Madison Open Water Swim (MOWS) - Swim

Was looking forward to doing the Madison Open Water Swim as it was going to serve as an important element in determining whether or not I would attempt to do a full ironman in 2013. I did a HIM in Racine this year, have ran a fair number of marathons over the years and although my bicycling experience is limited at least I did a few long rides when I was younger. Swimming was totally new to me and I've learned a fair amount in the last 15-16 months going from barely able to swim to feeling like I could do a 2.4 mile swim comfortably.

Truth is that the race was pretty uneventful. I did a little under 40 minutes in Racine tri so I thought how about 80 minutes in the swim but realistically I was swimming without a wet suit on what I viewed as a more challenging course. I would be disappointed with slower than 1:30.

No splits so I can't say for sure but I'm pretty sure my time on the second lap was slower than the first. My sighting went to pot and a few times I was so far off that I said to myself, add a minute for getting back on course.

In the end 1:29:27 was at the lower end of what I hoped to do but overall I was pleased as I came out feeling o.k. and like I could have gotten on a bike and rode had I wanted to. Bicycling 112 miles, is a different situation but with enough training I think I could do it...maybe.

Sight more and use the anti-fog stuff on my goggles. Not sure why I didn't apply the anti-fog material, it cost me on that second lap as I was having a hard time seeing even when I tried to see.

Maybe I should have swam with a wet suit but when I registered I thought it would likely be warm plus the truth is I prefer no wet suit even if I am slower.

Get some clothes on. It was cold!

I went for a run later on the day of the race and didn't feel too bad. Swam and ran the day after so I must not have worked too hard during the swim.


Foggy lenses, failing to sight.


Great race. Wish there were more like it.