First Swim

Since my business/training partner Gary talked me into competing in the Luray Triathlon (International distance) in August, we decided to start swimming a couple days a week to prepare. Fortunately for us, our chosen training area also happens to be where the competition will take place; Lake Arrowhead. The air temperature was comfortable enough, but the humidity hung in the air like fog. The lake was warmer than the air as we eased into the water and moved away from shore. For as long as I have lived here in the valley, I have never actually been in the lake before. As you enter the water, you immediately feel the rocks under bare foot, followed by ankle deep mud, followed by grass growing from the bottom. The grass seems to grab at you as you make your way to deeper water. We took a couple strands to show post swim. It is my understanding that the town of Luray treats the water prior to the August event in order to reduce the aqua bound, grabby pasture. At this point, I'm not sure which I would prefer.......additional chemicals or grass. One thing is certain; I need to spend a lot more time in the water to prepare for the 1500 meter swim in August. We swam for about a half hour and my shoulders were aching by the end. Now we are off to ride the new mountain bike trails at Big Gem Park in the town of Shenandoah. More on that later. "Thrive Outside"