Chesapeake 4.4 mile Bay Swim - Swim

There was a strong 20+ mph wind coming out of the west which meant a nice push to the other side of the bay. It also meant large waves/swells. I managed to get in between the bridge spans with no problem. I felt good, wasn't bored and the water temp was nice. I made the turn under the bridge and remembered why I love this swim. It is really amazing to be able to swim between the two bridges. I could feel the push from the wind/waves, but it also meant a mouthful of water every so often if I would breathe into a wave. I tried to pay attention to what the RD told us in the pre-race meeting in terms of where to swim/expect the tide. It was confusing and I just swam. I tried not to stay too close to the pilon just to be safe.

I hit what I thought was the 1st mile buoy and was feeling pretty good. Before I knew it, I was at the first feed boat, which we were told was at mile 2. The time was super fast and I felt the boat wasn't really at mile 2 even with the push from the wind.

At times, the waves were just crazy. I would look up every so often to make sure I was in a good position between the two bridges and to see if I could see the next boat. The only thing I saw was wave after wave. It definitely reminded me of St. George...not as insane, but it was up there.

I hit the 2nd feed boat at mile 3, but the mileage didn't seem accurate. I was trying to keep myself from getting too bored, by enjoying the swim/water and singing songs in my head. It's kind of crazy to think you're swimming between the bridges and I rarely saw other swimmers. It was comforting seeing the support boats/kayaks along the course though. I passed the 3rd boat and didn't stop as I was feeling good. The stretch between the 2nd boat and the right turn felt like forever. I tried not to get too consumed on wanting to get there faster than I was moving. While I swam most of the swim in the center of the bridges, the last section I found myself over along the right bridge in the shadow. I would feel myself getting a little to close to the pilon and then self correct. The water conditions also seemed to be different here. I didn't really feel the push from the wind, but it was more of a wave pool feeling. The waves just felt like they were tossing me around. Finally I saw the neon orange buoy and a kayak which meant I was almost ready to turn.

I made the right/left turn to get out from the bridges and the water was so warm. I could see the shoreline and it was shallow enough for people to walk. I just kept swimming until my hands hit the bottom and then somewhat stumbled up the chute across the timing mat.

Not really sure. I trained less this year than I had in 2013. I think the conditions were more challenging this year than 2013, yet I had a 15 minute PR.

I walked through the finish chute and grabbed some water, my swag and then found Brad and a firetruck shower.


Not sure. I didn't eat/drink during the swim, but I don't think that limited my performance. My energy felt good the entire swim.


I love this race. It's a really well run, safe event. The amount of boats in the water were fantastic. The post-race activities were great. I appreciate the firetruck shower. The bag pick up was a complete debacle. It appeared the truck didn't get there much before the swimmers. The bags were supposed to be organized by number on the ground, but they were one huge pile in no order. And they were still actively unloading the truck when I got there. That was a bit frustrating. That aside, I still liked the finish line area. It's nice to be able to grab drinks from Hemingway's and be right on the water. I also like the medal we received as cheesy as that sounds. We didn't get one in 2013. And the wicking polo race shirt is nice...way nicer than the one we got the last time.
If you are considering this race, I say go for throwing your name in for the lottery. It's really an amazing event. And it was so nice to be able to share it with Brad, Craig and Laura who all enjoyed it.