Training sessions are getting longer as we head towards the date and with the increased distances comes an increased number of times I am asked the question “Don’t you get bored…what do you think about?” These are good questions although not easily answered. To successfully ‘think’ and swim one must first learn the skill of counting and thinking at the same time. There is nothing worse than half way through a four kilometre swim you get distracted and lose count especially if the coach has given specific orders to time the swim. What follows is several lengths devoted to trying to work out what would be the most likely distance covered in the time you have been swimming and see if that equates to several numbers that are rattling/floating around in your brain. I have got to the stage now, especially in the longer pool that the length number seems to be imprinted and easily recalled so therefore other thoughts can be easily entertained (but not to the detriment of concentrating on my stroke, Carmel).

 

One subject that has whiled away a few kilometres is a question of orcas. I have been interested in the number of orca sightings in the harbour. I think they are a beautiful animal, a sentiment I am sure that is not shared by the stingrays that they seem to spend their time chasing around and eating, nor is it shared by coach Carmel who keeps a weather eye out for them at all times when we are swimming in the sea. I personally have seen them twice now and have been informed of their presence on one other occasion. Twice they have been present at organised swims. The first was the Bayswater to the Viaduct harbour crossing and a couple of weeks ago a mother and two babies also turned up to participate in the Takapuna beach series, a presence fitting nicely with the family atmosphere that this series promotes. The other day while I was swimming up and down counting (successfully) in the Parnell pool I got to thinking about whether their presence at organised swims was really a coincidence. How much of a coincidence is it that they are attracted to crowds of people with the word orca written on their wetsuits. Perhaps they feel that this is in honour of their visitation although it is more likely they see us as poor imitations of the real thing and come around for a good laugh. All I can say is that it is a good thing for the wetsuited ocean swimmer that there is not (to my knowledge) a brand of wetsuit called ‘stingray’.

 

Another subject that has occupied my thoughts has been that along with the orcas there has also been seemingly an over supply of jellyfish which I am told are being blown into the harbour by easterly winds. Apparently Cook Strait is known for its abundance of jellyfish. Now I must confess here that I’m not a great fan of jellyfish although over the last year I have tried to convince myself that they are likeable creatures. After recent encounters with a couple of different varieties I have to tell you that this is definitely not the case. However instead of getting upset about the fact that they are here when I am spending a lot of time in the sea clad only in a pair of speedos, I am trying hard to count myself lucky that jellyfish have been provided this summer so I can work at coming to terms with them for when I attempt the crossing. So far my rather rudimentary understanding of jellyfish psychology is having mixed results.

 

I also think a lot about the swim especially at times during training when things become a little daunting. This serves as a timely reminder that the task ahead of me is somewhat difficult and the success rate of those who attempt it is not high and therefore the training and the counting are necessary components of a successful swim. I see boredom as a training tool, something that needs to be overcome to achieve a goal. Boredom and frustration are most surely likely components of a marathon swim with the potential to be just as hazardous to a successful completion as bad weather and strong currents. This is not to say that I wish to meet an orca or any other large ocean going creature face to face on my journey to liven it up, apart from dolphins that is.