Friday the 13th is often described by those that are superstitious, or enjoy being scared, as a bad luck sort of day. What’s going to happen on Friday the 13th?–Black cats crossing your path? a full moon to add to the eeriness? or maybe just a cuddle on the couch while watching a scary movie that is scarier because it is Friday the 13th? Well, for me, friday the 13th started out living up to it’s reputation by being a gloomy, rainy day. Of course it was the day I was to attempt my 6 hour, cold water swim…my second attempt. Water temperatures were at a toasty 62 the weekend before and I was ready. As I looked out the window defeated at the thought of me not doing my swim, the rain stopped. I was ready and nothing was going to stop me (except for lightning which I was willing to chance). With the car packed, notebook at the ready for air temp, ocean conditions, feedings, peeing and general note recordings, we headed down. The rain began again and I jumped into (what felt like) 62 degrees. I started the long task ahead and the first 45 minutes went by as slowly as one can imagine. After 2 hours, I knew I was going to do it. The fog lifted, it began to rain hard, then stopped. I did not feel cold, I felt tired and achy but was happy to finally be able to stay in. The readings for that day fluctuated between 62.5 and 64.5. I would have preferred it stay at 62 but I’ll take the few degrees. When I finished, I felt like a weight had been lifted. I got the 6 hour done and it was time to focus on the next swim – Stage 7 of the 8 Bridges Hudson Swim. My nervousness for my 6 hours was now replaced with nervousness for Stage 7. Clearly Friday the 13th did not change how I look at my swims or give me greater confidence to not be nervous, but it did make me a bit skeptical about it being a bad luck day. In Fact, Friday the 13th was a very lucky day…I should have played he lottery.
