Naples Island Swim - Swim

There were only about 100 people, so it wasn't a dirty mass start. I was a little worried about getting in the scrum, as theoretically I can bruise easily on blood thinners, and a good blow to the head might be worse than normal (I say theoretically cuz I've whacked my knees pretty hard on our chairs a few times, bad enough that I had to sit down... no bruising).

So I started sort of outside and just jogged into the water. I was enjoying the swim, going easy, but then got my race face on :) Or tried to. I was hanging with a group for a little while, but suddenly they took off and they were absolutely gone. About the left turn into the canal I ended up with the group I was to stay with for the most part. The canal was fairly wide, but I was hugging the left side, and trying not to get pushed into the boats at their moorings (again, didn't want to hit my hand on a boat).

Tried not to swallow any of the water. Was only marginally successful. It wasn't disgusting, but it wasn't exactly clear either. A few times I turned my head to breath and got an absolute mouthful. Spent the rest of the swim trying to breathe through pursed lips.

I had thought I counted the bridges, and was happy to see the last one, only to see another up ahead. Soon enough we were at the concrete wall, turn right, then a left into the bay. I had gotten some advice to sight off the palm trees rather than try to find the finish. The group I was with picked it up and I just couldn't hang. That last few hundred yards took forever, and I was ready to be done (longest continuous swim since probably before Wildflower in May).

Exited the water, saw my time and to be honest was a bit disappointed for a 1.25 mile swim. Yes, this was just to enjoy it and get back it there, but it's a race, dammit.... It's pretty low key, so they give you a popsicle stick with your overall, I was pretty happy with that, then you check in at a table where they list you by AG, and I was told I was third, and they handed me a medal. OK, not so disappointed any more :)

I don't medal at many (most all) races, and ESPECIALLY not swim races where real swimmers tend to show up. So to medal here, as my first race back was especially sweet. I put it on, then sort of took it off as I tend not to crow about those things, then changed my mind and wore it all the way home :)

Nothing.

This is a fun little local race, and a good challenge. There is a longer 2.75 mile option all the way around Naples Island. Maybe next year, but that's a long time to be in 63 water with no wetsuit.