But the weather got cold.

So I’ve written here how the swimming possibilities for me in Bishkek are limited. I’m okay with that. I’m being brave. But what I haven’t really talked about was the pool I have on my property.

The pool is about 10m long. I’ve ordered those straps you attach to your feet on one end, then you tie to the fence or run through the skimmers on the other end. They should be here in 2-3 weeks. The pool had to be drained and cleaned first. Yesterday the pool was finally full, cleaning chemicals added, and safe to swim in. That’s when the temperature dropped to the mid-50’s.

I know what my marathon and channel swimming chums would say. “So what?” True. But I’m not jumping in that water until I can strap my feet to the wall and swim. I’m sure the water is comparatively warm (I’ll have to get a pool thermometer), but with nothing to do in the pool that’ll warm me up, I’d freeze.

I’ve told people at work that I’m filling the pool and they think I’m insane. “Well, I have to get some swimming in!” That’s what I say that gets looks. “The water will be cold.” Then I tell them I spent two and a half hours in 13-15C water swimming my first 10K and they really think I lost my mind.