Probably the most body contact in any swim yet, felt like I was constantly fending people off and I was always on someone else. But felt really good out and around the 1st bouy, breathing every 3rd stroke. Somewhere between the 1st and 2nd bouy, had a bit of anxiety and shifted to every other stroke. Made it around the 2nd and 3rd bouy but getting around the final bouy was difficult as I kept drifting towards the dock and had to angle away from it, then on the final stretch, got boxed in between 2 swimmers from my group and a swimmer from the previous group along with her swim buddy directly infront of me. I didn't want to press the girl because she looked to be struggling to I pretty much breast stroked until I had room to get by.

After not racing in 08, wanted to be a bit deliberate and make sure I didn't miss something.

Felt good. Was trying to keep a constant solid pace. Did have to slow down to get around a guy that had crashed on the turn out of Fiesta Island to head back towards transition.

Held a really constant pace. Really the only thing I wish I had done was hit the lap button at each split but I had left the garmin in transition and put it on for the run. Every time I looked down, seemed I was in the 8:30s. At the 2 mile mark, tried to pick it up and was around 8:15 pace but that only lasted about a 1/2 mile.

Walked around and packed up transition.


No comments on what limited the performance. This was really a "B" race and I was determined to go in and just have an enjoyable race no matter what the time. All things considered, I am pleased with the time but I have a long ways to go before Santa Barbara.