Madison Open Water Swim (MOWS) - Swim

Before the gun went off, I floated a little bit out, but didn't want to get too far on the inside. I stayed pretty much in the back (I think?) and was surprised when the gun went off for some reason. The girls around me and I, we all just kind of looked at each other and said "well I guess it's time to swim!"

I was kind of disappointed in the LACK of contact at the start! ;)
I mean, this is practice for IMWI where I fully expect to get pummeled, and I had absolutely NO contact during this race whatsoever. Maybe one or two soft brushes during the whole race, but nothing else at all. Totall open and clear water. Every time I'd get close to someone, we'd both make an effort to get out of each others way. Nice, huh!

The first straight away I was concentrating on not going to fast and keeping my heart rate down. Long and strong, long and strong. I immediately found some feet and successfully drafted for a good chunk of that first leg. Then someone moved in and I lost them :(. I did notice that my shoulders were REALLY working hard and they were tired from the very beginning - most likely a direct result of the full sleeved wetsuit. But the trade off is that I can either swim in the sleeveless and feel like my windpipe is being cut off and choking, or do the full sleeves and have slightly tired/sore shoulders. I choose full sleeve and not choking.

Rest of the first loop was just smooth and easy. I intentionally kept the pace slow, thinking the 2nd loop would be where I'd pick it up if I wanted to. Good decision.

Rounding to the 2nd loop I snuck a peek at my watch and it had just turned over to 39 minutes. Pretty much what I expected so that was good news.

2nd loop was a lot like the first! I picked it up on the first leg, I got some crazy burst of energy. Slowed it down after the turn. On the back leg, I found another pair of feet to follow, but they slowed down a bit so I passed. Could hear a speed boat underwater, reminded me of swims at home.

Rounding the last bouey I instinctively picked up the pace. I just can't help but sprint to the shore. I passed a handful of people doing this, and was really pleased with my effort on the last bit. I imagined the *real* swim exit and how loud it will be with cowbells and yelling and what not... really pumped me up. I am so excited.

Exited and Tony was right there ready to cut my timing chip off. Got my medal and waited for Linda to come in. Great swim.

Get my arms in my wetsuit a little sooner. I felt a tad rushed trying to do that.

Otherwise, this was a great practice swim for IMWI. Like I said I kinda wish there was more contact so I'd get a feel for it, but I think nothing will prepare me for the IM mass swim start. So this was great... I really love swimming and this race was no different.

Chatted with the BT contingency, grabbed Linda when she came out of the water, chatted some more, got some water to drink, and headed to the car. We had some riding to do :)


POSSIBLY my shoulder strains because of the full sleeved wetsuit, but like I said, I'd rather have strained shoulders than feel like I literally can't breathe.


Great practice race for IM Wisconsin!