Data Geek Goes Swimming

We all know I love numbers and data, or at least I think you all know.  Well, anyway, now you know.  Not only do I work in a profession filled with numbers and data but I also train by the numbers.  So, it was only a matter of time before I busted out this move thanks to fellow triathlete and awesome blogger dcrainmaker.  That's right folks.  Last night I tucked my large Garmin Forerunner into a Ziploc baggy (just in case) and then under my swim cap.  I wanted to know 1) how long I really was swimming for, 2) if I swim a straight line like I believe I normally do, 3) to know the actual distance of the 'large triangle' at Lake Padden, and 4) basically just to geek out.

So here it is folks, in all of its data glory - the map of my swim.  Ta-da!

I have to say, I swim pretty darn straight (minus the little blip on the last leg).  That, my friends, is 1.73 miles.  And my fastest speed was 7.7 mph.  I think that might have been a fluke but I have no idea.  Average speed was 1.7 mph (yeah, I swam for an hour...could have figured that one out without the computer).  Lastly, the highlights of the swim:

- Seeing two eagles during breaths that were playing in the sky above the lake.
- Trying to find Carol once we got down to the ball fields (hence the swim over to shore in the bottom right hand corner).
- Discovering how creepy the opposite shore of the lake really is (I hate long weeds).
- Being disoriented by the little spit of land that juts out into the water on the opposite shore...'I'm not at the other end of the lake yet...what's this big piece of land?'
- Being blinded by the setting sun.
- Waving at Carol while I'm treading water near the dock just to have her not see me and start heading back to the beach.
- Getting out of the water freezing cold because of the wind only to find the car dead.
- Having our fabulous neighbor come and pick us up and blast the heat on my numb feet.
- Taking the hottest shower possible so I could feel my fingers and toes again.
- Driving BACK to the lake to jump start the car (I hope this doesn't become a regular occurrance).
- Coming home and cooking up comfort food - Annie's Mac and Cheese (who really wants to cook a real meal at 9 PM?).