This week saw the last of my ‘beginners’ swim sessions. From Tuesday I take to the advanced group and all the fresh scariness that that involves.
In this week’s session, in response to an innocent inquiry by me about when I should be ready for a sprint distance triathlon, my swim coach said: “You’ll be able to do one in about 6-8 weeks. Olympic distance next summer and then you’ll be ready for a half ironman next Autumn.”
I haven’t mentioned my iron ambitions to my coach yet. It seems that either Chrissie Wellington or K of CakeofGoodHope have had a word with her to get me upping the distance.
This was, however, before I nearly passed out in the pool. I’d started to feel dizzy and had to sit on the side for a few minutes before completing my last two lengths, fearful that the lifeguard would have to get his uniform wet saving me.
The pool was freezing this week. A sign at reception informed swimmers that due to a problem with the heating the pool temperature was ‘cooler than usual’. It was more like an impromptu open water swim session, but without the wetsuits.
The cold water combined with my low blood pressure and the belief that breathing was just slowing me down, could be behind the dizzy, near fainting episode.
So maybe my swim coach is a bit too overconfident in my swimming abilities. It’s time to step away from the 70.3 websites! For now at least.