This was my best OWS ever. At Wildflower a couple months ago, I swam 49 minutes, so this was about 9 minutes faster. I also didn't have problems with breathing like I usually have. I think it may have something to do with the temperature of the water being so warm, which I hope is the case, because my upcoming IM swim is supposed to be warm also.

It did take me a little bit to get into a groove, but then things were pretty smooth. Going out from Beals Point, we were going with the wind, so it was like body surfing on the waves. But coming back the waves were coming at us, so that made it more difficult: battling the flow, and getting smacked by waves every once in a while. I learned the hard way that when I sight, my mouth is open and I need to keep it closed unless I'm facing to the side.

I pushed the last few hundred yards and was still feeling good. I should have pushed for longer.

Breathe to the side, not forward, when sighting.

I transitioned to a run after this swim, although it was a long transition.


Poor swim technique, especially in open water.


This is my first swim-only event, so I didn't have very high expectations. The kayak support was great, and it was nice to have some spectators. I didn't partake, but it looked like there was a little food at the end. Pretty low-key event all around. I think it's great to have this kind of event in the area for triathletes and swimmers.