. Like bathwater, you know, bathwater that you forgot to drain from the tub LAST NIGHT. It initially took your breath but we got right into the swim as sunset would approach rapidly. Swam a strong swim to the stacks which is about a mile plus. I soon realized that we also had to go AROUND the stacks, that was disappointing...LOL. Nevertheless, we rounded the stacks and headed back towards the dock. On the other side of the bridge to our right was another larger, taller stack that sits at the base of the dam, opposite the lake. I reached a point to where I honestly thought I was swimming in place because either it was moving or I WAS NOT! Eventually, I left it behind me but boredom had already set in. I stopped and checked out my surroundings, chatted with our kayaker, made faces at Midge when she would stop and turn around and look at me. Notice I say "turn around and look at me"...she was way ahead and I even started out before her. I don't like her...LOL. Anyway, we swam an hour and 21 minutes before daylight disappeared. Good swim. Still love the speed sleeves but definitely learned some new spots to put Body Glide on before entering the water. One more open water swim before THE DAY! Happy Training! :)