I opted for the wetsuit since I was doing the 2 miler (longest distance at one time for me ever) and it was freakin freezing! All swimmers that were wearing wetsuits were placed into one division while those crazy SOB's that were not wearing wetsuits competed within their age groups. Also, the three mile race had been cancelled due to rough conditions, so those swimmers competed in the 2 mile race.

I started to the far right (near the shore) and in the middle. There wasn't too much traffic...I thought I would get bumped and kicked a little, but I didn't. The begining went well and I felt good. I had to fight a side cramp for part of the swim. But I don't think it slowed me down and I was able to keep up with a group of swimmers ahead of me for most of the first mile.

It got VERY choppy towards the point. Just before the turn around, I took a huge lung-full of water when I'd come up to sight. That stopped me in my tracks. I had to cough it out (I couldn't breath) before I could get going again. I knew I was ok and I didn't panic. I just needed a few seconds to clear my air way. Haha...I was more worried that someone would try to rescue me because I'm sure it looked like I was in trouble. But, I coughed it up and went on my way. At this point though, the group of swimmers I'd been keeping up with were long gone.

I swam the 2nd mile all by myself. There was no one around me. I started to worry that I was the last one out there! I had a hard time sighting because there were boats everywhere and the waves were still pretty big. But once I got back into the bay, it was smooth swimming and I was able to take it in pretty hard. I finally caught up to another swimmer and I outkicked him at the finish line.



I hadn't been in the water in a month. So...I'd start with training more. Other than that, I thought I made a good effort and am pretty darn happy that I finished a 2 mile swim! I'd never gone that long in the water and it was very encouraging to see that I could do the distance and feel strong the entire time.

I know, too, that I could have pushed harder. I wasn't sure how I'd feel, so I took it nice and easy on the way out. Next time, I'd go harder because now I know I can do it.

I stretched out, threw on some warm clothes (it was still cold out) and watched the awards ceremony.


Lack of training and dehydration (legs started to cramp up during the last half mile).


I LOVED this race. It was low-key, but festive. The venue is great. It is so beautiful in Harbor Springs and the water is crystal clear. I can't wait to do it again next year.