Made the 1st buoy fine. I felt a lot of constriction and started to panic. I tried slowing my breathing down and finally decided to pull the top velcro open. Doing that made me freak out. Thought I would do a few breastroke kicks to calm down a little. Never was able to get back into it. Swam the rest of the way breastroke while I was horribly wheezing.

I don't know. I don't know why I freaked out - I just swam longer in an olympic distance in the same lake. It was weedier - I don't know.

I was pissed. So, I took my time trying to get my breathing under control. My wetsuit did get stuck on my heels, but I resolved that quickly.

not freak out in the water

still not breathing well. I had to walk hills as my heartrate was through the roof. Panic takes a lot out of you.

not freak out in the water.

walked a bit and got water


panic attack - mental thoughts


this is a great race and the panic issue is why I like the series. It's a mass start. It's great practice. It's low key. There are a ton of fast people that do it. I need to work on my mental issues in the water. Out of all of the open water swims - I have only had 2 panic attacks -- both in this race. I dont' know why, but I need to work on relaxing and getting my head back in the game if things start to go south.