Scripps Pier to La Jolla Cove Race

Carson and Jacee being Introduced to the Competition

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On June 21, 2012 Jacee’s next adventure in Open Water Swimming began. Heading to La Jolla shortly after 10 o’clock a.m. Grandpa decided to join us on this journey. Arriving shortly after 4:15 p.m. in La Jolla, Jacee headed down to the cove for her first dip in the ocean since April. She was ready to feel the cool water since she has been training in Phoenix. The day before Jacee was in the pool and the air temperature was a very hot 112 degrees Fahrenheit. The ocean breeze was refreshing and the water felt cool and relaxing, as she headed out with Doug.

Jacee set her wetsuit aside for this practice swim because she was checking to see if she could handle the water temperature coming from such high heat, to the cool 65 degree Fahrenheit water. As she headed out she had to make a decision, if she was going to swim regulation or non-regulation for the Saturday, La Jolla Cove Swim Club’s Annual, Pier to Cove Swim. She and Doug set off for the swim and they seemed to just glide through the water. Jacee looked as though she belonged out there. Stroke for stroke they headed to the “A” buoy and then made the turn for the “B” buoy. As usual swimming with Jacee it is an adventure in learning and seeing.

Today would be no different; Jacee saw some jelly fish which is no surprise, a seal lion played nearby and the usual fish enjoying their day. Her journey today included a bat ray. It was a fairly large bat ray as it glided through the clear water, as though nothing else mattered, the view of the entire bat ray was intriguing, usually all that is seen is a shadow.

As Doug and Jacee made the turn to back from the “B” buoy Jacee chose to come in and rest. She had a decision to make if you would swim regulation. She commented on how she felt. I explained that it would be her choice because I am not out there swimming. She pondered until we arrived at the hotel. She made her decision to swim regulation. That was the biggest decision for her this weekend. She had made it and was focusing on the race now.

She rested on Friday, having the usual clam chowder and picnicking at the Children’s Pool. She walked out on the breakwater wall and got wet. What a surprise! Of course, she wanted to swim. I reminded her that she was resting today but tomorrow and Sunday she could swim all that she wanted. We headed back to the hotel as she went and played in the swimming pool.

Saturday, was race day. She had eaten a fantastic breakfast and was energized to win! We arrived at check-in and began the body markings with race numbers. Once she had her number she jumped in and started marking other swimmers with their numbers. Doug announced that everyone should gather at the pier in 10 minutes and the trek began. Grandpa watched from above as Jacee and I headed to the pier. We located Carson and today he would be a challenger as well as, a good friend. The air began to build for the start of the race.

Jacee and Carson walked around the beach and testing the water off and on. The field would be almost three hundred brave swimmers heading out. Doug called to order the race briefing, introducing the lifeguard captain. Jacee and Carson would be called up and their accolades would be presented. As the briefing ended Doug handed the horn to Bob West as the final preparation for the race began. Moments, later the horn was sounded the participants ran into the surf to head out to the end of the pier turning left as they headed to the finish line at the cove. Jacee and Carson had the required kayakers for under age 16 participants.

Tom Hecker - the ever faithful kayaker each year for Jacee was ready and waiting for her at the end of the pier. Thank you, Tom! Jacee made the turn and headed to the cove. She was moving smoothly through the water looking for the win today. She paced with Tom as she swam to the cove. I headed over to the cove to meet her at the finish line. Grandpa was so, happy to see the cove and the swimmers coming in. He wondered which one was Jacee?

It didn’t take long for Grandpa to notice her. She was racing to the cove, when Tom had to pull away reminding her to beat the competitor in front of her. She crossed the finish line in 39:25 her fasted Pier to Cove Race yet. As she came in Carson was right on her heels. He finished less than 30 seconds behind her. Spectacular, Job Carson! Jacee’s placed 14th overall, third in the women’s division, and first in her age group. What a tremendous finish for Jacee’s first regulation race, in the hot spot for open water swimmers, The La Jolla Cove.

Thank you, to Bob, Doug, Tom, Dan, Carson, Liana and Pearl, for your awesome support and ever present friendship! Each day is a reminder of how treasured each person is at the La Jolla Cove Swim Club. Thank you to each of you not mentioned that are the ever present support and encouragement to Jacee. Each of your names will be listed in our hearts forever!