Kevin Haugh

Memorializing Inspiration

2010-08-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Going through some tough times, but gotta keep moving forward.

Ankle Surgery

2010-08-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Several weeks after Ironman St. George, I had an MRI exam on my right ankle/heal. The initial read of the MRI was a rupture or tear of the achilles tendon. After additional scans, x-rays, and physical examinations, orthopedic surgeons from two different medical groups revised the diagnosis to torn lateral ankle ligaments. Both surgeons agreed that, although the injury was revealed during the Ironman, the condition likely predated the event perhaps by several years.

I’ve broken my right ankle twice – once while playing soccer in 8th grade and once while playing basketball in college. I’m told each break likely lengthened the lateral ligaments in my ankle. The stretched ligaments made me prone to ankle sprains. Due to my loose ankle, I suffered many sprains in the subsequent 20+ years and with each sprain the ligaments became more and more stretched out. What I now know is the musculature of my ankle was likely my sole source of ankle stability as an adult and muscle fatigue revealed the symptoms of my torn ankle ligaments.

My doctors recommended ligament reconstruction surgery. The prognosis is very good. The procedure, called the modified brostrom procedure, has a very high success rate and the prognosis after the surgery is ankle stability and a return to an active lifestyle. I'm under the care of a top orthopedic surgeon and am very optimistic. I underwent surgery on July 29, 2010.

Ironman St. George - Race Report

2010-05-06T22:16:00.001-07:00

Getting to the Line

Two months before Ironman St. George took place, I injured my right heel during an 8-mile training run. At the time, an 8-mile run was ‘no big deal’. I’m at a loss as to how the injury happened. The next morning my achilles felt ‘gushy’, later that afternoon I was barely able to walk. I was told I had chronic achilles tendonitis.

The good news was that I discovered the injury did not prevent me from swimming or biking. After a long night of soul searching, I made the decision to continue with a modified training plan and a different Ironman goal. My plan was to crush the swim, fly on the bike, and walk the entire marathon.

The next two months of training took more courage than the race itself. My injury showed little to no improvement and three of my close friends dropped out of the race. I struggled with anxiety related to the injury, but stayed committed to getting to the starting line.

The ‘Swim Course’

The best way I can describe the Ironman swim is to compare it to the running of the bulls in Spain, but in the water. As comfortable as I am in the water, it is definitely a scary feeling. I seeded myself at the very front of the starting line and tried to forget about the 2,200 athletes at my back. I focused instead on the clear line of sight I had to the first swim buoy. The cool water of the Sand Hollow Reservoir reflected the golden hues of the morning sun. I calmed my mind and repeated a typical swim course my friends and I at the Dolphin Club might swim on any given morning, “Opening, repair, goal post, flag and in. . . Opening, repair, goal post, flag and in. . .” The spectators began to cheer and the athletes reacted. “OPENING, REPAIR, GOAL POST, FLAG. . . “

BOOM! Ironman was here and the race was on!

The Swim

My visualization transported me from the insanity of the Ironman swim to the calm of swimming with my closest friends in San Francisco bay. I owe every one of them for the training and their spectral appearance next to me as we clawed, pushed, and pulled our way through the 2.4 mile course. It was exhausting and I took a few hits like everyone else. In fact, I got a killer black eye during the swim, but my mind and body remained calm and I exited the water with a personal Ironman best 1:09.

The Bike

There is only one word that accurately describes the Ironman SG bike course. . . ‘epic’. The bike course was beautiful, heartbreaking, and dangerous. It was, without a doubt, the most incredible ride I’ve ever experienced. It was also the most challenging, frustrating, and desperate experience I’ve had in triathlon.

About 20 miles into the 112-mile course, my rear tire blew. I jumped off my bike and the wheel off in record time, and then things got worse. I couldn’t remove the rear extender on the tube and couldn’t release enough air pressure to remove the tire. It was too flat to ride on and yet had too much air pressure to remove the tire. 10 minutes and 100 athletes passed . . .

Exhausted from the struggle, I decided to break the extender off the rim. I can’t explain what happened after I snapped the extender off, but the tire still wouldn’t deflate. Time passed and I grew more frustrated. After working my fingers bloody, I sat beside the road and tried to collect myself.

Just then I heard a call from across the road. It was a policeman and he wanted to help. Moments later he tossed me a knife. One click and the very dangerous looking switchblade snapped into place. I slipped the knife between the tire and the rim and sliced the tube. After the repair was complete, I thanked the officer, and sprinted to regain my position in the race.

The next 70 miles or so were an exhausting blur. The canyons guarded the course with gusts of wind that nearly blew me off my bike. The climbs painted a picture I’ve never seen in the sport of triathlon. . . a trail of Ironman triathletes walking, pushing their bikes up a perfectly paved road.

Red rocks, winding canyons roads, green pastures, black crested cliffs, ghost like bluffs, wind, sweat, and heat. The course was getting the better of me and I didn’t even know it. As I approached the last aid station at mile 80, I saw my family for the first time since wading into the water so many hours and miles ago. My spirits were lifted and I regained my focus for the most difficult 2-hour ride of my life.

The bike cut off time was 5:30 p.m. and I was in serious jeopardy of missing the mark. 2 hours to go and I needed a negative split to make the cut off. Every athlete I passed yelled out the same desparate question, “Do you think we’ll make the cut off?” I didn’t have the breath to speak but if I did I would have proclaimed, “You will if you ride with me!”

I was absolutely possessed on the last section of the ride, I’ve never ridden like that before and have vowed not to again. I pushed each grade by climbing out of the saddle, I tucked and maxed out at 48 mph on the downhills, and sprinted like madman on the flats. In the end, I made the bike cut off with 20 seconds to spare.

Chasing down the bike cut off was the highlight of my race and the most gut wrenching 120 minutes of racing I’ve ever experienced. Of all my races, I think I’m most proud of this 2-hour effort.

The Run

As I laced up for the run, I could hear the protests of bikers who hadn’t made the cut off time. Their day was over and I was still in the race and had an ample 6:20 to walk the marathon. I paired up with the last male athlete in T2 and we embarked on our 26.2-mile walk. My spirits were high, but my body was fried, it was difficult to even maintain a 15-minute mile pace. I took in everything offered at the first aide station – a cup of water, a handful of pretzels, a cup of warm chicken broth, a cup of flat soda, and a Gu. My body remembered. By the end of mile 2, I had recovered from the bike and strode confidently through the course ignoring the quiet pain in my in right heel.

Mile 6

At mile 3 the pain in my Achilles was too much to ignore. I shorted my stride to prevent the strain and that seemed to work until I hit the hills. I modified my stride every which way to prevent the strain, but I began to experience waves of pain in my heel and leg. I pushed on for another 3 miles. During that time recounted every struggle I’d experienced to get to this point. I visualized each person who had supported and believed in me.

At mile 6 the pain had become unbearable and for the first time in nearly 11 hours of racing, I stopped. I stood a top the highest peak of the run and turned back toward the setting sun, and came to the realization that my day was over. It wasn’t the crushing blow you might expect, in fact, I smiled proudly at the obstacles I had overcome and took in the view of run course. I admired all of the hundreds of athletes struggling on the run course below me. I felt grateful for the experience. I had lived a lifetime in one day. I recalled something I had heard 10 years earlier, "the summit is but one part of the mountain."

The Day After

As you might expect, the relative peace I experienced after withdrawing from Ironman at mile 120 of 140 with 5 hours remaining in the race was difficult to maintain. Rather than focusing on what might have been I decided to focus on how I could improve as an athlete and in the spirit of Ironman. . . I signed up for Ironman St. George 2011.

The race was a catalyst for change for me. A week hasn’t passed since I hobbled through that last mile to the top of the run course and I’ve already logged 3 hours of rehabilitative weight training and stretching at the gym. I’ve started to blog again. I’ve rededicated myself to my training and learning. I’ve rediscovered my love for the journey of Ironman.

Race Report - Escape from Alcatraz

2009-06-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t hear the announcements on the boat as we approached Alcatraz Island. I had already put in place my ear plugs and swim cap to protect me from the bitter cold of the bay. The boat had come to a stop and the Rock was a mere 20 yards off the bow. Every athlete stood in quiet attention as the national anthem rang out. As the anthem ended, the boat erupted in cheers and the doors flung open. One more nervous glance at my lone wetsuit stuffed in a bag on the floor and I began the march to the door to the open bay without it. As far as I could tell there was only one other non-wetsuit swimmer on the bottom deck of the boat. He approached me, we shook hands, and the folks surrounding us cheered in support.

At the race briefing they said that 2,000 athletes would jump off the boat in less than six minutes. What is it like? Think of the floor at a rock concert. You are shoulder to shoulder with the athlete next to you and being pushed from behind. When you reach the edge of the boat a race official calls out, “3-2-1 GO!” and you are in the bay. Courage isn’t required, you really don’t have much choice.

It’s a small drop, 3 feet or so, to the water. Whatever breath you had when you jumped instantly leaves your lungs as you submerge. The bay varies in color from grey to green, never blue. However, the color of a jump into the bay is bright white. The bright white light is caused by sensory overload and the white bubbles that ascend with you to the surface. Pastor or priest, when you break the surface and draw your first breathe it is always followed by an explicative. Gotta move now. Another athlete is already airborne above me.

The swim course is 1.5 miles across the bay and down the beach to the Yacht Harbor. I found my rhythm early and started to have fun swimming to and fro between wide-eyed triathletes. I felt powerful and in control. Midway across the bay I pulled though and flipped on to my back to admire the Golden Gate Bridge and the beauty of the morning. The swim ended too soon. I staggered onto the beach 47 minutes after jumping off the boat and started the 1-mile run to the bikes. I could hear my friends from the Dolphin Club call my name, but didn’t see any of them – except my good friend Nobu. He bounced like a kangaroo along side me almost the entire run back to the transition area.

The bike course was a blur. The Golden Gate Bridge, The Legion of Honor, a statue of The Thinker, a guy dressed up as Mr. Potato Head, the beach, motorcycle cops, Golden Gate Park, volunteers in yellow t-shirts, sea gulls. It was a very difficult bike course, but my training rides with Bob on the actual course really helped. I finished the bike in surprisingly good time for me. My bike time was just under 1:20.

As I headed out for the 8-mile run my legs buckled a bit. The fast bike had taken more of toll that I expected. I checked my race time – 2:25. I had mentioned to my wife on the eve of the race that if everything went right, I might break 4 hours. My mind clunked along and I shuffled passed the cheering spectators. . . 2:25. . . that leaves me 1:35 to do this run. . . a 10 minute mile pace would be 80 minutes. . . that leaves me 15 minutes to spare. . . I’ve got a shot at breaking four hours!

The first 1.5 miles are along the beach – flat, fast, but a bit windy. I held a sub-10 min/mile pace during this section.

This is where the race rips your heart out. With 6.5 miles remaining, the beautiful course turns on you and becomes the cruelest joke in the sport of triathlon. Stairs, sand, stairs and more stairs! Roots, tunnels with 4-foot clearances, gravel, stairs, stairs, and stairs. Ducking, walking, trotting, stumbling, jumping, clawing your way up hand rails of stairs just to stay upright. Once section, in particular, has over 300 ‘sand stairs’. I faltered more than once with my quads trembling and my heart in my throat. Other times, my pace was slowed by the submission of an athlete in front of me to a slow walk. Many sections of the run course are too narrow to pass safely as more competitive athletes bound down in the other direction. With each step I grew more and more attached to finishing sub-4 hours and at the same time the goal seemed less and less attainable.

At the 6-mile marker I had a scant 21 minutes to make my goal of a sub-4 hour finish. I pushed hard, but my legs were completely spent, I felt like I was running in ski boots. Clunk, clunk, clunk. Check the time. Clunk, clunk, clunk. Check the time. It was going to be close. At last the finish line was in sight. Tunnel vision, just keep pushing. You can do this – check the watch again. 3:57. . . dig deep.

As I approached the transition area. All my friends are there – Mark, Sunny, Jason, Nobu, Bob, Shannon, Alex, Victor, Elaine, all wildly cheering me on and it helped. One more glance at the watch. . . 3:58 – not there yet.

To my surprise, as I entered the finisher chute, I saw my wife Lisa kneeling and holding on to the two cutest boys on the planet. They somehow managed to gain the athlete side of the fence. Wild spectators cheers from the fence at their backs. No smile comes close to Lisa’s. She released the boys and Brant and Lance were on at my side instantly. Brant grabbed my hand and proudly pulled me along. Lance tore off for the finish line yelling and screaming the whole way. We all cross the finish line together – tears and cheers. I reach down and stop my watch. 3:59:10. I did it! The whole day flashed through my mind in an instant as I bowed to receive my finisher’s medal. It was an incredible feeling, unique to accomplishing the most difficult of tasks. I did it! I did it! I did it!

View from the swim finish.

First swimmers arriving.

A shot at a personal goal.

Lance leading the way and Brant dragging me in.

True love.

The crew.

Me and Bob.

The boys.

Post Script – I never check race results, but I’m pretty sure 3:59 puts me in the absolute bottom of my age group. That said, I can honestly say that when I ran across the finish line with my boys and hit my personal goal I felt as if I won the race. If I’m honest, I still feel that way. :) Well, it turns out I didn't actually win. Later, I learned a guy named Potts won the men’s race finishing in 2:07.

A stock photo of some of those d@#*m stairs!

Upcoming race - Ecape from Alcatraz Triathlon

2009-06-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

'click play for cool photos and overly dramatic music'

I’ll be participating in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon this weekend. The Escape is largely a ‘qualifiers only’ race. Typically you would need to take a top spot at another triathlon just to get in to this race. I happened to get in by lottery, so I’ll be enjoying the race somewhere near the back of the pack.

Part of my motivation for racing the Escape is the follow up question I always get when I mention bay swimming. . . “Hey, have you done the triathlon?” Well, hopefully I’ll finally get to say ‘yes’ and have some helpful insight about the race to share with other newbies.

The Rock is the Rock, I would never disrespect her, but I’m less concerned about the swim as compared to the rest of the race. I'm well prepared. I swim 3+ miles a week in the bay and have done the Alcatraz crossing a dozen or so times. I’m still on the fence about whether or not to wear a wetsuit. I’m sort of attached to the idea of being one of the few on the boat without a wetsuit. Then again, once I get out of the water I’ll still have 4 more hours of racing ahead of me in unpredictable SF weather. So, perhaps the speed and warmth of a wetsuit would be a good idea.

The bike course is without a doubt the hardest 19 miles I’ve ever ridden. Bob and I rode the course twice during past couple weeks and it basically knocked me out both times. It is chock full of unrelenting climbs, steep winding descents, and offshore crosswinds. It is an epic ride in every sense of the word.

The run course is 8+ miles and includes long flights of stairs, narrow trails, roads, and windblown beaches. By all accounts it is a really tough run. I haven’t run the course yet and don’t intend to until the day of the race. I’ve still got a nagging pain in my left knee and would rather rest up and see how it goes.

If I’m honest, I’m a bit nervous about the Escape. Perhaps that is why I haven’t written about it. I know it’ll be tough and I know it will be beautiful. Aside from that, I really don’t have any expectations about the outcome of the race. As always, I’ll be grateful just to be out there.

No Excuses

2009-06-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Someone sent me this one, I thought it was post worthy (watch the whole thing).

Summer Century – Day One

2009-06-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

There was a lot of activity at the ole Dolphin Club this morning as it was the first day of the Summer Century. By the way, I coined the term “Summer Century” in the sauna this morning - most folks just call it the 100 mile swim. Anyway, the goal is to swim 100 miles in 5 months (June 1st – October 31st).

I’ve never attempted the Summer Century (yeah, I like the sound of that better). It is more than double the Polar Bear distance in less than twice the time. You basically have to log 5 miles every week for 20 weeks. Only a dozen or so swimmers at the DC actually complete this goal in any given year. Most hit a sub-100 mile mark on October 31st, say 70 miles, and try to better it the next year. However, my good friend Nobu has completed the Summer Century for two consecutive years now. He is attempting his third this year and is my inspiration for giving it a try.

This morning was mile one – 99 miles to go.

Brown Nettles vs. Leatherbacks

2009-05-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

A strong NW pacific swell has pushed huge stinging brown nettle jellyfish into San Francisco bay. These are quite rare. One swimmer in our group got stung a couple weeks back. He is fine, but it seemed pretty painful.

The only real danger the jellies present, aside from a painful sting, is the potential of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, you don't know if you are allergic until you are stung. Somewhere in the middle of the bay this morning, I weighed the risk of drowning from experiencing a severe allergic reaction while swimming against voluntarily subjecting myself to a sting to see what happens. By the end of the swim, I was searching the beach for a jelly to see where I stand.

Luckily, there were no jellies to be found.

Seems like a pretty dumb idea now.

Anyway, it seems nature is taking care of the problem. Apparently, these jellyfish are the favorite treats of leatherback turtles. Also stranger to San Francisco bay, the leatherbacks have been coming into the bay to feast on the jellies.

How cool is that?

Michael Kobold Summits Mt. Everest

2009-05-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Michael Kobold Summits Mt. Everest - Press Release

May 20th, 2009
Kathmandu – The watchmaker Michael Kobold reached the summit of Mt. Everest here early this morning. Mr. Kobold placed a telephone call from the summit in which he said “this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and without the SEALs’ help I sure would not have made it to the top.” Mr. Kobold and his team raised a flag depicting the Navy SEAL trident atop the summit in honor of wounded and fallen SEALs. Kobold, who is leading the 2009 Everest Challenge Expedition in support of fallen and injured U.S. Navy SEALs, was trained for approximately two months on the SEAL base in Coronado, California ahead of his adventure in Nepal.   The expedition’s other team members include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, whom the Guinness Book of World Records describes as the world’s greatest living explorer, Kenton Cool, the British mountain guide who has summitted Everest a record seven times, and Will Cross, the first diabetic American to reach the summit.

Michael Kobold asked his teammates to join him in support of his mission to raise $250,000 for the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund, a 501c3 charitable organization that provides financial aid for the families of SEALs who are wounded or have fallen in action. The U.S. Navy SEALs are arguably the most well-trained fighting force in the U.S. Armed Forces. Each Navy SEAL must complete a grueling 7-month-long program that tests his mental and physical toughness and endurance. A group of Navy SEALs volunteered to train Mr. Kobold when they learned of his ambition to raise money for the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund.

Mike Kobold vs. Everest

2009-05-20T15:41:00.001-07:00

Tonight my friend and fellow adventurer Mike Kobold will make his final push for the summit of Mt. Everest.

Good luck Mike! You are an inspiration to us all!

Below is a link to his blog.

http://www.everest-challenge.com/blog/

If you are interested, please donate to his cause - The Navy SEAL Warrior Fund.

The Bay in May

2009-05-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

The bay in May is a very different place than the winter months of Polar Bear season. The water tempurature is up around 55 degrees. Quite nice compared to the high 40's of winter. If I'm honest, it is still brutal getting in though.

It used to look like this at 6:00 a.m.

Now, it looks like this at 5:50 a.m.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

2009-05-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

I've decided who I want to be when I grow up. . .

My sentiments exactly!

Thank You Iron-April Athletes!

2009-05-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all that participated in Iron-April 2009. I think we were all inspired by your courage, dedication, and initiative. As host, I had the privilege of reading each and every post this month. I watched many struggle to finish by April 30, but was even more inspired by the pledge, made by some who ran out of time, to continue pursuing the distance into May.

I'm very thankful to all who participated and I look forward to 'seeing' you all next year at Iron-April 2010.

Be safe and keep training!

Kev.

Iron-April 2009 Finisher's List

2009-04-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

1) Ted Tiles
2) Bill Hogan
3) Mark McKee (double Ironman distance)
4) Team "Kevin & Mimi"
5) Larry Low
6) Team "David Shabelman"
7) Team "Lisa & Brant"
8) Patrick Wagstrom
9) Victor Shum
10) Yoko Kasai
11) Nobu Takahashi
12) Tom McGraw
13) Jamie Lin
14) Rick Graves
15) Jeanette
16) Rebecca Tilley
17) Mitch & Marnabelle

Iron-April 2009 Athletes

2009-03-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Click your name to enter your webpage and record your progress.

Good luck!

1 Kevin & Mimi Haugh
2 Dave Landa
3 Lisa & Brant Haugh
4 Tim Erenberger
5 Kenneth Schwartzman
6 Phil Seabrease
7 Larry Low
8 Victor Shum
9 Elaine Shum
10 Lorie Laird
11 Pauline Falstrom
12 Yoko Kasai
13 Nobu Takahashi
14 Mitch & Marnabelle
15 Tom McGraw
16 Frances Yang
17 John Griffiths
18 Peter Cross
19 Mark McKee
20 Sunny McKee
21 Jim Wirth
22 Jon Nakamura
23 Rebecca Tilley
24 Bill Hogan
25 Shannon Moore
26 Jason from Sacramento
27 Doug Cameron
28 Bob Morelli
29 Vince
30 Micah Dirksen
31 Jamie Lin
32 Kaori
33 Team Stefan
34 Alex Sigal
35 Rick Graves
36 Ron Scrivani
37 Bob Conover
38 Tom Hoffman
39 Fred Morales
40 Jeanette
41 Team David & Jill
42 Ted Tiles
43 Patrick Wagstrom

Ted Tiles 1st Athlete to Complete Iron April 2009!

2009-03-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Finish date April 10. AMAZING!!!

Training is. . .

2009-03-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the Nike store in San Francisco for some Iron-April gear and found this 'blog-worthy' tee shirt. Speaking of shirts. . . I'm searching out folks who might be interested in helping me design a finisher shirt for Iron-April. Let me know if you have have any ideas.

Iron-April 2009 starts in 2 days!!!

Iron-April 2009 (Invitation to 2nd timers)

2009-03-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

“Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles. . . brag for the rest of your life”
- John Collins (founder of the Ironman triathlon)

Are you ready to take on Iron-April 2009?

This email is only going out to the athletes that completed Iron-April 2008. First, let me congratulate you again on your accomplishment last year. You made the commitment, massaged your schedules, trained hard, shared your stories, finished strong, and inspired other athletes.

It is time to make that commitment again, but the challenge will be more difficult this year for 2nd timers. . .

There will be no mile sharing for athletes who participated in Iron-April 2008. You can still team up and report team miles, but your mileage at midnight on April 30th, 2009 will be your final mileage for the event.

Newbies for this season will still be able to participate in mile sharing.

You all know the event, but here it is in a nutshell –

1. www.kevinhaugh.blogspot.com (go here on April 1st to report your miles)
2. click your name to view your webpage
3. click ‘comment’ to report your training
4. please provide a weekly summary for me and I’ll post weekly recaps
5. my email address is kevin.haugh@gmail.com

Good luck!!!

You’ll be receiving an updated full event description later today. Please forward the email to anyone interested in giving it a go. I’d love to see some new athletes participate in Iron-April 2009.

Kev.

Polar Bear Success!!!

2009-03-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Our typical 6 a.m. swim group of 4-6 swimmers more than doubled in size this morning on the Vernal Equinox.

14 swimmers waded into the water at 6:30. The water was a balmy 54 degrees. Some folks had already completed the Polar Bear Challenge (40 miles of swimming in S.F. bay without a wetsuit during winter). I was in the anxious group with one more mile to go.

With 39 miles under my belt this winter, you would think getting in would be pretty casual. Well, it isn't and I think that is one of the things I really enjoy about bay swimming - the mental challenge. I've jumped out of an airplane at 13,000 feet and it wasn't as hard as it is getting into the bay each morning. 5 minutes into the swim, it does get easier though. The feel of the water, the lights of the city, the comraderie of swimming with and relying on good friends. It is a wonderful way to start the day.

Our swim this morning was spectacular. When we hit the beach the sun was just beginning to rise. We all cheered and headed into the unsually crowed club. After rewarming in the saunas, we lingered for coffee, doughnuts, and juice provided by Nobu and Jason. We recalled swims in hail, water temps in the mid 40s, sea lions, sunrises and sunsets. I was really proud of everyone in my group that completed Polar Bear 2008/2009.

I'm sleeping in tomorrow. I may sleep in all next week. Such satisfaction from such a random thing, why question it?

* * *

Post script - I found this article in SFGATE.com. Good to see some press on our crazy event. I swam that Sunday but seemed to have missed the party. Maybe next year.

Leah Garchik

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Vernal Equinox is Friday, and this past weekend members of the Dolphin Club hung out there in an effort to rack up swimming "40 miles between solstices" and, thus, to achieve Winter Polar Bear status. Would-be Bears stayed for hours (even days), dipping into the bay to swim and then emerging for hot soup - minestrone with pistou, roughing it Northern California style - to warm themselves.

On Saturday night, with miles to go before fulfilling the requirement, 25 or so of the swimmers put on pajamas for a sleepover at the club, reports Kate Coleman. They swam at midnight and watched "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," rented just for the occasion.

1 More Mile To Go!

2009-03-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling 100% now after a week of swimming. I got 1.5 miles in on Sunday (tough swim with a sore neck), 2 more miles Monday (neck felt much better), and 1.5 miles in yesterday (strong swim). The water temperature is up to 54 now. It is tough to imagine the 48 degree days of January and February.

If all goes well, tomorrow morning should be 40 miles! We are celebrating with coffee and doughnuts after the swim. I'm pretty sure everyone in our 6 a.m. swim group (6-8 swimmers) will complete the 2008 - 2009 Polar Bear tomorrow. It was a really tough season. I started thinking "I'll easily hit 50 miles this year." As it turns out, I'll be so happy just to get my 40 in tomorrow.

I really excited about our 'last' swim tomorrow and very grateful to only have to swim 1 mile tomorrow to finish it up.

Friday the 13th

2009-03-14T13:09:00.001-07:00

Well, nothing is easy and there are no guarantees.

I thought at 34 miles Polar Bear success was assured, but one bad week and the goal again at risk.

Our whole family battled the flu all week. I missed a week of swimming. I planned on making it up this weekend. Then, while commuting home Friday afternoon, I got rear ended on the bay bridge. Bummer. I woke this morning super stiff from the accident. Man, I just got my shoulders and neck clear of the ache of the flu and now I can't turn my head without pain.

6 miles to go and 7 days to get 'er done.

7.25 Miles in Under 4 Hours!!!

2009-03-01T18:51:00.001-08:00

Ted and I met at the club just before 7 a.m. Saturday morning. The air temperature was 54 and the water was a balmy 52. Our goal was to swim as many miles as we could in one day.

I suggested that we swim a mile, rewarm, and repeat until we called it 'quits'.

Ted thought we should swim two miles at a time. Ted has two daughters who are about the same age as my two boys. He convinced me to accept his approach by comparing the swim to driving on a family vacation. He said, "its always best to cover as many miles as possible at the start of the ride."

The first swim chilled us to the bone. We completed the 2-mile course in exactly 1 hour. We refueled with pop tarts, hot tea, and sports drink. The sauna was set at 200 degrees, but I was so cold I had to check the thermostat to see if it was working. While reflecting on the first swim, Ted winced in pain and quickly exited the sauna. He had a tooth ache and the heat of the sauna triggered searing pain. Ted went back into the showers to rewarm. As I shook and shivered, alone in the sauna, I reconsidered our approach. . . surely 1-mile loops would surely be better for maintaining our stamina. . .

After being out of the water for 50 minutes we toed the bay again. This time Ted and I were to follow Jason and his swim group around the cove. I mentioned to Ted that I thought a 1-mile loop might be more sensible. He smiled and replied, "I'm the type of guy that carries 8 bags of groceries from the car, just so I can make one trip." Standing waist deep in 52 degree water, the analogy was just goofy enough to make sense. We followed Jason's swim group around the cove and continued on for another mile.

We completed our 2nd 2-mile swim in 1:05 minutes.

This time we refueled with oatmeal, sports drink, tangerines. Jason and his group were dressed and out the door by the time we hobbled back into the locker room. I noticed Jason had left on my locker which read "Go for it Kevin!". I smiled and headed into the sauna.

An hour later, we were back on the beach shivering and trying to derive an original swim course. It seemed we had covered every inch of the cove the during the previous 4 miles. During this swim we encountered two giant sea lions. This was our first encounter with seal lions in six months. It seemed fitting to see them on our 'big day'. One was at the opening of the cove; it was just cruising by. The other swam right up to us like a friendly neighborhood dog. We completed this 2-miler in 1:07.

6 miles down. . . lunch time!

We hit 'In-n-Out Burger' at around one o'clock. It was pure heaven!

During lunch we agreed to one more dip before calling it a day. The final swim measured 1.25 miles. It was obvious that fatigue had set in. It took us 45 minutes to complete the course. The last few strokes to the beach seemed to take forever. When the water was shallow enough to stand, we rose out of the water, shook hands, and made our way back into the warmth of the club.

In total, we were in the water for 3:57 and covered a distance of 7.25 miles. It was an incredible experience. I enjoyed hanging out with Ted and was glad to bank some miles for my Polar Bear Challenge. I also feel I gained more insight about endurance swimming. Although the cold had its effect, the limiting factor during our swim seemed to be muscular conditioning. Swim technique likely had something to do with it, but our shoulders were in agony by mile 6. Based on this experience, I've decided to spend more time in the gym and periodically attempt longer swim days like this one to increase my endurance.

It was an epic day. Thanks Ted!!!

Polar Bear Marathon Tomorrow!

2009-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

"Only those willing to risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
- T.S. Elliot

Tomorrow morning, before the sunrise, Ted Tiles and I are going to find out how far we can go. To chase down some Polar Bear miles and in the spirit of adventure we are going to see how many miles we can log in a single day.

We really don't know what to expect but we are aiming for 5+ miles. The plan is to swim 1.5 miles, drink, eat, rewarm, and then do it again, and again, and again, until we call it quits. It will be a challenge to be sure. I've only 'double-dipped' on a few occasions, I've never gone in a third time.

I'll bring a camera along and post a recap - probably Sunday. Wish us luck! Thanks for being a complete nut Ted. I'm looking forward to it (sort of).

The Anatomy of a Near Drowning from Hypothermia

2009-02-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

I received this account via email last week and felt compelled to share it with you.

Warning - this is not the usual fun write up about the beauty of open water swimming. It is a sober reminder of how dangerous open water swimming can be. It is a bit long for the blog, but please read it - it may save your life or someone else’s life some day.

FYI - As a swimmer, Cyrise Sanders is in a completely different league than me. I have more in common with someone who cannot swim than I do with her. My point is, if this can happen to her it can happen to anyone.

Kev.

Succumbing to Liquid Medium:
The Anatomy of a Near Drowning from Hypothermia
by Cyrise Sanders

Maybe you remember me from my maiden name of Cyrise Calvin. When it comes to ocean swimming, I’m tough. I’m among the most seasoned open water swimmers in San Diego, especially at the La Jolla Cove where I’ve been a Covite for 20+ years. I begin with my credentials because I want you to know that what happened to me was astounding, shocking, and unfathomable. It could happen to anyone. It could happen to you.

I swam the Catalina Channel in 1992 and was the first San Diego woman since Florence Chadwick 40 years before. She and I went to lunch to commemorate the event. I didn’t have any training partners. Bob West was my friend and mentor, but mostly I swam alone, (still do) and thought nothing of it. I can’t count the number of times I swam to the Tower at La Jolla Shores (2 mi.) or the Scripps Pier (3 mi.) by myself. I successfully swam across the English Channel in 1994 after failing in 1992 (more on that later). My crossing took 10 hours, 50 minutes with a water temperature of 59°F. I still do an open water race now and then, nothing too far, just 3 to 5 miles. I’m married with 3 kids. Priorities change.

Loving the ocean doesn't change. I look at the Cove on a calm day and think, “Oh, how peaceful and beautiful.” On a day when it’s windy and wild with whitecaps I think, “FUN!” It’s all good.

January 10, 2009 was a Saturday like many others. I set out for the Cove to swim with my friend, Rick Knepper. What a gorgeous day! Once I get there, I breathe a deep sigh at the majesty before me. It is a calm day. The sun is just slightly up so the sunlight streams over the red-tiled roofs at the Marine Room and the palm trees along La Jolla Shores, but, because of the angle of the sun this time of year, the hills behind La Jolla Shores are still shadowed. No clouds. No fog. Another epic day.

At the Cove there is the usual gathering of “Saturday – 7:30” swimmers. I hook up with Rick and we get ready - just a bathing suit, goggles and two caps for me. We set out well after the crowd because it takes me soooo long to get in the water! Not unusual. I just get wet an inch at a time. Once it’s up to my waist I’m in and we go. The water feels cold, but no colder than any other January day. I figure 55° or 56° F. It’s about 7:45 am when we start.

As we head to the Tower at the Shores, I feel okay. About ¾ of the way over I notice my feet are starting to hurt and they aren’t doing anything. “Kick feet, kick,” I tell myself. I kick a little harder, but realize that the pain is not going away. I know myself and in the thousands of swims I’ve done in these waters, my feet don’t usually hurt until after I’ve left the water. We get to within 100 yards of touching down at the Tower and I stop and tell Rick, “I need to turn back now! I’m cold!” I’ve been cold before, it’s not unusual. He says “Okay” and mentions that we were slow coming over and that we did a big “banana arc”. I’m usually the compass and hold a good line – so I like to think. Not this day. We’ve now swum about a mile and been in the cold water about 25 to 30 minutes.

We turn around and head back. I’m pleased with my training lately. I’m consistent. It’s been a normal week. Monday: 3 mile run. Wednesday: Marine Room swim (1½ miles) – I was by myself and felt fabulous. Thursday: weight training. Friday: 5:30 am pool swim with my local masters group (4500 yards). So I’m a little confused, frustrated actually, as to why I can’t keep up with Rick today. Also, I start to think, “Wow, the tide must be really high because it feels like a washing machine from the backwash off the cliffs.” But, it occurs to me that there really isn’t much of a swell, and besides, I love it when it’s bumpy, right? Not today! Something is different. Something is wrong.

No sooner do I have the epiphany that it’s me and not the ocean that my body shunts! Vasoconstriction, actually. Vasoconstriction is what occurs when our body shuts off blood supply to the extremities to protect the core (heart and internal organs). One’s blood pressure actually goes up as a result of the “extra” blood flowing in a more restricted area. It’s one of the most primitive self-preservation mechanisms in our bodies. It’s not something you think about. It just happens. So, I shunt. There’s no feeling in my arms and legs. Everything’s fuzzy and my brain fades quickly. I feel like I’m losing consciousness. I stop. After a few strokes, Rick notices my absence and stops.

I’ve had a comfy feeling of numbness before. Most of us that swim out here in the cold do. This is different. This is a complete cessation of blood flow and it’s not stopping at my arms and legs. The rest of me is going too. I recall saying later that I felt my blood pressure drop. Yeah, it was dropping in my brain; my internal blood pressure was likely much higher.

I’ve become disoriented. I feel like am going to sink like a rock. I am in trouble!

I never understood the stories of people sinking and drowning until just now! I know this is how it happens. I know I'm going down and nothing will be able to pull me up.

Although he is 60, Rick is no slouch. An ex-Navy Seal, he swam the Catalina Channel a few years ago and is currently training for a 36 mile swim. However, he’s had double knee replacements and I know that rescue-pulling me is not an option. I know that if I pass out I am dead weight and am going down. I’m responsible for my own life.

As soon as Rick stops I yell to him, “I’m NOT okay! Stay with me!” Without hesitation he screams at me, “KEEP SWIMMING!” So I put my fuzzy head in the water and keep swimming. I can hear and see Rick beside me yelling for help. It gives me comfort. As I keep swimming face down, my brain gets hazier and I feel as though I’m being forced to go to sleep. I’ve fainted once before, over 20 years ago, (on land,) and I know I’m about to pass out. This time, I’m in the middle of the ocean! The blood has shunted from my arms and legs and I can feel my head is next. My panic (and possibly hyperventilation, as I’ll find out later) only seems to hasten the affects. After taking a few strokes I stop to complain to Rick, even though I know there isn’t much he can do. He doesn’t even let me begin to protest and screams, “KEEP SWIMMING!!”

I take a few more strokes, but this isn’t working. Everything is dark when I put my head in the water. I’ve spent entire swims to Scripps Pier and back (3 mi.) marveling at all the different shades of green the ocean has to offer. Now the darkness terrifies me. I flop on my back. I just need a few deep breaths of air and sunlight on my face. If I pass out, maybe I can still get some air. I know this is wishful thinking. “KEEP SWIMMING!” Rick is relentless. I start swimming backstroke and forcing air in and out just to stay awake. It’s not pretty. Who knows what my arms are doing. I can’t feel them but I’m moving and am able to lift my head a little out of the water. Less cold. Still fuzzy. Most of all, I can breathe. (There is something to be said for having gone through childbirth three times. Not to mention all the swimming and training I’ve done over the years.) I try to get my breathing into a rhythm and keep the haziness that is
taking over at bay. I just need to stay conscious.

I’ve got tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is loss of peripheral vision with retention of central vision. In my case it’s caused by blood loss or a drop in blood pressure in the brain. I can only focus on what’s immediately in front of me. I don’t really see Rick, but I hear him and know he’s beside me. He’s yelling for help in between strokes. It’s comforting, but I begin to wonder if anyone has heard him.

We were in the middle when my crisis came. We were about ½ mile from shore in either direction. The middle. It doesn’t matter how many thousands of miles I’ve swum in my life, in these very waters, there is no way I’m going to make that last half mile.

I pray for strength. I think of my family and hold each of my children in my heart and pray that God will do the same with me. Mostly, I just pray for strength. I’m not expecting God to lift me out of the water, but I pray He gives me the strength and the will to keep swimming even though everything in my body is saying, “STOP, and let go.”

My judgment is impaired. It seems as though I’ve been swimming for 15 minutes since the trouble began. It was probably only half that. I’m still doing backstroke and I figure we must be getting close to the Cove. Maybe I’ll actually make it to shore before the lifeguards get to us. I’m in the washing machine, but decide to roll over and try to gauge where we are. I’m hoping for Razor Reef, which would mean only a few hundred yards to go. I turn over and see the ¼ mile buoy in the distance which means we have well over ¼ mile to go. My heart sinks. I try to ask how much further with a twist on the classic, “Aren’t we there yet?” I’m not sure the words ever come out or if they are only in my mind. “KEEP SWIMMING!” Rick doesn’t let me stop to complain.

I return to backstroke. It’s working for me. I’m incredibly cold and in pain. More praying. My neck is getting stiff from trying to keep my head out of the water while swimming. (I’ve since learned that the Coast Guard specifically recommends that you NOT swim backstroke as it is the stroke that causes the most heat loss.) In my case though, it works. There is no way I can put my face back in the water. I’m losing blood flow to my head. The cold on my face just makes me want to clench my jaw and eyes shut and sleep. This will lead to a phenomenon called spontaneous inspiration or gasp reflex. It is another primitive response to cold water due to not getting enough air because of shallow breathing. These involuntary breaths will ultimately lead you deep into the drowning episode by aspirating water into your lungs.

I think I’ve been swimming for awhile and can tell we have company. There are a few swimmers with wetsuits, (a novel concept) and I recognize Bruce Beech. I can hear Rick issuing some sort of orders for them to get me to swim more towards the Cove. Like I said, it isn’t pretty. (Who knows, maybe I was headed out to sea or swimming in circles.) The sun is in my eyes, but one of the guys offers me his neoprene cap. “No,” I say. I just have to keep swimming. Bruce, a pleasant and familiar face, gets next to me and offers to give me his wetsuit. If only he knew what was going through my mind. It's ludicrous. I tell him I can’t stop. It would take too long….at least, I think I said that. My flotilla of wetsuiters stays with me. I don’t hear Rick anymore. I figure he’s sprinted to get closer to the Cove to try to get someone to call 911. The lifeguards aren’t due to come on duty until 9:00. City budget. Looking back and doing the math, it was
probably between 8:30 and 8:45 at that point. I didn’t have 5 more minutes in me, let alone 30 minutes. I look over, maybe I’ve stopped, I’m not sure, and I see Rick is at the ¼ mile buoy and he’s trying to climb on it and yell for help. He seems really far away. In my delirium I think, “Why don’t I climb onto the buoy and hold on?”, but it seems too far away and I’m not sure I could hold on anyway. I keep swimming.

Eventually, I hear, “They’re coming.” Huge relief! But I still won’t let myself stop swimming. I wait until the last possible moment as the lifeguard Jet Ski pulls up next to me, stops, and I reach for the rescue board that’s behind it. I can’t see anything. I don’t even know who’s rescuing me. There are handles on the rescue board. I grab on and surprise myself that I can hold something even though I can’t feel my arms, or see. The lifeguard on the back pins me down so I don’t roll off. I’m not going anywhere. I hear the lifeguard say we’re going to the Cove since it’s the closest. It occurs to me that I probably hadn’t swum that far after all. I was in the 56°F water for about one hour.

They plop me down in the Cove. Despite my previous impression that it was a washing machine, there’s no surf. The water is calm. Good. I can’t stand up, but someone grabs me from behind. Somehow they get me going, taking a few steps. I’m wobbly, but I think I am walking on my own. The Cove lifeguard is there to greet us. Thank God he came on duty early. They do the hand off and he guides me up the stairs. It is someone I know, Jim Birdsell, an old friend of my husband’s. He asks me my name. I comply, but am wondering why he doesn’t recognize me. Then it occurs to me that I must look like crap. It isn’t until later that I realize he was gauging my condition.

He gets me into the warm shower at the lifeguard station. I’m a noodle and slink to the floor. Ahhhh, it feels good! I know I’m in trouble and not out of danger yet. Who knows what my internal core temperature is. Jim stays with me, talking to me and asking questions. I receive a few visitors. Rick looks in on me. I realize he didn’t get the Jet Ski ride back and still had a ¼ mile swim after they plucked me out. I tell him to please use the gallon jug of hot water I brought to pour over my head, as I won’t need it. (A custom among us winter swimmers, it's just enough to take the edge off.) Bob West, no stranger to crisis in the ocean, comes in to see me. He asks me if his wife Marva should call my husband. I tell him not to bother.

What was I thinking? I don’t know, I guess I didn’t want him to have to shuffle the kids. My perception was way off. Even though I knew I was in trouble – still, part of me thought I’d be all set up after this nice shower. I had no idea how long it would take to recover. In hindsight, I would’ve done a few things differently

After 5 or 10 minutes in the shower, paramedics arrive. (Again, my perception of time could be way off.) They just look at me for awhile and talk about me as I remain a noodle on the shower floor. Finally I ask someone to take my temperature. Someone produces an ear thermometer, but he assures me that this is not my core temp. I don’t want to leave the warmth of the shower, but just crane my neck and give him an ear. He tells me it is 94° F, but that it is not my core temp and if it were I’d be dead.

I’ve since learned this isn’t necessarily true; you don’t go into cardiac arrest until about 86°F, but you will lose consciousness at 89.6°. Not that I’m encouraging anyone to push it further, but that’s what the medical texts say. I also know that even though I had a few more degrees to go before cardiac arrest, a loss of consciousness due to hypothermia or even due to hyperventilation from the panic that ensued, may well have lead to my demise.

There is a Jacuzzi across the street from the Cove at the La Jolla Athletic Club. I seem to be coming around so they escort me up there to continue the thawing process. Up in the Jacuzzi there are about ten or so swimmers that have heard of or seen some portion of the event unfold. More familiar faces. I can tell by the way they are looking at me that I still look like crap. The paramedics continue to attend to me while I get neck-deep in bubbles. They ask me if I want transport to an ER. This is crazy! Why would I want to leave this warm water? And besides, fellow swimmers Barbara Held, a former fireman, and Cindy Walsh, an ICU nurse, are with me in the Jacuzzi. I’m thawing nicely so I sign the release. I’m in good hands. The girls don’t take their eyes off me. I ask for a piece of fruit, someone fetches me a piece of pizza. Other folks offer up drinks, warm of course, and a cell phone so I can call my husband. Rick comes in to make sure
I’m okay.

After over an hour, I dry off and get dressed. Cindy and Barbara walk me down to the Cove. I visit briefly with the lifeguards trying to get a grasp on what just happened. I’m tired but feel okay so I drive myself home, a much different person than when I awoke that morning.

Epilogue

It has been three weeks since the event and I am still recovering. I spent almost three days in bed, exhausted. I did go to the ER for follow up the next morning (Sunday). The doctor complied with all sorts of tests, since I had the burning question, “Why now? Why did this happen to me now?” Not to mention my chest was sore. So, after blood tests, chest x-ray, EKG, (standing and resting,) and a stress echocardiogram, (Tuesday) the doctor determines that I’m in “perfect health”.

While in the ER, the doctor, who I liked, lectured me on hyperventilation. At the time I was thinking, “What is he talking about? I had hypothermia, not hyperventilation.” I’ve since realized that it could be a factor and is therefore worth mentioning. I was definitely hypothermic, but hyperventilation could hasten the symptoms and cause one to pass out, giving the same end result if in the middle of the ocean.

God put Rick in my life for a reason. I find out later that not only is Rick an ex-Navy SEAL, but he is an ex-Navy SEAL trainer and still works with them. His background with the SEALs, training with both military and civilian swimmers in cold water, has provided many experiences with rescuing or assisting hypothermic swimmers. His observation is that no two instances of hypothermia are the same.

I know this to be true. Remember my failed English Channel attempt in 1992? It was due to hypothermia. This felt different. Then I was cold and in pain, burning pain, like being on fire but from the cold. Five hours into my crossing I was cruising and on-track to do a fast swim, 8½ to 9 hours. The water temp was 63°F, balmy for the Channel. I would whine and complain every 20 minutes at my feedings. My friends, Bob West and Janette Piankoff, and my sister, Tara, took turns getting into the water with me. They plead with me to keep swimming because I had worked so hard and was doing so well. I responded with tears, complaints and even heaved my water bottle at Bob in anger. But I wasn’t disoriented, didn’t have tunnel vision and didn’t shunt until two hours later. It wasn’t until I had been in the water for over 7 hours that I got out. By that time I was definitely losing motor control, my stroke count dropped way down, but I didn’t have to be
rescued. I got out using my own strength.

There is no ordinary day in the cold ocean. What we do is dangerous and should not be taken for granted.

Here are some guidelines for PREVENTION:

Depth of experience is valuable but doesn’t guarantee safety.

Always swim with a partner, especially when the water gets “cold”.

Layer up – wear extra caps, neoprene caps, or even a wetsuit. Most heat is lost through the top of the head.

Know yourself. Know what is normal for you. Alert your partners when things are not right.

Know your partner. Know what is normal for him or her.

If you don’t feel right when you get to the shore on the far side, (the Tower, Pier or Marine Room,) GET OUT and ask for help. Even if the lifeguards aren’t on duty at the Tower, a call to 911 will get you the patrol lifeguards or the help you need. The guards are on the beach at the Shores setting up at 8:00am, but aren’t watching the water until 9:00am in the winter.

YELL if there’s trouble. Rick was heard before he was seen. It was his voice that prompted the 911 call from a bystander at the Clam, (the cliffs across from Goldfish Point Café.) I’m told the lifeguards never spotted me in distress.

WAVE your ARMS – the universal sign for distress. Keep doing this until the lifeguards get to you, otherwise they may not be able to spot you. If there is more than one of you helping a distressed swimmer, take turns waving and yelling. Conversely, don’t wave to your friends unless you really need help or you may get rescued.

Know your quickest and safest exit from the water. Rick later told me that he could have gone either direction, Shores or Cove. He chose the Cove because he knew the chance of having other swimmers come upon us was greater. Your best chances of being heard is the Clam area, but beware of the surf.

The fact that I kept swimming saved my life because I would have drowned otherwise.

EAT and hydrate. You will survive longer in the cold water. Oh yeah, I hadn’t eaten that morning. Not unusual for me, but notable.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can replenish it. The medical definition of hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F.

Symptoms include:

Uncontrollable shivering.

Confusion, irritation, clumsiness, slurred speech.

Swimming erratically – often swimmers are found going in circles.

Euphoria – an exaggerated feeling of physical and mental well-being, especially when not justified by external reality.

Blurred vision.

Lack of coordination. Muscle stiffness.

Ashen white face and hands.

Cold blue skin.

Slow heartbeat.

Slow respiration.

Cardiopulmonary arrest.

Unconsciousness.

Care and Treatment of Hypothermia

Remove the victim from the water. Call 911.

Check ABC’s: Airway, Breathing and Circulation.

Check D, (degrees,) if possible.

If no breathing or heartbeat, start CPR.

Prevent further heat loss.

Prevent Afterdrop - warm them slowly, handling gently. Afterdrop happens when the cold blood from the skin and extremities is introduced into the warmer core. Basically, as you re-warm, and blood-flow from the extremities re-starts too fast, then all the cold blood from the extremities now goes back into the core and shocks the heart. The same could happen with rough handling which can “jolt” the cold, shunted blood to flow to the heart.The heart may exhibit tachycardia or fibrillation, (loss of a rhythmic, coordinated heart beat.) Warm them in a shower, wrap them in blankets or towels and give them warm, NOT hot, liquids.

What Would I Have Done Differently?

This is all 20/20 hindsight, but here’s what I would do given my new perspective:

Eat breakfast before I swim. Oatmeal with ginger and cinnamon is great for promoting internal warmth.

Heed the signals my body is giving me. (Hey, like just getting out of the water at the Shores).

Take the ambulance ride! It all worked out, but who knows what my core temp was or if I had some sort of heart arrhythmia. It’s best if they check you immediately after an episode.
Many Thanks

Thank you to the stranger who made the 911 call and to the lifeguards who responded quickly even though they weren’t even supposed to be on duty yet. Also, thanks to the lifeguards that helped me fill in so many of the details after the event and those that helped in the editing of this document, including Joe Barnett. Thanks to all those deputized as my guardians along the way – my wetsuited friends: Bruce, Tony and Mark, and of course Barbara and Cindy who wouldn’t leave my side once I was delivered to them.

Most importantly, thank you to Rick Knepper. There just aren’t words to express it adequately. Plain and simple, Rick saved my life. There is nothing he could have done any differently for a better outcome. He is a humble and modest man, and will argue that anyone would have done the same. Perhaps - but it happened on his watch and he made all the right decisions.

Finally, thank you to my husband, Marc, who cared for me and helped me through all stages of my recovery.

Vince Completes 31st Consecutive Polar Bear!

2009-02-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

Baseball has Cal Ripken, the Dolphin Club has Vince Huang.

This morning Vince was, not surprisingly, the first person in our 6 a.m. swim group to complete the 2008 - 2009 Polar Bear. Vince holds what most consider the unbreakable record of 31 successful, consecutive, Polar Bear seasons.

After our swim Nobu exclaimed, "that was before I was alive!" Indeed, three years before Nobu was concieved.

Congrats Vince! It is a pleasure swimming with you.

Back From Vacation - Chile & Argentina

2009-02-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

I returned to the bay this morning after a two week family vacation in Chile and Argentina. The weather on our trip was sunny and 85 degrees everyday. The food was fabulous, the wine perfect, and the water was warm.

It was quite a shock hitting the 50 degree bay this morning. I've got some catching up to do if I'm to make 40 miles by March 21st, but the trip was absolutely worth it.

Here are some of my favorite beach photos from Chile. If I'm honest, most of the other 600 photos from the trip are of food. :)

After 3 days in Buenos Aires, we flew back to Chile to the beach town of Zapallar.

The Andes from the air.

Sunset at our beach house.

Sunrise (we did sleep in the house).

Island view from our bedroom.

Our host - my brother, Brad.
Having him as a brother is like having 1,000 brothers!

Lisa and I relaxed and loving life.

The pool and hot tub were magnificent after a day at the beach.

A beautiful oceanside stroll. I fell in love with Zapallar on this walk.

Penguinos! Wild penguins - how cool is that!

Clear, cool, beautiful water.

Lance is loving every minute of it.

The crew.

Finding Time In The Day

2009-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

I've been on a tear lately. I've gotten out of bed each day this week at 5 a.m. and have been in the bay by 6 a.m. I'm trying to log as many Polar Bear miles as I can before I go on vacation.

I'm fond of telling folks there is always time for your interests, just get out of bed earlier.

The typical response is, "I'm not a morning person." To which I respond, "You've traveled to the East Coast right? After a day or so of jetlag, getting up at 8 a.m. wasn't a problem was it?"

In theory, this holds up pretty well, your body ought to adjust to the new schedule and you should get along fine. That said, if I'm honest. . . I'm pretty tired today.

Brian's Song

2009-01-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law, Brian, indulged in his first bay swim yesterday. Brian is in town visiting from NYC. He was a competitive swimmer in high school and quickly agreed to join me for dinner and a swim. We swam together out to the 'opening' of Aquatic Park and arrived just in time to see the sunset on the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a short .5 mile - 16 minute swim, but it was so cool to introduce a brave soul to bay swimming. We thought the temperature was 51, but later discovered the water was only 49. I know 2 degrees doesn't sound like much, but at the 50 degree mark it makes a world of difference.

Brian was strong at the start, but the cold soon began to take effect. Breathing became labored and by the end of the swim his arms became 'stumps'. In the sauna, he smiled as he shook uncontrollably for several minutes before regaining control. We rewarmed with a steak and crab dinner. His last word on the swim. . . "that was actually. . . FUN"

Stay tuned for Brian's account of the swim. . .

Leanne, me, and Brian

Yeah! Me in the white cap, Brian in the black thermocap

Dialing in our swim time on my Kobold watch

Swim briefing

Off we go! The surprised looks on the faces of the rowers was worth the dip.

The reward. Thanks for the swim Bri! I'll never forget it!

Polar Bear 2008 - 2009

2009-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Why would anyone swim 40 miles without a wetsuit during winter in San Francisco Bay?

For one of these baby!!!

Polar Bear 2008 - 2009 began on December 21st and ends March 21st. I’m struggling at 13 miles right now. The water temperature, which was in the high 40s, broke into the 50s this morning. This is a promising sign. However, there are no guarantees. . .

There are 8 weeks left of winter. I’ll be away on vacation for 2 weeks. So, I’ll have to average 4.5 miles a week to get it done. The first 13 was no walk in the park! I’ll add a current mileage count on the top right corner of the blog.

A Fish Out of Water - 1st MTB of 2009!

2009-01-15T07:04:00.001-08:00

(Ed, me, and Rick)

Last night Ed, Rick and I revived the Wednesday night mountain bike ride tradition. 2 years ago I had a standing mountain bike ride every Wednesday night. I had a couple takers here and there, but my friend Dave was a constant. He wasn't always prepared, but he always rode. In fact, one ride he forgot his MTB shoes and rode the 12 mile loop in wing tips! Dave moved to Florida and the rides stopped.

It was great to be back on trail. The weather was comfortably cool. We saw and heard tons of deer and a family of raccoons. The trail was well groomed but a bit dusty due to the lack of rain.

Rick was the powerhouse - I don't think he ever got off the bike. It was Ed's first night ride, he was wide-eyed the whole ride. I battled with my bike, which was in dire need of a tune up, but I still had a great ride.

After the ride we warmed up with some homemade chili and beer. I forgot to mention, Rick is a Miller Genuine Draft sponsored athlete - which makes him a good dude to know. MGD 64 is awesome!

If you are local and have a MTB feel free to join us anytime!

Jellyfish Dad! Jellyfish!

2009-01-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Last week Nobu and I did a rare daylight swim. It was a beauty of a day so the family came along too. In certain areas of the cove there were more jellyfish than usual. During our morning swims it is pitch black and you feel the jellies but never actually see them. I'm not aware of anyone ever being stung by a jellyfish in SF bay so I don't worry about it too much. As far as I can tell there are two species that we run into on a regular basis - call them the big ones and the smaller soft ones. I swam out and snagged a small one to show my little guys. They loved it! Here are some photos.

The kids started out in the crows nest of the Dolphin Club

The sun made it so cozy

The bay was a frigid 48 degrees, but it was a bit easier to get in during the daytime

Of course, the kids hit the beach as soon as we took off swimming

Two 'Phins heading home

Me and Nobu, slightly hypothermic but happy

Jellyfish Dad! Jellyfish!

(you probably need to click the photo to actually see the jellyfish)

Swimmer loses sight due to hypothermia

2009-01-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Yikes! After the New Year’s Day Alcatraz swim I remember seeing this guy who was really shivering. He seemed pretty out of it and was shaking uncontrollably. I just found out that he was so hypothermic that he actually ‘lost his sight’ for a period of 3 hours after the swim. I’m told he is fine now. I’ve never heard of this happening before, but it is a reminder that cold water swimming can be very dangerous.

Swim within your limits.

New Year's Day Alcatraz Swim

2009-01-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

The New Year’s Alcatraz swim has the reputation as the coldest and most dangerous swim of the year. The temperatures of the air and water are both below 50 degrees. Since the event must occur on New Year’s Day the conditions are always unpredictable. A 1.5 mile, no wetsuit, qualifying swim is required to participate. I swam the qualifier in December, but until I jumped off the deck of ‘Lovely Martha’ on New Year’s morning I hadn’t completely committed to attempting this swim.

All New Year’s Eve I hedged my bet. “Well, there is a swim tomorrow (sip), but it’s pretty early (sip). . . I may do it, but (sip) it depends. . . Hey, this champagne is pretty good. . ” At midnight we took the kids out on the deck, shouted “Happy New Year!” and watched the fireworks over the bay. A cutting cold wind ushered the kids back into the house and I thought, “I'll just sleep in. . . I’ll set my alarm just in case, but there is no way. . .”

New Year’s morning came quickly. My alarm rang out at 5:30 a.m. I sat up, silenced the alarm, and pulled a blanket around my shoulders and stared at the clock. The house was cold and quiet. 10 minutes passed. I was so tired I didn’t have any coherent thoughts of ‘should I stay or should I go’ – I just sat there.

A few hours later I was aboard the ‘Lovely Martha’. It was a long, windy, cold ride out to Alcatraz. When we reached the island a horn sounded and folks cheered “Happy New Year!” and hurled themselves over the side of the boat. As I peered over the rail and into the grey waters of the bay, I paused to observe the chaos. White splashes, muffled shrieks, audible gasps of air, wide bulging eyes framed by swim goggles, cheers from the pilots, the smell of sea air. . . then without any forethought I was in the water. It was like some invisible force pushed me over the edge.

Survival instincts took over and I swam hard toward San Francisco. I soon found myself in a pod of swimmers. Rather than the usual bumping and clawing for position, they were chatting it up. . “Hey Joe!” “Happy New Year!” “Isn’t this great!” “2009 baby!” “I heard there is a keg on the beach.” I pulled through and spun on to my back. “Happy New Year’s fellas!” Four red faced swimmers smiled back. I took in the panoramic view of San Francisco bay and turned back into the water.

I heard the cheers on the beach long before I touched sand. It was raining now. The spectators wore winter coats, hats, gloves and huddled under shared umbrellas. I stumbled once, regained my balance and headed toward the stairs of the club. I was aware of the pats on my back put couldn’t feel them. There was a bottle of whiskey in the sauna and indeed a keg of beer on the beach. It was an awesome way to start 2009!

Happy New Year!!!

Alone at Fisherman's Wharf at 6 a.m.

Rub the crazy bird statue for luck!

Pilots preparing on the beach. Notice the wind in the flags and the lucky bird statue on the left.

Our 'Ace Pilot'.

Nervous swimmers below deck.

A harbor SEAL. Looks like he had a long night.

A Kobold SEAL aboard the Lovely Martha.

Our destination.

It was a long cold ride out to Alcatraz.

Almost there, time to stow the camera and get wet!

Woeful Weather

2008-12-15T08:21:00.001-08:00

We heard it before we realized what it really was.

6:05 a.m. at the Dolphin club. The rain against the windows of the club was so loud; Vince had to shout to make himself heard as he described our course. The four of us nodded in approval of the course and I was the first out the door.

I shuddered as I made my way down the stairs to the beach. The air temperature was 48 degrees, the wind was howling, and of course it was pitch black. The cold rain and wind hurt my shoulders and the frozen steps hurt my feet. I tried to stay focused, but something was different. It felt like the wind and rain were stinging me, biting into my skin. I turned toward the light coming from the club and couldn’t believe what I saw. . . the stairs were alive with bouncing white hail! I hurried down the stairs and regrouped with the other swimmers under an overhang. No one spoke. The crash of the hail and our swim caps made any discussion impossible. After a prolonged silent exhange of wide-eyed stares, we burst into nervous laughter and headed out into the weather.

Vince was the first one in the water. The lamp attached to the back of his swim cap momentarily illuminated the white hail covered beach. I stared at it in awe and it went black again. Nobu was next and by the light of his lamp I noticed a perfect swath of hail being pulled into the dark water by a wave. Insanity, I thought, but knew if I didn’t go now I’d be alone in the dark. I turned and forcefully waded into the freezing water until I had to swim.

The hail storm was short. It ended shortly after we began our swim, but it is something I’ll never forget. After our swim I took this iPhone photo of the remaining hail on my car.

2009 Challenges/Events. . .

2008-12-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

What are your plans for 2009? I’d love to hear about it and share it on the blog. Email me or post a comment. I’ll gather the responses and post them here during the month of December. Happy Holidays!

* * * * *
Ben - 41 mile Molokai to Oahu competitive outrigger canoe race
Jack Read - 1/2 marathon
Kenneth - Bike to work more, 10k run (1/31/09), kayak SF bay, Iron-April
Mitch Moghadassi - Half Dome and Iron-April
Lisa Haugh – Ironman Arizona 2009
Cary Laird – Ironman Arizona 2009
Bob Morelli – Ironman Arizona 2009
Nobu Takahashi – Ironman Arizona 2009
Melissa - Ironman Arizona 2009

Ironman Arizona Photos (x2)

2008-11-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

All smiles at mile 120 of the Ironman.

Crossing the Ironman finish line as a family - unforgettable!

Ironman Arizona - Race Report

2008-11-25T20:35:00.001-08:00

Ironman Arizona was a huge success and an unforgettable experience. Lisa and I crossed the finish line together with our two boys after nearly 15 hours of racing. Lisa wrote this race report. Enjoy!!! Photos soon.

Kev.

It is all about finishing what you started…

I am still on a high from finishing the race. After saying “Congratulations” the first question is always “So, how was it?” I wish I could put into words the overwhelming feeling of euphoria, accomplishment and pure joy I felt crossing that finish line hand in hand with Kevin, Brant and Lance. You probably won’t believe me, but I enjoyed every minute of the race: from the national anthem being sung prior to the starting gun, to the words “You are an ironman!” as we came down the finish chute, and all the pain in between.

We flew into Phoenix on Thursday with my parents and met Kevin’s mom, Mimi, at the airport. After checking into our condo Kevin and I headed to the ironman “village” in Tempe to check in. Unlike other races, we had to show our ID, get weighed and sign pages of waivers before they would put on our ironman wristbands and give us our numbers. My heart was racing – after a year of hard work and stress, I couldn’t believe that the day was finally here and tried to take in the whole experience. After checking in, we went to pick up our bikes, which we had a third party transport for us. I panicked when I realized that my back tire was flat, although we had just put in two new tubes before we left. We headed to the on-site bike support tent to have it looked at over night. It turned out just to be a pinched tube, but it definitely set off my nerves. The next couple of days went by so quickly. We drove the bike course and went for a test ride on the first 6 miles and were relieved to see how flat it was, although got to experience some of the wind that had sidelined racers in the past. We also jumped in the lake for a test swim one morning. It was a little freaky not to be able to see the turn-around point from the water since it was so far away, but otherwise the temperature was fine and there was no real current to speak of.

For the carbo-loading night before the race we made pasta with bread and salad. I couldn’t understand why Kevin bought 3 loaves of garlic bread and made a huge salad until a surprise walked through the door - my brother, Cary, his wife, Lorie, and my two nieces, Camy and Piper had come to cheer us on in person! I was so ecstatic to see them. You can’t underestimate what the power of support from family and friends brings to an event like this. However, knowing that we had to get up at 4:00 a.m. the next morning, we went to bed at 8:30 and Mimi “reiki”-ed me to help me sleep.

It was really cold Sunday morning as we got to the transition area at about 5:30 a.m. and you could feel the nerves and excitement in the air. What really struck me, though, was the sheer number of athletes. I read somewhere that there were 2200 athletes from 47 states in the US and 30 countries. Even more impressive was that the event required 3000 volunteers. The volunteers were so positive and amazing – stripping off your wetsuit, grabbing your transition bag to help you get changed, eat and back on the course, handing you water, Gatorade, gels or bananas on the bike and all of that and more (including coke, chicken broth, cookies, pretzels and grapes) on the run.

The 2.4 mile swim had a mass water start. Since I had seen some videos of the mass starts and Kevin had described how pummeled you can get if you get caught behind slower swimmers, Kevin and I swam towards the starting line of kayaks as soon as we jumped in. I couldn’t help but get choked up when hearing the national anthem, but then something strange happened – all my nervousness left, calm came over my body and I heard a voice say “let’s do this thing.” The gun went off, the crowd of spectators went crazy and the race was on! We did get pummeled. I got kicked in the gut and scratched on my legs and Kevin got hit in the eye, but stroke for stroke, Kevin and I did the entire swim side by side. We came out of the water together and went into our respective transition tents. I didn’t know if I would see him again during the race.

I love that our ironman race numbers for the bike and the run actually have our names printed on them. So imagine this: as I got on my bike and started down the road, all I could hear were screams of “Go Lisa” “You can do it, Lisa” “Looking good, Lisa!” Feeling like a rock star, I headed out on the first of 3 loops of the 112 mile course. The course was mostly flat with a gradual climb to the turn-around, then downhill back to the transition area. I actually liked the loops since it gave me a chance to see the boys and my family every time I was starting to get a little tired. Seeing Brant and Lance jump up and down screaming “Go Mom” gave me the energy to push through the course so I could see them again. Bob passed me at about mile 15 on the bike and it was the only time I saw him. Kevin was about 10 -15 minutes ahead of me the whole ride, so I got to see him almost every loop. The wind picked up on the second loop, which made it harder than it otherwise would have been, but I was still getting giddy each time I saw the miles tick by: 56, 72, 99, and back to transition. Once I completed the bike portion, knew that I would finish the race.

I was wobbly getting off the bike so when they asked me if I needed anything when I went back into the transition tent, I had an ART (active release technique) specialist stretch my legs. Feeling pretty good, I headed out on the run. With hugs and kisses from the kids, I was off on my first of 3 loops on the run. I can hold my own in swimming, have learned to love road biking, but let’s face it, I am just not a runner. But for the sake of all my “fans” chanting my name, I started out with a jog. As I crossed the bridge around mile 5, I saw Kevin on the trail below. I picked up the pace and caught up with him, and we stayed together for the next 21 miles, while the sun set and darkness covered the course. During this time I met a cancer survivor, a grandfather, a new mom, and countless others. Everyone had a story to tell and a smile on their face. But to each individual, on that day nothing else mattered. It was going to end with each one of us being an ironman. When Kevin and I began our jog through the finish chute, the boys were waiting for us. Lance led the way (of course) and the crowd went wild.

“Limits? What limits. You can do anything you set your mind to.” I understand that now.

Lisa

Ironman 2004 - Movie!

2008-11-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

I did my first Ironman in 2004. At the time, I didn't know anyone who had done the race. It was a life changing experience for me. I was grateful that my family was there to support me and share the experience. Four years later, I decided to give it another try. This time around, Lisa decided she'd accept the challenge too.

Midway through my training for Ironman 2008, I suffered a knee injury and almost threw in the towel. That all changed when my brother, who was visiting me from Santiago Chile, gave me this movie he made. He inspired me to rehabilitate my knee and to persevere. Now that race day is nearly here, I thought I'd share his movie with you.

Some things to note before you watch this. First, this movie comes from the heart. Brad filmed every minute of the movie himself. He must have run a marathon just to get all the footage! Second, Brad and I are movie geekers so the movie might seem a bit overly dramatic. Third, be patient with the pre and post race footage. . . keep in mind this movie wasn't made for the blog. I didn't want to edit it in anyway because it shows how special this race was to me and my family.

Thank you Brad for this wonderfully touching movie. I'll cherish it forever! Thank you Kenneth for adding it to my blog.

Enjoy!

Part One (4 minutes)

Part Two (8 minutes)

Some photo credits. . . the little guy on the beach is my eldest son Brant (at age 3), the cute blonde is my brother's wife Jennifer, the guy flexing his muscles is my brother Brad, the guy with the Jurassic sized waffle cone is my dad, the Hawaiian lady is my mama, the Japanese lady is Lisa's mom, the bearded fellow is Lisa's Dad and the other folks wearing the Ironman shirts are Lisa's brother's family.

Oh yes, that is my son Brant at the end of the movie too (at age 7). I can't let him down, now can I?

End of Ironman AZ training

2008-11-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I finished our Ironman Arizona training Sunday with a cold and windy 6-hour bike ride in the hills of Livermore. It marked the last weekend night of - prepping our gear, going to sleep early, waking at dawn, and training through breakfast and lunch. With two weeks to go, we’ll keep up the 1-hour training sessions, but thankfully the long ones are behind us.

I’m amazed at Lisa’s transformation as a biker and equally impressed with her consistent dedication to the training. I’m proud of my ‘catch up’ training and hope it is enough to carry the day. I’m thankful for all the support we received from our family, our caregiver Sandy, Nobu, Alex, and Ed. I’m also very appreciative of the emails I’ve received from you folks.

Soon, we’ll surrender our bikes for transport to Arizona and begin packing.

Stay tuned. . . my brother produced a short film of my 2004 Ironman. I hope to upload it to the blog this week.

One Month to go to Ironman AZ. . .

2008-10-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is the last month of Ironman training. This month is absolutely critical. On one hand, my fitness a month from now will not be all that different than my fitness today. On the other hand, my fitness could get a lot worse. I need to keep at it and train consistently without injury for 3 more weeks and then begin my taper.

I’m up to 80 mile bike rides, 10 mile runs and 2-4 mile open water swims. Honestly, this is where I'm at. Anyone who has done the Ironman would probably point out that my running is deficient and they'd be right. However, I'm working around some nagging aches and pains and my goal is to finish. If I have a weakness, let it be running.

Allow me to focus on the positive. My true advantage at this distance is experience. I know the trick to putting it all together on race day. The key to making it to the finish line is race day nutrition and mental toughness. I’ve done dozens of 12+ hour races and I know how to eat, drink, and refocus during these long efforts.

One month to go to Ironman Arizona,

The goal is to finish,

and I’m starting to believe.

Finishing What You Started. . .

2008-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

I've been battling some demons lately. I lost 6 weeks of time on the bike and the run due to a knee injury. My fitness is greatly diminished and Ironman is a scant 7 weeks away. I've thought about bagging the race many times but I'm haunted by something John Collins (the founder of Ironman) once said. . .

"Ironman is about finishing what you started; its about doing what you set out to do. Maybe not as fast as the guy next to you, but certainly faster than the one who never started.

You can quit. . . but no one else cares and you'll always know."
--John Collins

I'm determined and optimistic. My goals for the race have changed, but I'm still committed to finish what I've started.

Big Kahuna Half-Ironman

2008-09-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the Big Kahuna Triathlon in Santa Cruz. It was a Half-Ironman distance race - 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run. Due to continuing knee pain, I could not race. No matter, it was a wonderful day out! The weather was awesome and three of my best friends did their very first triathlon at this distance. For Lisa and Bob it was a huge milestone toward their goal of Ironman Arizona. For Ed, it was his very first triathlon! I was so proud of their race and also very humbled by having to sit this one out. Much aloha and congrats on a fine race guys!!!

The Big Kahuna athletes - Ed, Lisa, and Bob

Lisa's transition area

The procession down to the ocean, emotions were high

Beautiful sunrise and nervous triathletes

One last photo before a 70.3 mile (6 hour) race

The start!

Yikes! Look closely at the dark triangle rising out of the water next to all those swimmers!

Just a SEAL. . .

A better shot of the whiskered menace!

On to the bike. . . Lisa showing her 'aloha' spirit!

56 miles to go. . .

On to the 13.1 mile run. I probably saw 1,000 athletes muscle up this hill - only one was smiling.

The race finished on the crowded Santa Cruz shore.

The glorious finish line!

Lisa loving life!

Newly anointed 70.3 triathletes!!!

Never, never, never forget.

2008-09-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Golden Gate Bridge Swim

2008-09-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I had the unique opportunity to swim the span of the Golden Gate Bridge. The morning sunrise was spectacular. From the boat, the bay seemed as tame as a mountain lake. As we pulled away from the dock our skipper began to rattle off the emergency procedures, "the life jackets are located. . ." He stopped short and laughed, "Well, I don't suppose you guys will be needing them, huh?" Someone quipped, "Don't worry, we'll save you if the boat goes down." As it turns out, some of these folks were a bit over confident.

Once in position, under the Golden Gate Bridge, we realized the opposite shore was completed obstructed by a thick fog bank. There was some nervous discussion and we waited a bit, but the tides were turning and we had to make haste. As the sun rose over the Oakland hills, we jumped into the 60 degree water and swam parallel to the bridge on the ocean side of the bridge I breathed on the right, siting the bridge with each breath. I remember praying the fog would clear before we swam blindly into the bank.

There were only 34 swimmers who participated in the event. All were well qualified swimmers, yet most wore wetsuits for added buoyancy and warmth. The consensus was this would be a tough swim. We quickly spread out into solo efforts, pairs, and groups of three. I swam alone, making my way further out into the open ocean.

About midspan, I began to swim under the Golden Gate. The sun had risen and the bridge appeared as red as fired iron. Through my swim goggles, the sun reflecting off the red paint was so bright the image remained burned into my vision as I turned into the dark waters.

Time passed I got a bit nervous so I pulled hard and rose out of the water to get my bearings. There were no swimmers in site! I was completely alone. I was suddenly at ill ease and started to swim faster and faster. The fog enveloped me and the bridge above me disappeared. My breathing became labored, but I continued to increase my pace. Swimming blind, I charged ahead curling my finger tips, anticipating an impact for some odd reason. Finally, I sited a bridge support and used it to judge my progress. I realized I actually lost ground and was slowly being pulled out into the open sea.

Later I learned that nearly half of the swimmers had lost the battle of the current and had to be picked up by rescue boats. Some were too slow to overcome the currents, others lost their mental edge under the vast expanse of the bridge and began to tread water. During the short swim reprieve, these swimmers were swiftly swept toward into the open ocean by unseen currents. The rescue boats repositioned the swimmers on the bay side of the bridge so they could easily complete the swim. Some swimmers were repositioned twice.

At the time, I had no idea any of this was going on. All I knew was that I was alone, swimming nearly blind, caught in a wide current, and that I needed to punch through. A kind of survival instinct took over and the beautiful swim became a serious affair. After 10 long minutes of swimming against the current, I broke free and finally spied Lime Rock. At the swim briefing we were instructed that our swim was complete when we touched Lime Rock.

As I approached Lime Rock, I became aware that the water had become perfectly still. During my fight with the current, the fog had completely disappeared and the sun had risen high in the sky. It was as if the fog and current never existed. The adrenalin rush of the swim had passed and all seemed quiet as I glided up to Lime Rock. I swam a victory lap around the pick up boat and stared at the bridge for a long time. Floating in the calm water with the morning sun warming my shoulders I felt completely at peace with the world. It was a wonderful morning!

Here are the photos, some are really nice.

Click on any photo to enlarge.

My 'game face'

Our safety pilots

The goal

Some wrist inspiration - David Woo's mighty Kobold SEAL!

Sunrise over the Oakland hills, notice Alcatraz island on the left.

The fog

San Francisco skyline - notice the formation of gulls in the sky

View from the outside (ocean side) of the Golden Gate Bridge

Goofy Conehead photo

The fog was really thick and creepy

View an hour late from the other side of the bay.

Lime Rock!

Success!

Totally content.

Fort Point Swim and Video

2008-08-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

As a primer for the Golden Gate crossing next week I signed up for the Dolphin Club's Fort Point swim. It is a 3.5 mile costal swim starting outside the Golden Gate Bridge and finishing at the Dolphin Club. It is the longest and most difficult Dolphin Club swim of the year. Of the over 800 Dolphin Club members, as of Friday afternoon, only 12 had committed to the swim.

I had a tough time sleeping the night before the swim and awoke a few minutes before my alarm rang out a 6 a.m. I flipped on the television to bring some normalcy to the morning. This was a mistake. . .

The more attractive and less poised, weekend announcer read from her tele-prompter in a serious monotone, "A second great white shark was seen at Stinson beach yesterday resulting in a 4-day beach closure. According to scientist, the great whites migrate up the California coast during this time of year and are visible from the surface of the water as they hunt for Seals. If your holiday weekend includes a trip to the beach, stay out of the water."

Immediately awake, I found myself sitting a full attention with the remote in my hand. I thought to myself, "The distance from Stinson Beach to the start of the swim is shorter than the distance from the start of the swim back to the club." After 20 minutes of soul searching I headed out to my car. I knew if I backed out of this swim, I'd likely to back out of the swim next week and I wasn't going to let that happen.

2 hours later I was being tossed around on a small boat just beyond the Golden Gate bridge. There was dense fog on the air and it was cold. If the fog lifted, I would have a clear view of the beach where the two shark had been seen. I stared hard into the fog bank. As we waited to jump into the bay, I scanned the surface of the water for any threats. The water was really rough in the open bay and I was beginning to feel a bit queezy. As the horn sounded, signaling the jump, I was felt really vulnerable. Wide-eyed, I spied the waters around the boat once more.

Out of the dark waters rose a dark black fin. I quickly looked to the aft of the boat and several swimmers were already jumping over board! I turned back and peered again though the foggy window. Two more fins appeared, closer this time. Three fins became, six. . . . it was a pod of dolphins! A swimmers sign that the water is safe! Somewhat reassured, I pressed my goggles against my face and dove over board.

Once in the water, I swam toward the South Tower of the Golden Gate. It was the first time I had been under the Golden Gate and was an exciting preview of things to come. The water was relatively warm for San Francisco Bay, however there were some cold spots. Mentally, I broke the swim up into for distances - the bridge to Crissy Field, then to the Palace of Fine Arts, then to the Yacht Club, then to Aquatic Park.

It was a long hard swim. I felt strong throughout, but had little left when I arrived at the beach. According to my Kobold watch, my total swim time was 1:45. I am really proud of this swim. I was focused and strong throughout.

A very talented and brave paddle surfer from the club took some video of the swim. It is edited and shows bits and pieces of the entire swim.

Video of yesterday's Fort Point swim shot from the surfboard cam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzFzFro109w

Kent Meyer's webpage. . .

web: www.papaya.net
blog: www.papaya.net/wordpress

"Sharky"

2008-08-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

My knee has continued to be an issue on the bike, so I've been swimming a lot. The Golden Gate swim is two weeks away. This Saturday is the Fort Point swim. It a 3.5 mile coastal swim and should be a great opportunity to tune things up for the Golden Gate attempt. There will be 12 other folks participating in the Fort Point swim. It is the longest Dolphin Club swim of the year.

Persistent knee pain has been very frustrating, but it has allowed me to make a new friend. Alex is a physical therapist who also participated in Iron April. He has been helping me rehabilitate my knee. Last night he invited me for a sunset bay swim.

The bay was in full flood conditions, so the water was approximately 9 feet above low tide. The winds were whipping and there was a strong flood current. The sunlight was fading and the chop created weird shadows in the waves. Midway through the swim I got really "sharky".

"Sharky" is one of two things - 1) an irrational fear of sharks or 2) a sixth sense about a shark in the water. We avoided the opening of the bay and circled back through the ships and arrived safely at the beach.

This morning this was in our local paper. . .

The waters off Stinson Beach are closed until sunset Friday because of a shark sighting over the weekend, officials said Monday.

A surfer who previously worked as a National Park Service lifeguard spotted a shark, 8 to 10 feet long, about 125 yards offshore at 7 p.m. Sunday, said park spokesman Rich Weideman.

The shark, possibly a great white, was north of the beach's main lifeguard tower.

Signs have been posted warning visitors to stay out of the water until Friday.

The last shark sighting at the beach was this spring, Weideman said.

Such sightings prompt an immediate three-day restriction, as sharks typically feed for several days in a given area, he said. The park service decided to add on two extra days this time as a buffer.

Stintson is a couple of miles (7?) from where we were swimming. So, I'm sure we were safe.

However, the Golden Gate is a lot closer to Stintson - 3 miles?

Upcoming Swim - The Golden Gate

2008-08-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve wanted to swim the span of the Golden Gate Bridge for over two years. If all goes well, I’ll finally get my chance next month. I’ll start at the South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge and swim under the bridge mid-span to Finger Point Rock in Marin. The shortest distance, between these two points is 3 Km (1.85 miles). I’ll make the attempt without a wetsuit. Click on this map to see my swim route.

It is a bit unnerving swimming at the opening of the bay. It is impossible to ignore that the Farallon Islands are a mere 27 miles away from the Golden Gate. Again, I'm told there is no credible shark threat in San Francisco Bay. . . but there aren’t supposed to be whales or dolphins in the bay either and I’ve seen those. I digress.

I love the idea of a point to point, open water swim, under the Golden Gate. I’ve been waiting a long time for this one and it is almost here.

Training continues. . .

The Bay is at its Warmest!

2008-07-31T10:47:00.001-07:00

Of the three sports of triathlon, swimming is still my favorite. Gliding weightless through the open water is my favorite state of being and San Francisco bay is my favorite place to swim. Admittedly, most of year, the temperature is colder than I’d like. However, the bay is up to 62 degrees now (it dips to 43 in the depth of winter).

Aside from the initial shock of getting in, I think this is the perfect water temperature for long distance swimming. No special training needed this time of the year. I know it lacks curbside appeal, but if you’ve ever wanted to try bay swimming. . . now is the time!

Photo by Dolphin Club member – Lolly Lewis.

A Little Help From a Pro

2008-07-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

With the massive volume of Ironman training, some aches, pains, pinches, blisters, soreness are to be expected. However, during the past two weeks I experienced a terrible knee pain under my left knee cap.

The pain was only in my left knee, it always followed long bike ride, and the right knee was unaffected. It was literally sore to the touch for a few days after each long ride.

It was frustrating because I knew I had the capacity for much more output on the bike but was limited by my knee pain.

Unable to determine the specific cause or correct the problem, I turned to Coach Phillip Casanta for help. Phil coaches for Hyper Cat Racing and has pretty much seen it all.

Coach Phil quickly diagnosed the cause - a worn and rigid cleat on my left race shoe. Apparently, this caused my left knee to track in one position rather than allowing my knee to float naturally through the pedal stroke. He assured me the injury was temporary, adjusted my cleats, shared a few bike tips, and in 20 minutes I was out the door and ready to ride. I’m hopeful that my next long ride will be better.

Thanks Coach!!!

The Versace Gaunlet

2008-07-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Versace gaunlet has been thrown down!!!

Apparently, Lisa isn't the only lovely lady stepping into the triathlon arena. According to SFGate, J.Lo. is training for a triathlon. I doubt J.Lo. is attempting Ironman. She is likley doing a shorter race. However, Ironman Kona is in October, so who knows? You may have some competition Lisa!

Good Luck J.Lo. & Lisa!!!

As an aside, I still don't get the Marc Anthony thing. Here is the article. . .

Lopez Training for Triathlon -

Jennifer Lopez is training furiously to be fit enough to take part in a triathlon, just eight months after giving birth to twins.

The superstar was snapped on vacation in Italy this week with her bikini body back, following the February birth of tots Max and Emme.

And her husband Marc Anthony reveals Lopez is on a tough training schedule on foot, on bike, and in water.

He tells the TV show "Extra," "Jennifer is training for a triathlon. In October."

But crooner Anthony confesses he will be watching from the sidelines, instead of working up a sweat with Lopez.

He says, "I'm very supportive. I'll be on my Segway (encouraging her)."

Tale of a Tough Ride

2008-07-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to step up our training Lisa and I set out early this morning to meet Nobu for a LAR ("Long Ass Ride"). We define a LAR as anything over 50 miles. The first couple hours on the bike offered everything a roadie could dream up. We started with a ride over the Gold Gate Bridge. Headed down into the sleepy bayside town of Sausolito. Then headed into the Marin headlands. The romance of the ride pushed us further and further out. Instead of turning around at 25 miles, we extended to 30. Then we extended our turn around point to 35 miles (Point Reyes). That set us up for 70 miles on the day.

Shortly after turning around, my back tire blew out. Here began a comedy of errors which would have been funny, but for the blazing sun and lack of any breeze or shade. Ask any roadie how to change a tire and you'll likely get different answers regarding the best technique. That said, all would likely agree getting a road tire on a wheel is frustrating.

An exercise in frustration. . . My first attempt was with a tire with too small of a stem. My second attempt was with my patched up blown tire. It almost worked until the stem broke off! My third attempt was with a donated tire from another roadie. It went flat right after I got it on. Finally, I patched the donated tire, got it on my wheel and started off again down the road. All in, I spent 90 minutes on the side of the road and switched out 4 tires.

My repair worked for about 5-10 miles at at time. Then I would have to hop off and pump up my tire. The 4 hours of riding and roadside repair had taken a toll on all of us. It became clear to all that it was time to call in reinforcements. Without discussion, Nobu called his girlfriend, Kaori, to pick me up in Fairfax. I had covered 50 miles and my ride was over. Thanks Kaori!!!

Nobu and Lisa pushed on into some fierce winds. While climbing back up to the Golden Gate, Lisa was literally blown over by a rouge gust of wind. 20 miles and almost two hours later Nobu and Lisa rolled into the parking lot. I could not have been more impressed with their effort and accomplishment. They covered 70 miles!!! Don't let Lisa's casual smile fool you, she pushed her limits and is now passed out beside me.

Reflections on the day. . . bring correct tires to IMAZ (x2). . . Nobu is no joke. . . Lisa is one tough lady. . . running a marathon is unimaginable right now. . . in fact, I can barely walk. . . hoping for a better ride next week.

IM Training - A Balancing Act

2008-07-11T07:50:00.001-07:00

My first month of Ironman training was a complete blur. Early morning swims, lunchtime runs and late night spins. Not surprisingly, balancing family, career, training and sleep has been difficult.

During June, my training slipped a bit. I feel I'm still on track but with 4.5 months to race day, it is definitely time to step up the training. My attitude toward training and the race is still very positive.

Right now my focus is consistency in training and maintaining my confidence. Missing work outs or feaking out about what lies ahead present the greatest risk at this stage. This month I'll train (and frankly live) like I race - steady controlled efforts, grateful for the experience and expecting the best.

The Ironman Commitment

2008-06-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

On November 23, 2008 my wife, Lisa, and I will race Ironman Arizona. We registered for the race some time ago, but for me at least the commitment to Ironman training has just set in. I've spent the last month or so re-tooling my training, equipment, schedule and mindset and I am now Ironman focused.

As an 'initiated' Ironman athlete, I am well aware of how grueling the training is and what an amazing experience crossing the finish line can be. I'm constantly amazed by Lisa. . . this will be her first Ironman triathlon.

6 months to race day!

[X]press Magazine Article - Published!

2008-05-17T14:41:00.001-07:00

A while back I blogged about my interview with [X]press Magazine. The article was published today. Here is an excerpt and a link to the article. Enjoy!

"Even with a wetsuit, it feels like suicide. With each stroke away from the secluded beach, the swimmer becomes more aware that if he stops moving his limbs, the cold of the fifty-degree water will consume them. Within about ten minutes, feet aren’t feet anymore—they become solid blocks attached to legs. The inexperienced ocean swimmers can’t keep their face under to exhale after each stroke because the denseness of the freezing water makes their chest constrict so tightly that exhaling into the blackness would be like trying to blow through a thin straw. But the swimmer keeps moving, struggling against the force of the ocean, like the sensation of two magnets being held so close that they almost meet."

"During the early morning, Kevin Haugh often swims among historic boats resting in the water against the docks where tourists walk in the afternoon. This morning the sun has not risen, and the only distinguishable light he can see is from the round glow sticks attached to his fellow swimmers’ caps. As he swims with his head down, he feels something so large under him that it seems to displace the water, making it rise. As he brings his arm down. . ."

Link to Full Article

Wildflower 2008 - Photo Essay

2008-05-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Race reports to follow. . . here are the pics!

Chillin watching the Pros and oh, Mark and Victor!

A blur which was Mark McKee on the long course (he finished 10th).

Victor on the long course (Saturday afternoon)

Dave and Doug arrive Saturday evening.

It ain't Wildflower if you don't camp.

With camp established. . . let the drinking begin!
(limit 3 beers per athlete on race night)

Foggy race morning (Sunday) . . . here are your athletes!

Future Ironman and 1st grade teacher - Nobu Takahashi

T1 - Swim to Bike transition

The swim start.

Alex begins the swim.

Long course (Ironman) Victor with two young Olympic Distance virgins . . . Lisa & Elaine

Nobu on the bike, he is a Team Kaori-Man!

Just how does one post a 40 minute run time at the Olympic Wildlower course? Observe. . .

The transformation begins, from the Nobu we all know. . .
to the possessed speed demon.

You have now entered the Nobu Zone!

Check out the spectators!

I'm sorry, but these all get posted, look at this guy!

A man possessed, the most incredible transformation I've ever seen!

Now, THAT is the Nobu I know and love!

If it looks like a seal, swims like a seal, and runs like a seal. . .
its has to be Kev. Haugh
I've never been much of a runner, but the desire is there.

Lisa at the Finish Line with Nobu and Alex.

Crazy Tri-Fans
(Bob, Kev., Dave)

Julie (x2 Boston Marathoner), Alex, Kaori & Nobu

Happy couple - Kaori & Nobu

Another happy couple - Lisa & Kev.

A parting shot of our amazing crew. It was an unforgettable weekend!
Thanks everyone!
(Kev., Dave, Doug, Bob)
(Lisa, Nobu, Alex)

All Iron-April Athletes Finish with Mile Sharing!

2008-04-30T07:53:00.001-07:00

Due to the MASSIVE MILES posted by the early Iron-April Finishers, there were more than enough miles to bring EVERY Iron-April Athlete across the finish line!

Congrats to all Athletes! Lets do it again next year.

See you at the Iron-April BBQ!

Click HERE to view Mitch's Iron-April Art.

Iron-April 2008 FINISHER LIST

2008-04-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

1. Mark McKee (4/13)
2. Sunny McKee (4/13)
3. Victor Shum (4/13)
4. Nobu Takahashi (4/13)
5. Larry Low (4/21)
6. Elaine Shum (4/21)
7. Bill Hogan (4/21)
8. Mitch Moghadassi (4/21)
10. Jim Wirth (4/23)
11. Rick Graves (4/26)
12. Kaori (4/27)
13. Kevin Haugh (4/27)
14. Alex (4/27)
15. Shannon Moore (4/28)
16. Team Jamie Lin (4/28)
17. Lisa Haugh (4/28)
18. Bob Conover (4/28)
19. Jason Prodoehl (4/28)
20. Rebecca Tilley (4/29)
21. Pauline Falstrom (4/29)
22. Jon Nakamura (4/30)
23. Frances Yang (4/30)
24. Team Kobold Watch Co. (4/30)
25. Kenneth Schwartzman (4/30)
26. Yoko Kasai (4/30)
27. Bob Morelli (4/30)
28. Ron Scrivani (4/30)
29. Dave Landa (4/30)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINISHERS!!!

Iron-April - 2,900 miles!

2008-03-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Before Iron-April began I estimated the group's total expected cummulative mileage during April to roughly equal the distance between San Francisco and New York City and back again(5,800 miles).

I am excited to announce that the Iron-April Athletes broke 2,900 miles this morning! In just two weeks these amazing athletes have covered the distance from San Francisco to New York by swimming, biking and running!

Way to go Athletes! Keep it up!

Athele Updates

2008-03-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Click here for Athlete Updates and Blog Instructions

Late Post - Mimi Completes Polar Bear!

2008-03-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

My mama, Marilyn, Mimi, completed the Polar Bear Swim too. She logged 42 miles this winter without a wetsuit. Mimi logged most of her miles in Lydgate Park on the island of Kauai.

Equipped with her trusty floatation belt, mask and snorkel she also swam in the open ocean. One afternoon she got caught in a current at Wailua Seashell beach and was swept out to sea. She kept her nerve and swam parallel to the beach to break free. She finally paddled her way on to Horner’s Corner beach a couple miles down shore.

Within the confines of Lydgate Park, her swims were much more relaxing. She fed the fish dog food pellets while swimming along. Her Aqua Lung swim mask provided ample room for a quick ‘wink’ to the passing humuhumunukunukuapuau (see photo).

Without the aid of the internet, Mimi would simply call in her swims each day. I’d be in a meeting at work and would be interrupted with my favorite phone call of the day. . .

“Hello?”
“Dis your mama. I had broke 20 and the sea was plenty rough. You had swim this morning?”
“Yes, mom. I gotta go.”
“K-den, bumby, change your mama’s miles to 21.”
(Pigeon translation – Fine, later, please update my mileage)

Congrats Mama! It was awesome doing the swim together. I think Brant was your biggest fan. He knows you did it and couldn’t be more proud of you. He told everyone at the Dolphin Club Polar Bear potluck that "his Mimi" did the Polar Bear too!

Polar Bear 2009?

Good luck with Iron-April!!!!

Go Team Hula Girls!!!

40 MILES! POLAR BEAR COMPLETED!

2008-03-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

A common misconception about bay swimming is that it is easier to enter cold water if you are an experienced bay swimmer. It never gets any easier. This is especially true when you are swimming solo. Last night the sky was particularly ominous. Here is a photo I took just before heading down to the beach.

Wading into the biting cold water for a solo swim is strangely similar to what I felt the first time I skydived. Every cell in your body screams the act is unnatural. You feel excitement, the rush of adrenalin and fear.

The harsh winds caused major chop as I struggled to swim into the wind and across the beach. My plan was a 1-mile swim, setting the stage for mile 40 on Friday morning with my friends.

It isn’t productive, but when I swim alone all I think about is sharks. To busy my mind, I recounted as many Polar Bear swim experiences as I could – laying out my clothes each night, seal encounters, sunrises, shooting stars, cruise ships, my friends, frost, glow sticks, alarm clocks, my mom, my wife, my boys . . . 30 minutes later, I had covered my 1-mile course and was treading water in front of the Dolphin Club.

The exercise of recalling the Polar Bear season had stirred my emotions. As I turned to the desolate beach, I remember my wife saying, “If you are feeling it, go for 40!” I glanced once at the foreboding sky and once at my watch before tearing out into the bay again.

There was no fear or need for mind games during my final mile of the Polar Bear. It was an inspired and magical swim. A winter of hard work paid off in speed and power. It was my best effort. I was in my finest form and 28 minutes later, I had done it.

The second mile was not planned and neither was the emotional impact that followed. In retrospect, I’m glad I was alone. It wasn’t a very humble display. I raised my hands high above my head and cheered into the wind. I pumped my fists, clapped my hands and yelled again and again. My very own Rocky moment played out on a desolate San Francisco beach.

I did it! I did it! I did it!

p.s. – the gulls on the pier didn’t seem impressed.

Jason Completes Polar Bear!

2008-03-17T07:49:00.001-07:00

This morning Jason completed his 40th mile. Here is a iPhone photo of Jason certifying his final swim of Polar Bear 2008. He is obviously very happy. He seemed sincerely grateful as well. Knowing Jason as I do, I know he wouldn't want me to make too big of a deal about his accomplishment so let me share the "Starbuck's Story of Good Intentions."

Last week when Nobu finished Polar Bear, Jason ran up the hill to Starbucks and got a green tea for Nobu to congratulate him. Unfortunately, as Jason emerged from Starbucks, Nobu was pulling away from the curb and Jason was left with bitter green tea.

This morning Nobu was off again. Jason remarked, "That is the problem with runners, they are always in a hurry. I was hoping the three of us could grabs some coffee." I was a bit rushed too, but acknowledging his accomplishment, I happily agreed to walk up with the hill with Jason for a hot cup of joe. As we exited the Dolphin Club, we were surprised to see Nobu holding a tray stacked with three hot Starbucks drinks!

Nobu stuttered the word, "ccccongrattulll-llationsss" and we all laughed. You see, Nobu needs more sauna time than us to rewarm due to his size. By rushing out of the sauna to retrieve the coffee, he was still as cold as when he got out of the water. It was very kind of Nobu, but he shivering so much he could barely speak. We all saw the humor of the kind gesture. What a great guy.

Congrats Jason, you did it!

Nobu Completes Polar Bear!

2008-03-12T13:17:00.001-07:00

I first met Nobu in the middle of the bay while training for the swim around Alcatraz. I had stopped swimming and was treading water - staring into the huge black eyes of a sea lion. An unfamiliar voice asked, “Is it was safe?” I replied, “Maybe not” and started off in the opposite direction. The voice again called out, “Then, can I swim with you?” It happened to be Nobu’s very first swim in the bay.

Nobu and I became fast friends. He helped me train for my swim and I helped him train for the Wildflower triathlon. When we joined the club together, about one year ago, Nobu always swam with a wetsuit. One day, he asked how to swim without a wetsuit. I asked him, “Why would you want to?” After losing the wetsuit, Nobu struggled with the cold temperatures of the bay. On one occasion he had to walk back to the club. On another his frozen mind mistook a buoy for a swimmer. Given the challenges he had with the cold, I never expected Nobu to attempt the Polar Bear Challenge. When he signed up, I had my doubts about his chances of success. I was wrong.

Nobu hit 40 miles this morning in the exact spot I met him one year earlier. It was very dark when I called out to the group, “Are we at .75 miles?” When they replied in the affirmative I declared, “Nobu has completed the Polar Bear!!!” The group cheered in the dark water and I saw a huge grin on Nobu’s face. When we hit shore I saw him turn back to the bay in a moment of reflection. He seemed uncharacteristically unaffected by the cold. His posture conveyed strength and his face displayed contentment.

Congrats my friend!

Daylight savings time

2008-03-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

With the end of Polar Bear drawing near, every swim counts. "Every swim counts" that was my waking thought this morning at 4:55. I woke up 10 minutes before my alarm and headed out for the club. I arrived earlier than usual. The club was dark and quiet. I decided to swim solo for a while with an eye for my friends on the beach.

As I toed the freezing cold water I almost lost my nerve. After two week of sunrise swimming, the daylight savings time change put me squarely back into the night. Every swim counts. I took off across the beach and spied the white spray of a swimmer up ahead. Thank god, another swimmer. I swam after him or her until I reached the end of the beach and realized the white spray was the waves crashing against the dark rocks ahead. My apparition companion swimmer had vanished and I was alone in the dark.

As I made my way back to the beach I saw two swimmers heading out to sea. I followed then for a while and recognized them as Sunny and Mark. I tagged along uninvited for a while before accidentally bumping Mark's foot. Even through the dark and my misty goggles, his face clearly registered fear and aggression. After he realized I was not a shark we laughed and parted ways.

As I turned back toward the club, I could see the 6 am group making their way into the water. I felt like the lone dog at the dog park playing with whichever dog showed up that day. I swam hard to catch up with the usual suspects and we circled the cove together. As the sky started to warm, a few folks headed in. Jason, Ted and I swam once more across the beach before returning to the club. Total swim time 1:05, distance 2 miles. 6.25 miles to go and every swim counts!

A New Club Record!

2008-03-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

History was made this week when Vince completed his 30th consecutive Polar Bear swim. 40 miles every winter for 30 years. His first Polar Bear season was 1978. What else happened in '78? Sony introduced a portable tape player called the "Walkman". The Deer Hunter should have won best picture, but didn't. And another guy named John became the Pope (what are the odds?). Those of us who swim with Vince knew he would make it, but the enormity of the the record is still setting in. Congrats Vince!!!

I swam a ton this week, logging every quarter mile. I started to feel like the Monster from the Black Lagoon - more at home in the water than on land. It took its toll and I crashed by before 9 pm a couple nights. This was definitely the hardest swimming week of the year for me. This was the week I earned my shot at finishing. That said, I had a beauty of a swim this morning and I feel like I'm on the home stretch. 8 miles to go!

Ira & Lolly Lewis

2008-03-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received this email and photo from another swimmer at the Dolphin Club. With permission from Lolly, I am sharing it with you.

"Yesterday I completed the Polar Bear swim. I’m stoked. Not only cause
it was my first winter in the bay, and not only cause I made it
through a particularly cold one, and not only cause I missed half of
January due to getting the flu and busting up my knee but making up
the distance anyway. I’m especially stoked because this Wednesday
would have been my father’s 100th birthday, so I swim in his memory.

While we were growing up my dad loved to swim. He was so thrilled to
move from New York to California where he could have a swimming pool.
All those summers in the water, what great times. I remember swimming
the length of our pool under water, holding onto his back. And as far
back as I can remember he used to talk about the crazy Polar Bears of
Aquatic Park - shaking his head, sure, but with maybe a little
admiration mixed in.

The last few years of his life, Dad lived in the Fontana, right over
the cove. He spent many wonderful hours looking out at the bay,
watching the weather over Mt. Tam, the ships and boats, and of course
the swimmers. And maybe he would have looked out around seven o’clock
yesterday morning and seen me coming around the flag. I’m sure he
would have gotten a kick out of knowing I had become one of those
crazy Polar Bears myself. And I sure do love knowing he’s watching
over me.

So here’s another mile to Ira Lewis (March 5, 1908 -March 23, 1989).

- Lolly"

Pushing hard with 3 weeks to go!

2008-03-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

I'm pushing hard now to keep the goal in sight. I swam 1.25 miles this morning and I'm heading back to the bay after work to do it again. If the timing is right I may see the sun rise and set on the same day from the water. I passed the point of no return some time ago and am fully committed to covering the distance by March 21. If all goes well, I plan on swimming everyday this week.

At this point, reflection on winter is premature but I was struck with the memory of the Christmas tree on Fisherman's Wharf this morning as I drove in. It certainly has been a long haul.

Another milestone on the 'extra' day of winter

2008-02-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

I broke the 25 mile mark today. 14 miles to go in the remaining 21 days of winter.

5 miles a week for the remainder of winter. . .

Golden Gate [X]press - Interview

2008-02-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

Last week I got a call from a writer of a local magazine called Golden Gate [X]press. Meredith explained that she was a former competitive swimmer and wanted to interview me for an article she was writing about swimming in the bay. I was happy to oblige and eagerly answered a series of questions about: the Dolphin Club, the water temperature, sharks, sea lions, hypothermia, Alcatraz, etc.

Then she asked simply, “Why do you do it?” To my surprise, I didn’t really have a response. I wanted to convey to her the exhilaration I feel when I get in; the allure of open water; the camaraderie of the club; the beauty of sunrise from the ocean; that tranquil state of mind I experience after a long bay swim. . . the phone line was still quiet. Finally, I responded, “How about joining me for a morning swim?” To my surprise, she jumped at the opportunity.

The next morning, I met Meredith at the Dolphin Club at 6:30 a.m. She pulled on a wetsuit and shuffled, wide-eyed, toward the beach. The initial shock of the cold water, even with a wetsuit, elicits shrieks from the strongest of swimmers, she was no exception. However, as we swam away from the club, she seemed to gain more confidence with each stroke. Her experience as a competitive swimmer was readily apparent. Soon, she rolled on to her back, pushed her goggles to her forehead and resumed her interview with me in the middle of the bay!

The sun had risen and the historic ships in the bay came alive with color. There was no noticeable current or wind. I guess you could say it was the perfect morning for a floating interview. I can’t remember the details of the exchange. I suppose I was too cold, but I recall it seemed to go well. I suppose I’ll have to wait until the article is published to know for sure.

This morning, Meredith came to the club again to ask some follow up questions. This time the photo editor for the magazine, Darlene, came too. Darlene came prepared with her camera equipment, but the conditions this morning were a bit harsh. It was dark and stormy. She offered to come again on a clear morning to take more pictures. Meredith didn’t swim this morning because she had a bit of a cold, but I still have to hand it to her. Her dedication to journalism is amazing. I still can’t believe she swam in the bay to prepare for her article.

Broke the 20 mile mark

2008-02-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

I hit 21 miles this morning. I expected a serene full moon swim. Instead, it was raining and dark. Par for the course, I guess.

Half way home, 19 miles miles to go!

Invitation to "Iron-April" 2008

2008-02-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

“Swim 2.4 miles,
bike 112 miles,
run 26.2 miles,
brag for the rest of your life.”
John Collins – Founder of the Ironman triathlon

I invite you to participate with me in "Iron-April. As spring begins, the challenge is to cover the Ironman triathlon distance, in the three sports of triathlon, during the month of April. This is a challenging, yet attainable goal for most folks and a great way to break out of winter. What does it take?

The total miles for a typical week might look like this. . .
.5 mile in a pool
28 miles on a bike
6.5 miles running or walking

Sound like too much? There is a 2-person division (see below)

If you work out 6 days a week, your week might look like this. . .
Monday – walk 30 minutes (1.5 miles)
Tuesday – swim 20 minutes (.5 miles)
Wednesday – bike 1 hour (13 miles)
Thursday – REST
Friday – walk/run 30 minutes (2.5 miles)
Saturday – bike 1 hour (13 miles)
Sunday – walk/run 30 minutes (2.5 miles)

Of course, there are tons of different ways to get the miles. For some, it might only require working out 2-3 times a week. But, this gives you an idea of what it would take to gain the 140.6 miles of swimming, biking, and running during one month. Stationary bikes and treadmills are fine ways of covering the distance.

During April, I’ll post the names and mileage updates of all participants on a weekly basis. Just email me your weekly mileage and I’ll post your results on the blog so others can share your progress. The comment section of the blog will be open to all participants and virtual spectators.

E-mail me at kevin.haugh@gmail.com to join. I’ll add your name to the Iron-April schedule and post it April 1st. I’ll also email you on April Fool’s Day to remind you when it is time to start. Feel free to ask your friends or co-workers to join as well. This is open to anyone willing to accept the Iron-April challenge (limit 50).

Sound like too much? You can also join the 2-person team division. Just pick a team name and email me your total team miles each week.

Anything is Possible.

Kevin Haugh

My email address
kevin.haugh@gmail.com

The Blog
www.kevinhaugh.blogspot.com

Theory of Relativity

2008-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, as we stood in the Dolphin Club planning our route, a solo woman swimmer walked in out of the darkness. Her skin was a discolored - bright red and blotchy white (a temporary side effect of swimming in cold water). A rush of cold morning air blew past her and I pulled my towel tight against my shoulders to keep warm. She chattered, “It is really nice out there, the water temp is f-f-f-fifty.”

As she entered the women’s locker room, my group of fellow swimmers started nodding their rubber capped heads and smiling. “Fifty”, said Mark with a smile. “Yeah, I got 49 yesterday”, said Vince. Sunny just smiled and said, “Fifty.” They all seemed pleased and relieved by the report of the apparition swimmer. I too started to smile and nod. Then I looked out at the cold dark bay, shivered, and thought these guys are insane.

I mentioned this to Jon and he replied quite simply, “Fifty feels a whole lot better coming up than down.” With that he pushed his way out the back door and into the night.

I reconciled his comment during our swim.

During the summer months, the temperature in the bay is in the high 50s and does sometimes even hit 60 degrees. As we approached winter and the mercury began to fall, 50 degrees was the mark where it was officially “f*#&kin cold.”

It seems a sub-50 degree swim is a badge of honor of sorts. In fact, I learned that many Dolphin members stop swimming when the temperature hits 50. Sub-50 is condsidered dangerously cold by many. This winter has been particularly cold. The water has been hovering around 47-48 degrees for weeks. The lowest recorded temperature this winter was 44.

As we rounded the pier, I started to get it. From depths of winter, hitting the 50 degree mark is like a calm warming after a storm. Fifty feels better when the temperature is rising that when it is falling! I peeked over at Jon gliding through the dark water and thought, “yeah, he’s really got it.”

Twenty minutes later as I made my final turn back toward the club, I could no longer feel my face, hands, or feet. The sun was finally starting to rise and I was struck by the site of frost on the dock! I watched Jon rise to his feet and wade out of the water. His back was bright red with blotchy white patches. He looked back toward me with a huge grin, nodded and made his way into the club. In that moment of ‘would-be clarity’, I was again struck with the distinct sense that my dear friends and I are all insane.

"Your going to need a bigger boat"

2008-02-11T08:38:00.001-08:00

One of the best movie quotes of all time (and loosely swim related).

"Roy Scheider, a stage actor with a background in the classics who became one of the leading figures in the American film renaissance of the 1970s, died Sunday afternoon in Little Rock, Ark. He was 75.

He is best known for his role in Steven Spielberg's 1975 film, "Jaws," the enduring classic about a killer shark terrorizing beachgoers as well as millions of moviegoers.

Widely hailed as the film that launched the era of the Hollywood blockbuster, it was also the first movie to earn $100 million at the box office.

In 2005, one of Scheider's most famous lines in the movie - "You're gonna need a bigger boat" - was voted No. 35 on the American Film Institute's list of best quotes from U.S. movies. He also says to the shark, in the parting phrase, "Smile, you son of a bitch!"

Click here for full article.

S-s-shaky Solo Swim

2008-02-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Swam solo this morning. It was tough getting in alone. I almost didn't, but I had a lot on my mind and needed the swim. Apparently, there was an earthquake this morning. Although, I didn't feel anything.

"An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.1 struck one mile northwest of Pacifica this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at 5:31 a.m. and had a depth of 6.3 miles. There were no reports of injuries or damage, authorities said."

Article link

Almost Solo Return to the Bay

2008-02-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly, local water tests yielded a ‘good’ rating and the beaches of San Francisco were reopened yesterday. Of course, the good folks at the Dolphin Club hit the waters before the announcement was made. The swim report from the Monday morning swim was good by all accounts. All except Ted whose comment was more philosophical than informative, he reported, “it was too cold to think about the sewage.”

I, on the other hand, stayed in my warm bed while the waters were tested Monday morning by those brave souls and waited for the official reopening (Monday night) before I made my return to the water this morning. . .

The club was completely empty when I arrived at 5:50. Swimming alone in 47 degree water while it is dark is not to be taken lightly. The plan was a fast .5 mile conservative beach swim. I admit I was having second thoughts.

I was in the midst of psyching myself up for the plunge when in walked another 6-amer, Jason. What a relief. My whole morning changed. We went a full mile and enjoyed the whole experience. Thanks Jason!

So, the bay passed the ‘smell-test’ and I’m now a bit embarrassed about whining about not being able to swim last week. In my defense, based on the previous spill, I fully expected to be out of the water for at least a month. I’m glad I was wrong.

How to Save a Life

2008-02-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well, swimming in the bay is on hold for a while. I'm still comitted to the Polar Bear Challenge. I'll just have to get creative when the beaches open again. I'm also still bitter about the way the spill(s) occured this year. Of course, accidents happen, but both incidents seemed preventable.

Anyway, I reviewed the Hypothermia post the other day and got to thinking about a water rescue I made a couple of years back. . .

It was the day before the San Diego Marathon. We pulled over to a random beach to take in the view. Brant, my son, ran up and down the beach while my brother and I contemplated difficulty of the race ahead. Over the loud crashing of the waves, we heard a call for 'help'. In fact, we heard the plea for help at the very moment this photo was taken.

Between the wave sets, we saw a wetsuit clad woman, clearly exhausted, wearily wading out of the water. I asked her if she was alright. She coughed, gasped for a breath, and replied, “My mother, my mother is still in the surf.” I couldn’t see the other swimmer. I scanned the beach for a life guard. Nothing. What I did see was a bogie board washed up on the beach.

I stripped down, grabbed the board and crashed out into the ocean. It was rougher than it looked from the beach. I paddled and searched. Nothing. To be honest, I actually started to feel duped. Just then, I spotted a wrist and forearm of a submersed swimmer. I paddled hard and reached down to pull the swimmer on to the board. I introduced myself and paddled her back to safety.

Later, I learned the couple was a mother and daughter visiting from Canada. The daughter had gotten caught in the current while bogie boarding and fully exhausted herself while struggling back to shore. During the ordeal, she lost her board. When the board washed ashore, the mother went in to rescue the daughter and suffered the same fate. The daughter made her way out with the help of the mother. The mother, exhausted, gave up.

Shortly after the rescue, a life guard arrived in a bright yellow truck. He said, he saw the whole thing transpire from another beach and got here as fast as he could. He praised my decision to grab the board before attempting the rescue. After drying off and getting dressed, the lifeguard made a full report. The mother and daughter, still in shock, briefly thanked us, and we were off.

About a month later I received a heartfelt letter from the mother thanking me and describing the event from her perspective. I’ll keep the letter private. As for the marathon, I finished in the bottom half of my age group with a finish time of 4:45. It was my first marathon and I couldn't have been more pleased.

Lessons learned: 1) emergencies don’t always look urgent at first glance and 2) the safest way to attempt a water rescue is with the aid of a flotation device. The second seems obvious, but it makes me think about all the boats, buoys, and pilings in the bay and how these things might be useful in an emergency.

"I would have stayed up with you all night, had I known how to save a life"
The Fray

Signs posted at S.F. beaches after spill of 2.7 million gallons of Marin County sewage

2008-02-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

About 2.7 million gallons of both raw and treated sewage overflowed from a Marin County treatment facility into Corte Madera Creek and San Francisco Bay on Thursday evening after an alert system failed to properly notify workers at the facility, officials said today.

Signs have been posted at many popular San Francisco beaches - including Crissy Field, Baker Beach, Aquatic Park and China Beach - to discourage people from swimming in the water as a precaution.

The environmental impacts of the spill are unknown, though water quality officials said today that they are much less worried than they would have been if the sewage hadn't been treated at all.

Danehy said the spill was caused by operator error. The worker failed to set up enough pumps to direct all the water out of the Mill Valley plant, he said.

An alert system notified an off-site, private dispatch service, which should have let an on-call operator know, Tang said. But the operator didn't answer and instead of calling Danehy, as they should have, the dispatcher left a message.

Click here for the full article

Too frustrated to blog. I'm so bummed. 2.7 million gallons? No alarm? I need to take a walk, because, well, I can't freaking go swimming. What was the dispatcher thinking?

Cold Reality - First Aid Information

2008-01-31T21:36:00.000-08:00

We had a Hypothermia Awareness training at the Dolphin Club last week. I couldn't attend, but the chatter in the sauna piqued my interest. I did some internet research and came up with interesting quotes and potentially critical first aid information.

Interesting Facts About Hypothermia

"Normal body temperature of course, is 98.6. Shivering and the sensation of cold can begin when the body temperature lowers to approximately 96.5. Amnesia can begin to set in at approximately 94, unconsciousness at 86 and death at approximately 79 degrees."

"Cold water robs the body's heat 32 times faster than cold air. If you should fall into the water, all efforts should be given to getting out of the water by the fastest means possible."

"Physical exercise such as swimming causes the body to lose heat at a much faster rate than remaining still in the water. Blood is pumped to the extremities and quickly cooled. Few people can swim a mile in fifty degree water. Should you find yourself in cold water and are not able to get out, you will be faced with a critical choice - to adopt a defensive posture in the water to conserve heat and wait for rescue, or attempt to swim to safety."

First Aid Considerations For Cold Water Victims

Treatment for hypothermia depends on the condition of the person. Mild hypothermia victims who show only symptoms of shivering and are capable of rational conversation may only require removal of wet clothes and replacement with dry clothes or blankets.

In more severe cases where the victim is semi-conscious, immediate steps must be taken to begin the rewarming process.

Get the person out of the water and into a warm environment. Remove the clothing only if it can be done with a minimum of movement of the victim's body. Do not massage the extremities.

Lay the semi-conscious person face up, with the head slightly lowered, unless vomiting occurs. The head down position allows more blood to flow to the brain.

If advanced rescue equipment is available it can be administered by those trained in its use. Warm humidified oxygen should be administered by face mask.

Immediately attempt to rewarm the victims body core. If available, place the person in a bath of hot water at a temperature of 105 to 110 degrees. It is important that the victim's arms and legs be kept out of the water to prevent "after-drop". After-drop occurs when the cold blood from the limbs is forced back into the body resulting in further lowering of the core temperature. After-drop can be fatal.

If a tub is not available, apply hot, wet towels or blankets to the victim's head, neck, chest, groin, and abdomen. Do not warm the arms or legs.

If nothing else is available, a rescuer may use their own body heat to warm a hypothermia victim.

Never give alcohol to a hypothermia victim.

Source: United States Search and Rescue Task Force

Lets be SAFE out there!

"They don't do it to you"

2008-01-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

I saw this poster on BART the other day and thought it was just hillarious! Look at the faces of the two office workers! There is another one with a guy in a Pelican costume chasing a 5 year old across the beach with a plastic six-pack holder. Classic. Click Save the Bay then click the shark picture to see the other ads and video clips

The videos are entertaining and the message is important. Save the Bay did so much to help clean up after the spill - I think they are a deserving organization if you are considering a donation this year.

Mileage update! I got a 2-miler (1 hr) in on Saturday. Note to self - too cold, too long. Then a couple 1-milers (Mon. and Tues. morning.) I'm started to get more optimistic about my Polar Bear chances - 25 miles to go!

"Am I bugging you? I don't mean to bug ya." - Bono, Rattle & Hum

Rainy 6 a.m. Swim (photos)

2008-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

There is an "aqua-culture" shared by the group. Each morning starts with mention of the phase of the moon, tide, current, tempurature, seal activity and wind.

I really enjoy the social aspect of swimming with the club. It isn't that we have any deep converations, in fact, we are usually pretty rushed and each swimmer is somewhat mentally preoccupied with the thought of entering the water. However, there is something about gathering with like minded folks that I find rewarding.

It is hard to describe, but I know I wouldn't get out of bed at 5 a.m. if they weren't there. There are reassuring nods when the course is agreed upon, sharp exhails of self-doubt before opening the back door of the club, the unique pre-swim routine of each swimmer, everything is so authentic. It feels right to me to be part of this group.

Here is the march out of the club and into our version of winter. The temperature is around 40, it is windy, the waves are crashing loudly on the beach, the gulls are screaming, and the stairs are hard and cold. If you look close at this picture (click it to enlarge), you can make out the crew heading down the stairs.

Nobu on the beach, he looks a bit like a deer caught in the headlights. Nobu and Vince were the only swimmers in our group to complete the 100 mile summer swim. He has overcome so much as a swimmer. Everyone seems to know Nobu, his determination and kind demeanor has pretty much won over everyone at the Dolphin Club. I think it has become a very special place for him.

Ah, the most exciting part - getting in! At this moment, I'm on the verge of losing my nerve, retreving my camera, and walking back up into the warmth of the club. Almost. Every morning, almost. I guess that is part of it for me, the mental challenge.

Off we go, into the night!

A milestone and a wakeup call (Mile 10)

2008-01-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

At the end of the group swim this morning, I turned back toward the dark opening of the bay to log another .25 mile. It was frigid this morning, but it was worth it to hit the 10 mile mark. 10 miles, I'm 25% to my goal! After rewarming in the sauna, I did the math and was truly humbled.

There are only 58 days of winter remaining and I have 30 miles to go to reach 40. That means I have to average one mile every other day to get there. Currently, I swim 3 miles a week. Assuming a 'perfect' 3 miles a week for the next 8 weeks and I'll end up 6 miles short. I guess the Hawaii Christmas vacation set me back a bit. This polar bear thing is harder than I thought!

"Noth'ins easy, is it Chiefy."
Quint, Jaws
(Photo above)

Snow in San Francisco?

2008-01-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

Well, not quite, but still worth mentioning. Here are a couple quotes and a photo from this morning's SF Gate article Snow, rain a double treat for the Bay Area.

In general, residents should prepare for cool temperatures and showers during the next several days, with heavier rain forecasted for Thursday night and Friday, National Weather Service forecaster Brian Tentinger said.

"But it's going to be pretty snowy (this week)," he said. "Some areas will see large amounts of snow, and some areas will hardly see anything. ... Toward the weekend, there will be a bigger storm coming through, and that might generate more widespread, heavy snow. "

Later in the article, the author gets real. . .

Forecasters said the weather will be chilly near Lake Tahoe and in the Bay Area, though it's all a matter of perspective: Some East Coast cities were reporting temperatures as low as 34 degrees below zero Monday.

It will be admittedly more comfortable in the Bay Area, said Tentinger, where highs will hover around 50 degrees today and lows will drop into the upper 30s overnight.

You see. . . as compared to the majority of the US, it isn't really THAT cold here (on land anyway).

Midwinter Gashouse Swim

2008-01-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

My alarm rung at out 5 a.m. this morning. A quick change of clothes and I hit the road, bound for the Dolphin Club. Hmmm, no traffic at all today. . . ah yes, its Sunday.

Today was an organized, out of cove, swim staged by the Dolphin Club. It is called the Midwinter Gashouse, I think, because there is a boat refueling station near the pier where we jumped in. It was a water start, members only, 1-mile swim back to the club. Here is a poorly lit photo of the 6 a.m. briefing at the club.

Some of the 6 a.m.'ers were there. It was nice to see Nobu, Jason and Rebecca.

Thoughts on jumping vs. wading into 47 degree water. . . I don't know which is worse. I think I actually prefer jumping. I may try this next week during my regular swims. It is brutal, but quick.

I completed the swim in just under 24 minutes and placed 6th. Congrats to Jason, he placed 4th, behind three English Channel Swimmers! Also, today was Nobu's first no wetsuit, out of cove swim! What a great event! Huge thanks to all the helpers and pilots! Thanks for keeping us all safe.

A Rare ‘Daylight’ Swim with Dave

2008-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

My good friend Dave will compete in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in June. He started his swimming training today by joining me for a sunset bay swim. It was a beautiful sunset and a tranquillo swim around the cove. There was some sea lion activity; in fact there were four of them in the cove. However, they are more cute than menacing during the daylight.

Midway through the swim we paused to watch the sunset against the Golden Gate. It is hard to describe this site from the water, it is just spectacular. Later we met up with another friend and hit Kennedy’s Irish Pub and Curry House for $2 Guiness Pints and Indian Food. It was a great night out.

The quote of the night was from Dave. After the swim his feet were bright red and stinging due to the cold. Through chattering teeth he exclaimed,

“I just don’t know how you do this! My f-feet, d-d-does your whole body feel as b-b-bad as my feet do r-right now?!?”

An elusive shot of the Kobold Tactical Phantom Chronograph

“Come on in Dave the water is greaa . . .uhh. . . 47 degrees.”

That is the spirit!

Up Close with a Monster Sea Lion

2008-01-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

About 15 minutes into the swim this morning, I encountered a huge sea lion. I say huge, but I never actually saw it. I have about a 34 inch reach and I hit the sea lion at the top of my stroke and pulled down its back, all the way through my stroke, to my hip in the shape of an "S." My hand never lost contact with the sea lion, so it felt really big.

I've touched sea lions before while swimming and my reaction is always the same.

The first thing I did was 'jump' over the swimmer next to me, which happened to be Rebecca. I babbled some sea lion stuff when she popped up wide-eyed. Then I swam, basically in her armpit, shielding myself from the beast. My heart was racing and my breathing was fast and shallow.

As I calmed down, I marveled at the warmth of the seal lion. When I bump into another swimmer in the water, they feel cold. A seal lion actually feels warm. As I got back into my stroke, I noticed the fingers on my right hand still felt warm. I embraced the magic of the encounter.

Then, as I made my final turn back to the beach, the magic was gone. Long gone. My fingers were cold again and I prayed to god the sea lion moved on. "Swim fast, swim quietly(?), hope he doesn't come back." He didn't.

The REAL Polar Bear

2008-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Vince Huang is the rock of our 6 a.m. swims. In the year I’ve been at the club, I think he has only missed one morning swim. I remember wondering if the Golden Gate had fallen when he didn’t show up. Then I thought, no, he would have just swam over for our morning work out.

If Vince completes the Polar Bear 2008 (which I am sure he will), he will have the Dolphin Club record of 30 years of consecutive successful Polar Bear swims! I am in complete awe of that number. One Polar Bear year is no easy feat!

I’ve done the math and I’m pretty sure he is older than me. But since he is always leading the way on our epic and fast paced morning swims, I figure he can’t be much older than me. It isn’t possible right? I’m 36 and feel like I’m slowing down a bit. So, he can’t be north of 40, could he? You be the judge, here is a picture from our swim on Friday 1/11/08.

Good luck Vince! We are all pulling for you. Thanks for showing up every morning and leading the way!

Post script – I recently learned Vince was once the Dolphin Club swim commissioner. At that time the Polar Bear competition only required 25 miles. Vince’s last act as swim commissioner was to up the miles from 25 to 40. I guess 25 miles in 48 degree water just wasn’t enough (I’m on mile 5.75). If I were swim commissioner I might opt for something more simple, like this.

Rebecca in the Water and Unresponsive!

2008-01-11T07:50:00.001-08:00

As usual, it was dark and cold when we started our swim just after six a.m. this morning. It was a large group - Nobu, John, Jason, Rebecca, Vince, Tom and myself. I brought my camera down to the pier, took a few quick photos of our swim start, stowed my camera and swam fast to catch up with the group.

I felt great this morning, better than I have all winter. I felt strong, graceful and in full control. About mid way through our swim I noticed Nobu had fallen back a bit. I waited to be sure he was doing alright. As he surfaced, he had a huge grin on his face and his words were slurred. He looked like he was laughing. Hypothermia? Later in the warmth of the sauna, he told me what happened, it went something like this. . .

Nobu - "I was swimming back toward the beach. Right? So, I knew Rebecca was right in front of me, so I just followed her in. About 50 yards from the beach I saw Rebecca had stopped swimming. I thought something was wrong so I swam up next to her to see what was happening.

"Why have you stopped?" No reply from Rebecca.

"Rebecca?" No reply.

"Rebecca!?!" No reply.

"Rebbbeeeeccaaaaa!"

Then I realized it wasn't Rebecca. I was talking to a round swim bouy. It was so dark, I got confused."

I completely lost it when he told me about his conversation with the bouy. Click on the photo of Nobu above and you can see the darling round bouy off to the left. That is the one Nobu was yelling at. Hillarious! I'll post the pics I took this morning soon.

Mimi Joins the Polar Bear Swim!

2008-01-09T07:45:00.001-08:00

My mom (Mimi) called me from Hawaii last night to report 3 consecutive swims during 2008. She is the teeny tiny Japanese woman in the picture in the blue fleece. She said she decided to join me in my Polar Bear swim attempt - 40 miles, without a wetsuit, during winter (12/21 - 3/21)! Of course, she'll be logging her miles in the warm waters of Kauai, but I am super excited to be sharing these swims with my mom.

I've asked my web savy friend, Kenneth, to create a quick chart for the blog to track our progress. I hope to have it up soon.

A cold, 48 degree, mile this morning. Bumped into a few jellies and almost ran into a row boat. 36.25 miles to go!

First Swim of 2008

2008-01-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

After a tropical Hawaiian vacation and the worst Northern California winter storm in recent history, I waded back into the bay this morning for my first swim of 2008.

The water temperature was somewhere around 47 degrees but it felt much colder. The break from cold water swimming made the start of the swim really challenging. We only logged .75 miles this morning but it felt much longer.

I noticed my friends at the Dolphin Club got some local press during the holidays. Check out this article. Way to go Phins!

I'm back! First day of the Polar Bear Swim

2007-12-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well, a lot has happened since the Swim Around the Rock. I continue to swim with the fine folks at the Dolphin Club 3 times a week.

In September, I swam the Alcatraz Invitational with my wife, Lisa. This swim was unique because I lost my goggles when I jumped off the boat and had to swim it blind.

In November, a cargo ship ran into the Bay Bridge and dumped 60,000 gallons of bunker fuel into the bay. That shut down San Francisco beaches for almost a month.

In December, we resumed swimming with a new appreciation and respect for the bay.

Today is the first day of winter and so begins the Polar Bear Swim! The Polar Bear Swim is unique to the Dolphin Club. The challenge is to swim 40 miles in the bay, without a wetsuit, during winter (12/21 – 3/21).

This morning 10 folks turned out for the 6 am swim. We all logged our first mile. The water temperature was 49 and the air temperature was 40. It was a frigid first step toward our Polar Bear Swim goal. After the swim, a bunch of us went out to a local diner to share a hearty breakfast to commemorate the first swim of winter. To me, it was the perfect San Francisco morning!

News report - Swim Around Alcatraz

2007-06-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Channel 5's video footage of the swim.

No humans were harmed during the filming of this news report!

Dolphin Club Movie

2007-06-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

I wish I had brought my camera with me to the club this morning. It was the nicest sunrise I've seen in a long time. I think I'm actually enjoying swimming more now than when I was preparing for the swim around the rock.

Below is a a 5 minute documentary video from Youtube about the club. I think they did a good job of capturing the feel of the club. It might provide some insight into why I enjoy swimming in the bay.

Enjoy!

If the clip below doesn't work, the direct link is here

NEW Alcatraz Photos (No Race Report)

2007-06-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well, a week has passed since the Swim Around Alcatraz. I have attempted to write a race report on a couple occassions. However, each time I stopped short. The swim had an unexpected and profound impact on me and I just felt my narrative didn't capture the swim.

It is ironic, I can easily and enthusiasticly write about seemingly insignificant events. However, I am at a loss when it comes to adequately describing the actual event.

Not to disappoint, I have some wonderful photos to share with you. My kayak pilot, Bob, took these photos with a disposible camera. These photos give you a unique perspective on the swim, the island, the conditions and the 'feel' of the event. I hope you enjoy them!

Approaching Alcatraz (35 minutes into the event).

The island was longer than I expected. I think I am trailing the blue kayak in this photo.

The water behind the island was protected, warm(er) and calm.

Check out these creepy water caves on the back side of Alcatraz.

Signature Alcatraz.

At this point there was a strong current pulling me into the island. Swimming parallel to the island was difficult. It was slow going here.

Struggling to round the island. The strongest currents and coldest water were during the part of the swim.

The start of a long swim home.

Sighting San Francisco.

Race pictures!

2007-05-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos, more to come! Also, race report coming soon. Enjoy.

When you are feeling cold, just grab a two year old.

That is me at the back of the pack, but not for long!

I deeply respect every one of these swimmers.

Ominous Alcatraz - notice the kayaks, that is our route out to the island.

Coming in strong.

Finally, standing up after 2 hours of hard swimming.

My five year old was the first to greet me.

Cold and exhausted.

Look at this smile!

It is all about family.

Success! Finish time 1:54!

2007-05-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

My first aim was to complete the swim, my second was to break two hours. I am proud to have accomplished both. My finish time was 1:54. The beach was filled with family and friends. It was an unforgettable experience. I'm so thankful to have participated in this swim. The conditions were good at the start but were really challenging as we rounded Alcatraz. I'll write a full report soon! Thank you for sharing this experience with me.

Also, lots of photos to share. Check back soon!

Race Day!

2007-05-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

I slept soundly and got up 5 minutes before my alarm went off (5:30). After a quick breakfast and Papa-B and I are heading out. Thanks for all the support. I'll post results at noon and write a full report soon.

RACE UPDATE - START TIME CHANGED TO 7:45 a.m.

2007-05-25T20:30:00.001-07:00

Pre-race briefing

2007-05-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Going to bed now. Think warm thoughts for me. Here are the photos from the race briefing. I'll post descriptions of the day tomorrow after the race.

Lisa's first no wetsuit swim (Day Before Race)

2007-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

No time to blog now, but here are some photos from this afternoon. I could not believe Lisa was willing to give swimming a try without a wetsuit. It was freezing! She is the most supportive person I've ever met.

No worries, Papa-B is here!

2007-05-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

My dad, Papa-B, hit town last night. It is a truly special visit because he experienced mulitple life threatening health issues this year. Thankfully, he is now healthly and strong.

Papa-B has always been the 'rock' of our family. Here is Papa-B helping me with my wetsuit after an Alcatraz crossing.

This particular race was called the "Sharkfest" Alcatraz swim. My brother and I did the race just to get the cool tee-shirts!

The group shot is my immediate family. From left to right is my brother's wife Jennifer, Papa-B, my mom, my brother Brad, me holding Brant (no Lance yet) and my wife Lisa. I believe these photos are from 2002. It is amazing to me that the infant in the picture is now my 5-year old son.

Oh yes, the BBQ. . . we are hosting a BBQ at my house sometime after the race. It will probably start around 1:00. It is an open invitation. Please feel free to drop by. E-mail me if you need my address at kevinbyronhaugh@yahoo.com.