My Swim, My Rules, Cool Pool

The Santa Monica Swim Center has re-opened and there are two ways to get a lane: reserve online, or call at 10:00 am Tuesday - Friday, or 8:15 am on Saturday, to try to get a slot in one of the two lanes they don’t include in the reservation system. I’ve been unable to reserve a lane online, most likely due to the fact that I am not a resident. Residents get a whole day to reserve ahead of non-residents. Which I get, but it’s still a bummer I have leave it to chance.

Well, I was lucky enough to nab a lane for 1:00 pm today. I showed up about 20 minutes early and waited in line. Five till they raised the gate and we all filed in getting our lane assignment. I was lane #3.

Lane 3

All mine….

The pool felt so empty. I’m used a bustling deck and 2-3 people in every lane, the soothing sounds of little water splashes and the breeze. I quickly got my cap and goggles out, and jumped in to the coolest water. It was like slipping into heaven. I bobbed around for a minute just relishing everything, and they headed out.

Overall I felt much more relaxed than the SCAQ swim. I went at my own pace, stretching into a 500 free and then up and down a ladder set. I pulled the fins on for some mixed-stroke laps, and finished with a smooth 200 free. I am crossing my fingers I get a lane next Saturday!