I’ve had a few weeks now to absorb and contemplate what I was a part of on 8 August. Nothing brought it home to me more than seeing highlights of the Nottingham Outlaw event televised on Sky 4 last night. We went round to friends as we don’t have Sky and had an enjoyable evening savouring the fantastic hour-long account Sky had produced. It really made my hairs stand on end, simply to see what a magnificent city we live in and just how much work had gone in to staging the event and the various stories people had, just to get on the starting line. It was made all the more enjoyable to see my husband on a couple of occasions and on one particular occasion featured in ‘slow mo’ like the start of ‘Baywatch’.
Nottinghamshire looked truly glorious and maybe we don’t always see or appreciate what we have on our doorstep. When the camera shots got deep into the swim start, you could really get the feel for what it was like to set off in the group swim. It took me back to how much fear I’d been experiencing in the lead up and that in the end I just had to find ways to mitigate my fear and just do it anyway. I remember distinctly hanging back until I felt comfortable enough to set off and as soon as I did that I knew I was a part of a great moment. Despite the fear, yes I did it anyway and as long as it’s not out and out danger you are putting yourself in or under, this fear is fortifying! I knew that at any moment there was a canoe or speed boat that could fish me out, but in the end I was all the time wanting them to go away as I didn’t want them to single me out or get a feeling I would need their help! I was a psychologist’s dream subject – not only on the day but in the lead up! Sometimes we and probably especially me, can analyse things so deeply that you can end up rooted to the spot! Commonly known these days as “Analysis, Paralysis.” – As I know I am susceptible to that, I have to fight harder to not let myself get pulled into my inner battles. When I was younger I had less fear, but I suppose as you grow up you tend to put yourself in less fearful situations – not so many fairground rides, not so many times climbing trees or jumping off shed roofs, or jumping on haystacks or down the stairs … yes I did do these things and they were adrenaline fuelled fabulous memories of my childhood. Getting that back if it lapses in adulthood can be one major ask! I’m pleased to be getting back on track!
I will reveal now that 3 weeks before the event, I was experiencing panic in everyday situations. Mainly a sense of claustrophobia amongst large crowds and when we had the hottest days of the year – oh yes we did!! – I felt breathless and in need of quiet solace. I consulted my Doctor who checked me out for blood pressure and lung capacity and the like and all was fine and then he put this into complete perspective for me… He said the worst thing that could happen is that you will faint! When he said this to me I realised I have never fainted and so therefore this gave me confidence and suddenly the symptoms went away. I did have symptoms, but in my head I think I had got them out of proportion and I was panicking. I really think that advice calmed me down and helped me loads.
My friend’s club motto in his health club is – “anyone can do anything, but most people won’t.” I am now looking forward to setting my next big challenge. The thing is about challenges is that they snowball. Once you’ve done one you want the ‘feel good factor’ for another. Dave is already wanting to do the Outlaw again next year and funny thing is althought I said it was a one-off – there is some calling inside to say ‘do it again’ Jenni. I am not confirming or denying anything at this stage, but I will definitely be a part of it whether competing or helping out on the day.
Feel the fear … and do it anyway….
Hi. I have a question, possibly silly. Do you wear earplugs for open water swimming? I’m tempted to do some OWS. Apart from a fear of swimming in dark water, ear infections have been a problem in the past and the idea of dead ducks floating past weigh heavily on me.
Richard
That’s perfectly normal Richard and something I’ve had to deal with in the past. I don’t wear ear plugs at the moment, but I have done in the pool. People also wear nose clips too, but it is a case of knowing what will make you feel more comfortable and if that helps then that’s the justification.
The dark water was disconcerting for me at first, but you’ll laugh at this, I’d been going more often OW over the summer, than to the pool and when I got back in the pool I suddenly felt all vulnerable to be able to see where I was going again – what a reverse! If you make a list of all the things that potentially create fear and one by one find a solution or course of action to each, then this can create confidence.
On the dead ducks issue, I’ve only encountered two since May and at two different venues – I suppose you are very close to nature and that is also the beautiful side of it. The fish have never bothered me or been near me, but for some this too can be an issue to contend with.
When you first get in the water the main thing that hits you is the coldness. When this coldness is on your face and head you can sometimes experience a head freeze – one way to adapt to this is practise with a shower head and gradually up the cold water levels and see what you think!! The more you can stand it, the better you will feel in the real thing – I did this in the latter stages of training (once I’d realised it would be a good idea) and it really helped!
Equipment you’ll need: good pair of goggles – I have a pair of Blue Seventy with reflective lenses as sometimes it’s sunny outside!, swim hat or two (I also have one with a strap that goes under my chin I sometimes wear – Blue Seventy), a wet suit designed for swimming – (not the ones they wear for surfing as these are like a sponge) again mine’s a blue seventy one- some people where rubber socks – if you think you won’t be able to bear the sensation of soft mud on your feet, then this could be a good idea.
There are options – going along to a taught OW session or go with someone who’s swum OW before. It is recommended to pair up. I went with my husband and although for alot of the time this worked – we are at completely different levels and in many ways it’s like being taught to drive by your nearest and dearest, and I wasn’t always ready to progress as quickly as he wanted me to! I was greateful for what he did teach me though. So then, I did spend time on my own in the shallows, building up distance – this was my way of progressing because I felt comfortable. Latterly I went to some conducted sessions at H Pierrepont and these did help increase my confidence enormously in deeper water and looking back, this would have been a good starting point. Again, it’s a case of finding what works for you. I would never say to anyone – no don’t do it like that, do it this way – because I think there are so many ways to make it work and not necessarily the tried and tested ones. There were times I could have been put off alot just by going down someone elses recommended route, so it’s important to listen to yourself and what you need, not what anybody else thinks you need. Gathering as much information as you can on the subject will all help. Tri 220 magazine is a good reference point. You also don’t need all the best equipment and I even borrowed wetsuits from the club starting off. You will soon see there are all sorts of people at different levels and that is part of its attraction. You can be in the same race as a professional triathlete and still be riding a mountain bike or swimming breast stroke, it’s all fine! All in all I think you’ll love it! Whatever you do, always keep a smile on your face and you won’t go far wrong!
P.S. If you want a first event to aim for, our tri club – 4Life organise one end September and one in March – it’s a sprint distance – pool swim at East leake LC – 400m – (16 lengths) – 12miles bike, 5k run. It’s a really nice friendly event and a great starting point. I did my first one as a team which helped me understand how it all works. Great going and good luck! Jenni
Thank you so much, Jenni. The guidance is very helpful. I’m giving it serious thought. Good luck to you!
Richard