Taking the Plunge into 2007

Happy New Year!
I just had to do it. I have raced run races and cycling races to celebrate New Year's Day past, but for '07 I decided to take the plunge. Not a race, nothing fancy, just a frigid dip into the San Francisco Bay. Somehow I had in my head that if I didn't get into the Bay NOW, it might not be until March. So, I packed up my Blue Seventy wetsuit and goggles and headed across to Bay Bridge to San Francisco. New Year's Day brings the annual South-End Rowing Club New Year's Day swim. However, I would not be taking part in the club swim today as I wasn't in town for the qualifier. So when I got to the club it was a buzz with tons of swimmers, rowers and folks enjoying a brew and some food. It felt a little weird to be getting in the water solo with so many folks at the club. Of course in the locker room I heard war stories of the morning swim...
-too foggy for a full Alcatraz
-water temps rumored to be 49 or 50
-a rower 'got lost' in the fog

Given the water temp, I decided to wear a one piece Oomph! tri suit under my wetsuit figuring anything to add some warmth would be helpful. I waddled outside and feeling a bit like one of the penguins I saw on the Animal Planet I hesitated at the shore and then plopped in.

?&^%#%#%#!

Definetely some profanity running through my head. Those first few minutes are nothing short of, shall we say, rough. Still, like most winter swims, pain turns to a blissful numbness.
I enjoyed a nice short swim, pausing a few times when sea birds crash landed in front of me.
As I made my way back to the club I was reminded how quickly truly cold water can affect the body...I rapidly developed 'the claw' in both hands and decided it would be smart to head to the shower and sauna.

Now that I took the plunge, it will be easier to get in the bay again...small steps.