I got stuck in the current at Mile 2, and stayed in it throughout the rest of the course. Essentially, every time I drifted near the north bridge, I'd turn into the current, get into the middle of the lane, and straighten out. That was my mistake, as I'd then drift back. Once I realized that the current wasn't going to let up, I essentially positioned myself as if I was swimming between the 1 and 2 of a clock face, and just focused on the southern bridge.

I met one of my early morning advisors after the race, who said he had the same experience. And that he adopted the same plan. And he confirmed that his time was about 15 minutes slower than it was last year. That statement made me feel better about my mile 2 split, which was about 15 minutes off my first mile.

The view up, looking at the bridges, or ahead and behind me, was incredible. I love the fact that I'm seeing sights that not many people have ever seen.

Just past Mile 2, I ran into the food boat. Literally. I saw it when I sighted, and noted how far to the right I was of it, and kept swimming. Suddenly, I found myself swimming onto the anchor line. I looked up and there was the boat, looming over my head. "Vanilla wafer, or a cracker?", asked the smiling attendant. Had I not caught the rope, I would have hit it head first.



Adjust for the current early, and stay in that position. And contemplate going without a wetsuit.

Out of the water, and I felt beat. Totally worn, and a little light-headed. Took a sip of water, and when it just reacted with my stomach, I realized I was too dehydrated. Peeled the wetuit completely off, cooled down in the shower by the fire trucks, and felt much better.


The current. I've swam longer distances in a pool, but there just is no substitute for the real experience.


For me, it was a life experience race. I'd love to do it again. As of now, when I look at a map and see the Chesapeake, I know I've swam across it.