The Final Countdown

In twelve days I will take the plunge into the Hudson River and subject myself to the mercy of the triathlon gods (i.e. the faster, stronger triathletes who swim on top of their slower, weaker racemates).

Seriously, that's what happens in the swim portion of the race. Last week at practice, we did an "open water simulation" exercise in which the lane lines were removed from the pool and we all swam in a circle at once. It was every swimmer for his or her pathetic self. The only consolation to being kicked and jabbed multiple times, is that I too kicked and jabbed multiple people multiple times.

This, I suppose, is a metaphor for life. There will always be faster, wetter people grappling their way past you. The best you can do, as you briefly swim beside them, is to stick your elbow in their ribs ever so slyly and find joy in gliding along at your own pace.

Over the next twelve days I'll be making a final push for donations to Team One Family. This organization does so many good things for noncombatant people in Israel who have been cruelly victimized by senseless acts of terror. Check out this video, and don't forget to DONATE! Every little bit counts.