The Test Swim

This afternoon I decided that I couldn't wait any longer and I had to get in the pool and test out my new wetsuit and goggles. I put my suit on my lower half and walked out to the pool area. I wanted to see how crowded it was before I put it all on and baked myself. Luckily, I was able to get into the pool right away (normally you're supposed to make a reservation).

I was really nervous before taking my first stroke. I know that everyone says that having a sleeved wetsuit really changes your stroke and gives you a smaller range of motion. But, I didn't experience that at all. If it weren't for the fact that I was so hot in the pool, I honestly don't think I would have noticed that I had it on. Oh, except for the fact that I was super buoyant and felt a lot faster in the water.

I didn't keep track of how far I went on my test swim and I didn't wear my heart rate monitor. I really wanted this to be about testing my gear. However, I'd guess that I ended up swimming about 1000 yards in the time I was in the pool.

The other big test for the day was to test out my new goggles. They're a winner! Seriously, they're awesome. No leaking and no fogging. Granted, I stuck them on my dry face and they worked great. I was hesitant to take them off and ruin how much I loved them, but I forced myself to take them off and re-stick them to my wet face to see how they sealed up. The answer: perfectly!

Even though the wetsuit might be more important for Alcatraz, I might almost think the goggles were a better purchase as I'll be using those a lot more in the long run. It's also just nice to know that even though I bought them on the internet that they worked out just fine. Well, I guess the same could be said for the wetsuit!

Swimming
Time: 25:00
Distance: 1000 yards (0.56 miles)
Pace: 43:59/mile