I’ve always said that the only way I would leave a race without finishing is if they carried me out feet first, which they did at Ironman Wisconsin. I’m not a quitter, but the pool got to me. I QUIT. I’M DONE. I GIVE UP. NO MAS. I’VE HAD IT. I swam Monday morning as usual, and the itching started at around 9 AM, again as usual.

By noon I was covered (except for my hands, the bottoms of my feet, my head, and my privates…thank goodness) with red spots that eventually turned into welts. So I guess I can’t swim in the pool again. The itching was so bad that I was looking for a brick wall to ride my bike into head first so the sweet “Angel Of Death” could bring me some relief.

I’ve attached some pictures, so if you’re eating, you better wait to look…they aren’t pretty. My apologies to any of you who are offended. What you see shows only the body parts fit for viewing (before you send back a response, I know…none of this body is fit for viewing by anyone other than a doctor, nurse or understanding wife).

The picture  reminds me of one of the funnier Seinfeld episodes. It was the one where Elaine had her picture taken by a photographer and used it for Christmas cards. Jerry or George or Kramer, I don’t remember which, pointed out that her nipple was showing. She was mortified because the cards had already been sent out to family and friends. The battered nipple from the Vermontville Syrup Festival run snuck into the picture, but not on purpose. Jean was the photographer, so blame her.

I’m looking for a swim buddy to swim in the lake with me. I need the workouts and I want to keep the swim endurance going, but not at the expense of safety. I’m not even very comfortable swimming in cold water alone near the shoreline. If the weather would ever cooperate the water would be warm enough. Maybe in a couple of weeks…???

Just (Hit The Showers…You’re Out Of The Game) Jack