There were over 700 swimmers in the water for a deep water start. Apparently there were nearly 100 that DNF'd or DNS. I was able to start on the left side closest to the bridge and got a good jump when the "gun" went off.
The first 1/4 mile or so, I kept my pace easy. The last couple races I've gone anaerobic at the start and then fight it for several hundred yards before settling in. This was just about right, by holding myself in check. It also helped to have a decent warm up.
I checked my watch at the 1/2 mile mark at saw I was under 13 minutes, so that was right on pace to break 50. At the 1 mile mark I was sub 28 minutes, so I'd slowed down some. Apparently in there somewhere I found out that there is a current running. I didn't notice it other than my time slowed.
I have a problem w/ my right hand going numb after about a mile and today was no different, but I tried hard to pick up the pace and hold it. I couldn't find anyone to draft off of. It felt like I was swimming almost alone most of the race. There were a few swimmers around, but I was either moving faster or they were, so the drafting was non-existent.
The last 1/3 of the race I felt good and just pushed it as hard as I was comfortable with and came out of the water in a group of about 5 guys and had to get in a line to have our # recorded.
I forgot to hit my watch when I came out of the water and finally stopped it at 50:17, so I didn't know whether I'd broke 50 until they started posting results. Ended up missing it by 2 seconds! Still happy w/ that, as this was a PR by nearly 7 minutes over last year and the water was quite a bit choppier than the year before.
Finished in the top 100, but will have to wait for the official results to know exactly where.

Maybe not cruise so much in the middle of the race. I think I could push a bit harder throughout. Other than that I'm pleased.

Grabbed my bag and waded back out into the water to watch Stan finish. Ate some ice cream, blueberries and drank juice and coffee.


Need to continue to work on better form and put more yardage in at the pool.


This is a great swim, but very poorly organized. The RD is quite pleased w/ himself and talks for about 45 minutes even when the race is running way behind schedule. They had 3! porta potty's at the check-in area for 700 + swimmers and spectators! Poor planning!! Also, the RD tried to talk for 45 min. on a, get this........megaphone......right next to the hwy w/ about 1000 people standing there. What a joke! Couldn't hear a word.