Oh. My. God. I’ve just discovered that 1,5 km of swimming is 60 laps. How am I going to survive that? It’s good that I’ve already subscribed for the triathlon and paid it.

Swimming career
The last time I was swimming is probably more than two years ago. Besides that it was just recreational. I don’t remember that I came further than three laps. It felt as if my knee was pulled out of the joint so I decided to slow down. Above all my arms were way too weak to endure any longer, since it’s not really necessary to train them for improving speedskating results. If I want to survive the triathlon I should definitely work on it.

Procrastination
So, I’ve bought a 10-trip swimming card. And here I am, sitting in the dressing room. Is it wise to swim 60 laps right now? Or should I just float a little bit to get used to the movements in the water and see how my knees and ankles respond on it? No, then I don’t have a measured starting point. Let’s just see how far I can go. No pressure.

Swim baby swim
Two laps. Damn.. Still 58 ahead. Don’t think about it, just enjoy. Like you can see I’ve had a lot of nice conversations with myself during this challenge. I only do the breaststroke because apparently I can’t manage to put my head under the water during the front crawl. It probably looked like a drowning beaver when I tried it so that wasn’t very charming. Luckily I didn’t wear lenses or glasses so I couldn’t see the expressions on the faces of my colleague swimmers (yeah I know, stupid to forget my lenses). Meanwhile there are 22 laps behind me. I’ve managed to reach a third of the distance!

The ultimate challenge
Suddenly the outlines of a male figure appear in front of me. And if I see it correctly he is not going further away anymore. Hmmm.. *eyebrow rising up*. Twelve more laps to go. Simultaneously I recognize something I don’t like, cramp in my calve muscles. I hope it’s not my injury. Slow down a little bit, but I have to go through. It would be a pity to quit now. After 56 laps I’m sure, I’m going to pass this old man (sorry if you’re younger than my estimation, couldn’t see it). Apparently my competitive instinct is still there.

Mini triathlon
It’s harder than expected to accelerate with the breaststroke. The last 25 meter I decide to try my ‘favorite’ failing front crawl and pass this old fart with flair. Mission accomplished. I’m dead, but so happy. I have totally no idea whether it is fast or not, but that’s not important anyway. I put my glasses on and see the time on the clock. It took 44 minutes. Then I almost have to run to the restrooms. My intestines want some attention again. Funny because I came here by bike.