First OWS of the year!

Another simply incredibly beautiful Idaho spring day. 80 and sunny w/ little wind.

Went for a family picnic at Jensen's Grove in Blackfoot. Of course, the secondary agenda was an open water swim (OWS). It went well. The water was cold, probably 55-60, but I didn't have the hesitation to get in that I thought I would. I simply got and got going. My form in open water really sucks! But my new wide-view goggles didn't leak, which is nice. I forgot my earplugs, so I stopped a few times and stood up to see how dizzy I was...the first two times I stood up I fell over nearly instantly. I'll be sure to never forget my earplugs.

Interestingly, I found that I could breathe to my right side fairly easily, which is not normal for me. With earplugs, it would have worked pretty well. The water was really calm, which helped that. But I really do need to know how to breathe on both sides to counteract any wave action and to be able to sight appropriately.

I wasn't really tired at the end of 1200 yards, but I could tell that I'm using different muscles because my form is crap. My pecs and triceps get used much more. If I can relax more, that will go away. I was able to get my head in the water and pull for a few strokes similar to how I do it in the pool, which is alot further than I was last year for OWS form.

My goal is to hit Jensen's Grove M,W,F morning this week and see how it goes. I don't even know if they are open that early (there are some gates to get in). At this point, getting comfortable in open water is much more important and time-saving in the race than getting into the pool and churning laps. And it's great to swim outside in the morning!