First Descents: Aggregate Ironman Challenge - 2.4 Mile Open Water Swim Recap

This past Saturday morning, the rain showers stopped an hour earlier than predicted, and the sun shone on the athletes of the Wyckoff YMCA Lap the Lake Open Water Swim. I participated in the 2.4 mile event-- the swim distance in an Ironman. Ryan and Katelyn came to cheer me on, and my friend, Alyson kindly lent me a wetsuit. (She's a veteran triathlete and is planning to join our Aggregate Ironman Team!)

Denial Ain't a River in Egypt...

In my case, denial appears to be taking the form of a lake--Franklin Lake.

I've signed up for a 2.4 mile open water swim race in June. A year ago, when my mom and Ryan brought me home from the hospital, I was too weak to climb the two stairs from our garage into the house. I've come a long way in a year, but 2.4 miles is still ambitious, particularly since my next ATRA treatment, May 7th - 22nd, will undo any training progress I make before then.

So why have I signed up? Because, like I said, I'm in denial.

Or maybe because I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

Or because it's a way to start strengthening my heart, of which I've become overprotective. Cardiomyopathy (hardening of the left ventricle of the heart) occurs as a latent side effect in 3-5% of patients who've received their "lifetime limit" of anthraycline chemotherapy.

Whatever my rational happens to be on the day of the race: the water will be cold; there will be lots of kicking and shoving; a plethora of professional Ironman triathletes will leave me in their wake; my body will cramp up; and I will love every minute of it. Because it will be good pain. It will be living.

If anyone would like to join in 0.5, 1.2, or 2.4 miles of fun: Open Water Swim Registration Form