Claustrophobia!

Our first open swim in the ocean at Alamitos Bay in Long Beach. Jenn picked me and Irene up in the morning and on our way there we had a fun conversation. Once there, we got some good parking and picked up our brand new wetsuits.

Felisha unveiling our new wet suits

The coach showed us some tricks of getting our wetsuits on and things to prevent chaffing. Bodyglide applied on our necks, wrists and ankles to minimize friction. A plastic bag on our feet and hands to help get the tight suit on our bodies. The buddy method of get the suit over our shoulder and the zipper closed without too much effort. The first thing I noticed was how tight the suit was, especially around my gut.

Coach demonstrating the buddy method

Once everyone get their suits on, we waded into the water. The first thing you notice after you get over how cold your feet are is that weird feeling as water seeping into from your zipper. Once completely submerged in the water, it was really fun just floating. It was really effortless with the buoyancy of suit and the density of the salt water.

Getting into the ocean for the first time

Mmmm, salty like a pirate

Alamitos Bay is a pretty substantial size bay with houses and plenty of parking for boat. The water was extremely murky and after a couple hundred meters of swimming. I just felt really uncomfortable. Thinking back I suspect it was either the pollutants in the water or some Power Bar gummi's that didn't agree with my stomach.

Dry heaving

Moments before I lose it

As I struggled to get very far without getting on my back to rest, I felt like this must be what's it like to feel claustrophobic. It's this sense of panic. My chest felt uncomfortable warm and tight. I couldn't really breathe. I feel dizzy and I fought back bouts of nausea. About three quarters of the way through the swim, I started to heave and felt like throwing up. I'd have probably felt better if I did. Once I got back to shore, I finally did throw up a little and I did feel much better. I used my arms like dispersant and quickly got rid of any traces of white foam. Dang, BP should have hired me to get rid of gross disasters.

We finished the workout with a 30 min run along the beach. I wore my brand new sleeveless purple Sugoi. I'm not sure if people were staring at the bright purple color or my t-shirt tanned arms.