Truly – What have I gotten myself into?  I caught myself drifting in a full visualization of The Tahoe Triple right before I had to give a big presentation to a client.  Even as I was being introduced my thoughts were of raising my arms on the beach triumphant in my goal.  This is why I do these things.  Yes to cross the finish line, but more importantly the journey.  My thoughts of training and preparation are so at the fore front of my brain. 

I have arrived at our cottage in Hidden Valley Lake for a fun Valentines weekend with my family and our good friends the Larson’s.  Greg Larson is one of my best friends and has crew for me on many of my adventures.  Greg is one of the best swimmers I know.  He just missed making the Olympics and has won many open water swims over the years.  Greg and I plan to swim in Clearlake this weekend.  We have mapped out an east to west crossing where we will swim a total of 8 miles.  According to the Clearlake fishing report the water is 54 degrees.  We will be swimming solo, without a guide boat so we must be very careful.  Greg is always up for an adventure, except if it has to do with running.

In May, Greg and I will swim the length of Clearlake in preparation for The Tahoe Triple.  The total distance will be 17.5 miles.  As of total we have found no record of anyone swimming the length of Clearlake.  We shall be the first.  Not only will be the first, but we plan to do it overnight.  This will give me some idea of how it will feel swimming the final length of Tahoe due to the fact that it will occur from about 10pm to 8am.

So far we have brought an amazing team together.  Here is the team so far.

Terry Patrick – Wife and Manager

Steve Munatones – Coach and Liason

Greg Larson – Training Partner

Paige Dunn – Psychologist

Finis – Swim Equipment

Yardbark.com – Sports News and blogging

Martin Sundberg – Photography

Stay tuned for tomorrows blog on our swim in Clearlake