Swim Report – October 23, 2010 – First cold shock of autumn

The forecast called for overcast skies with an 80% chance of rain. Given the low probability of catching the sunrise, I bumped up the start time to 7:30am. This seemed to go over well with everyone (myself included) since it takes a tad bit more effort rousing oneself from a warm slumber this time of year.

Nick, Mike, and I met out at L1 and had pretty ideal swim conditions – apart from the colder water, that is. My frugality turned out to be a liability this time as my cheap Home Depot thermometer was no longer working. Or if it was, the water temperature was 20F – not very likely.

As it was, we estimated the lake temperature to be around 55F. At most. In the absence of sunlight, I opted for the thermo shirt and neoprene swim cap. I also used silicone earplugs for the first time which made a huge difference in overall comfort level in the bracing water.

It was a fairly textbook out-and-back to the beach with constant drifting back and forth into the “chill zone,” that tranquil, slow motion state where you’re simultaneously exerting yourself while being profoundly relaxed. You should try it out!

“The Pool” in late October

The true reason that the rest of you couldn’t come out this morning:

3 Replies to “Swim Report – October 23, 2010 – First cold shock of autumn

  1. * * * IF YOU LOOK AT THE NAVY PIER WEB CAM TO SEE THE CURRENT CONDITIONS…. LOOK AT THE DATE AND TIME ON IT TO MAKE SURE IT IS UP TO DATE. RIGHT NOW IT IS 8:15 AM SUNDAY AND THE CAM SHOT IS FROM 3:15 PM SATURDAY ! ! !
    IT YOU GO TO http://WWW.CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM AND CLICK ON SKILLINGS WEATHER – – -THE SAME SPOT WILL SAY MARINE THEN CLICK ON THAT TO SEE CURRENT CONDITIONS AND WATER TEMP.

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