Peace at the Springs

Barton Springs has always been one of my most-treasured spots in Austin.  I have fond memories of "studying" there for the bar exam with my friend Samantha.  At that point, the water was merely a means by which to cool down before promptly returning to the stiff pillows that were our Barbri books.  I never considered swimming one length (1/8 mile) of the pool, much less 20.  That distance - 4000 meters, or 2.4 miles - is, for me, the scariest part of the Ironman. 

I'm incredibly fortunuate to have this amazing Austin gem within walking distance from my house though.  It's even free during the winter and open from 5am-10pm, so no scheduling excuses allowed.  By swimming there once a week, I hope to prove to myself that the 2.4 mile swim is the "warm-up" that the veterans say it is.  I'm not sure I'll ever consider it a warm-up.  Since when did warm-ups take an hour and a half to complete?  But hopefully I can become comfortable enough with the distance to be at peace at the starting line come race day.