Priorities

Yes, I’m babbling on the keyboard now. I’ve got a big event this weekend and the truck’s been packed since last night. Now, I’m into displacement activity, trying not to think about what I might’ve forgotten.

But, the main event is one month away. The Great Ohio River Swim. Across the Ohio River and back. The measured course is about 900 meters or six tenths of a mile. The swimming distance is longer because you have to angle to correct for the crosscurrent. And, you never swim straight in murky water, anyway. You’d better plan on pounding away for a mile to be on the safe side.

And, that’s not a pool mile. This is open water swimming. There are no mini-rests at or push-offs from the walls every half lap. The chop also interferes with your form (such as mine is) and breathing, as does the necessity to check and correct course. But, that’s part of the challenge that attracts me.

Someone mentioned that these adversities will limit the field, enhancing my chances to win. Not really. While the numbers aren’t great, those who do swim are serious competitors and have been most of their lives. They play hardball. If you don’t know that going in, you’ll find out in the middle of the pack, especially jockeying for inside position at the turn.

So the serious training begins Monday, after my big event, a party and a picnic. Okay, maybe Tuesday.

I regularly work out, but that’s not competition shape. For the next 30 days, it’ll be a lot more intense. Well, except for when we go down to the Hiwassee River and whoop it up for a long weekend. One must have priorities.

So, why a month? Why not a year? At this stage of life, hedonism exceeds the gratification of a medal. I want it, but I just don’t want it that badly.