A lot of folks have been discussing the challenging conditions of this years Big Shoulders, but Ive had 2 surgeries and 15 cancer treatments in the last 15 months, and in a weird way, I much more greatly enjoyed fighting the lagoon this year than the last 3 years. After walking in waist deep before the start, I didnt think Id even be able to fully immerse in the Big Ladys frigid waters. But I heard 3,2,1 go over the loud speaker and thought, If I fail, some nice lifeguards will haul me into a boat and take me safely to shore. And for the first 200 yards or so, I couldnt catch my breath. It really is the coldest water Ive ever swum in, and Ive swum in 55 degree water off the shore of Muskegon, Michigan, so I know there were spots, especially at the break in the breakwater and on the 3rd leg that were at least that cold. I mean, shockingly, numbingly cold. Plus, I took a big gulp on the first leg and couldnt see the buoy for the longest time. So, I thought I was a goner. But, I just kept counting strokes. 20 strokes = 25 yards for me. And I kept getting closer and closer to the first buoy. And when I turned the corner and saw that it only took me 13 minutes and I could see the Black And White Striped Building (BAWSB), I reflected on the fact that I had just completed the first leg in the coldest, choppiest, swelliest water Id ever been in. And the sun was shining, and the skyline was so beautiful, and I was with some really special people (swimmers), and just thought Id give another leg a try. And I finally got into a decent rhythm (for me) to time the waves and take a peek at the BAWSB, and I realized that swimming Big Shoulders is like fighting cancer. I just have to finish each leg, reflect on how tough it was, let it go, and start sighting on the next buoy. And I knew I wouldnt have to do it alone. And as I hobbled toward the finish line, I didnt care about my time or the difficulty or how I felt, but that I had accomplished something amazing. And I got a fist bump from my friend, Bob Genis. It was a good day.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:04:39 +0000