This was an organized/timed OWS put on by the Austin Triathletes with distances of 800m, 1.2 miles, and 2.4 miles. I am training for my 2nd HIM this year. During my first HIM the whole time I thought "when will this be over, when will this be over"--it was a mental game for me. Thus, I decided to go for the 2.4 miles so that 1.2 would seem short. I also wanted to see where I was, right now, in attempting this distance as I'm shooting for an IM next year. I also wanted to practice drafting and build up confidence.

The 800m went first, then all of the 2.4 milers, and then the 1.2 milers went in two waves. It was a deep water start. There was some contact at the beginning and I had to swim through a couple of guys and got whacked by a couple, but nothing mentionable. After one of the first buoy turns I noticed someone I knew who is a better swimmer than me make the turn, and I decided to try to hop on her feet. I didn't want to distract her swim, so I stayed back enough not to hit her feet. A couple of others tried to take her feet, and one guy was just brutal at times, often hitting her feet etc. She eventually stopped, breaststroked, and then kept going...it really messed with her. However, I was able to stay in her draft for about 1/2 the first loop and 1/2 the 2nd loop. Besides the one guy that kept screwing this up by being overly physical, it was really nice to draft. Unfortunately, I assumed she was going faster than she was (as she usually does). Even when I wasn't drafting off her, she was in eye shot. The first 1.2 miles felt great--no major fatigue at all, felt really really good. I made the turn around before she did as I had taken off some, and she had it clocked at near 40 min, so I know I did it slightly faster than that, good. The second 1.2 miles wasn't bad, but the chop increased and one of the boats out there stunk of nasty diesel. I felt pretty strong out to the last turn around, but the last 600m or so my form was going to crap, I wasn't totally fatigued, but my arms were tired, and my upper right arm felt like I slightly pulled something. I knew my stroke was bad and I finally entered the "I want this done" phase. The last 200m or so when you make the right turn to the finish just seemed to go so very slow...but, I made it out. I wasn't totally exhausted, a little wobbly, but actually felt pretty good.

Obviously, I need more endurance swimming at this distance and continued work on my stroke. Also, while drafting was absolutely wonderful, I held back a little so I could stay in a draft. In a bigger field, I need to look for a little bit faster feet. Otherwise, I did the best sighting ever, and I accomplished what I wanted too--I felt GREAT for the first 1.2 miles, and I of course held back during that so I could finishe the 2.4 miles. Major confidence build/mental boost for Longhorn HIM, but definitely shows me what I need to work on for IM training next year. I absolutely believe I can get to a 2:00 min/100m pace for the 2.4 miler. Looking at all the times, you can tell today was a tough swim--there were not spectacular times, and lots of 2:00 min+ pace times. So, I'm pretty happy with this. It was a training event where I went out twice as far as I will race this year. That will pay big dividends for me, mentally at least, come Longhorn 70.3. I also have a benchmark to improve from for next year's big conquests. Good training

Umm, walked around, stretched, put dry clothes on, and stayed for awards ceremony. Myself and another girl from my area I train with occassionaly took 2nd and 3rd in a our huge age group of 5...but it got me a free towel, I'll take it! Drank some water, got ready to go. Went to lunch with a whole group of gals here from the Bell County area.


Only one previous swim at/beyond this distance. Chop. Bad form the last 600m.


This is a great training day!! It's not a way easy course, but not too difficult either. It's great to get OWS at this distance in for a training day, and get some of the "competition feel" as well. We could pick up packets there, which saved me a trip to Austin the day before, and I got a nice running hat too. Chip time was great, there were plenty of canoes/kayaks out there. Great training for folks in the Austin/Central Texas area.