2nd Annual STEELMAN OPEN WATER SWIMS - 2010 - SwimOther

Hate to say I had no real plan going into this, but that's pretty accurate. Just wanted to get a clean start, get into some clear water and see how it felt. Held back on the early laps just to be sure.
Anyway, started at my favorite spot -- the far end of the line. There were only a couple people close and it wasn't long before I was clear. For the 1st leg I tried to stay far off the buoys. By the first turn I could see a small pack of swimmers about 25 yds ahead of me and sort of just kept in that spot. Everytime I went across the 'start' line to start another lap, I swan about 15 yards of breaststroke just to break it up. After second lap, started to catch up with slower 1.5 milers so had to start picking my way through them. Spent most of the 3rd & 4th laps doing this. It wasn't bad and everybody was mostly spread out. Water wasn't really clear so once or twice somebody would appear out of nowhere in front of me. During 2nd & 3rd laps it got really boring! Just keep swimming! Also, during the 2nd-4th laps, some wave motion/chop developed on the outer leg of the course. I picked up the pace on the final lap and really tried to power the last leg after the final turn. Not a sprint but good solid speed. Was going well until somebody swam diagonally right across my path. Not a major collision but it did slow my momentum. The last little bit required more traffic dodging and then finding the ramp that was the finish. Legs were wobbly when I went to stand up! Was glad to be done. And thirsty.

I still think I swim all over the place. This time I had to concentrate on trying to move to the left. Other than that maybe go out a little harder.

Hydrate and watch others finish. Find some shade. Talk to a couple of people about the race and other stuff they were planning on doing.


OWS / long distance experience. In an 80 minute event, I might have benefited from a Gu or gel about halfway?


Laid back but well run event. Very organized. Nice park and lake. Lots of food & prizes. They did the results the old fashioned way (no chips -- pen & paper). Not a big deal for me although I wish I'd have looked at the clock when I came out of the water instead of several minutes later! Where else can you hula-hoop for door prizes?? And the women that did almost 200 push-ups for theirs!!! Very much fun. Will do this again as my schedule allows. Will also consider the Steelman Tri because this was so nice. GOOD JOB!!!