Before I left for a seven-day swim vacation, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew that I would be meeting a small group of swimmers and triathletes some place on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. From Tortola, I knew that we would board a rather large sailboat, the Promenade, and then sail around the BVIs. I knew that the Promenade and her crew would provide us with food and lodging. Throughout the week, I knew we would swim twice each day and probably have some time to snorkel and relax in between. And I knew that this sounded like a pretty good trip.

After I stepped aboard the Promenade for this swim vacation, I couldn't believe what I had gotten myself into. After I arrived on the island of Tortola, I couldn't believe how blue the water was. After I jumped in for the first time, I couldn't believe that I didn't need a wetsuit. And as we sailed to the next island, I couldn't believe that each day got better than the last.

Before: Wake up, brush teeth, grab swim gear and head out the door. Drive to the pool and pay $2. Swim.

After: Jump off a 65-foot trimaran in the British Virgin Islands. Swim.

Before: Swim about 3,000 yards in chlorinated waters staring at a thick black line.

After: Swim from island to island in the Caribbean staring at sea turtles, coral, various shades of blue, and multi-colored fish

Before: Work on swim technique.

After: Work on swim technique after underwater videotaping and analysis...in the sea. (The water's that clear.)

Before: Swim for 45-60 minutes and rush off to work.

After: Swim for about an hour and then fall asleep on the deck of a sailboat after coffee and a hot breakfast.

Before: Meet up with a few friends and get in a good pool workout.

After: Spend a week with fellow swimmers with similar interests while exploring underwater caves, shipwrecks, and sea life.

Before I went on this swim vacation, I didn't think it was possible to combine quality training time with quality relaxation. After seven days, I couldn't believe that I had to go home. This vacation was quite possibly the best week of my life. That's no exaggeration. That's truth.