Slow swim pace (2:00/100) and IM preparedness/safety (Page 3)

I ventured into ST last week - many thanks to ChrisM for pulling me out.  wow.

My hubby has done 4 IMs in the last 3 years.  All in the 11 hour range (11:08-11:50)  He's a 1:08 swimmer (1:11 on a bad day) While most of his training is in a pool, he's done 10-15 tris in the Pacific, as well as many other lake swims.

He was rescued at IM #5 - IMSG.

He got seasick....no other word for it.  He wasn't sure he'd be rescued in time. Very scary.  (For me, too. and kudos to the volunteers!!!!)  He was also in the boat when others were pulled in (included a kayaker), and the driver wasn't giving people the option - they were actually (mistakenly) telling swimmers in the water that the swim was cancelled.

I get the need for guidelines to keep people safe - but IMSG isn't the race to base them on!!

BTW, I  have 3 IMs under my belt....13 and 14 hours...and while I'm a 1:20/100 in the pool, I'm much closer to 2:00 in the lakes.  Still finishing, still (mostly) safe, still having fun. 

I think alot of you guys are missing the point that Daniel is trying to make. The 2:00/100m thing was an arbitrary number thrown out over at ST, not something that he is trying to push for as a standard nor is he trying to "insult" slower swimmers.

The big issue here is safety across the board in all events of any distance. We unfortunately had a gentleman pass away during the swim of an Olympic race and a lady get seriously injured in a bike crash at the Iron Girl Sprint here in GA last weekend. Ultimately I (as a coach and long time athlete) want all of you to complete your events,have fun and most importantly GO HOME TO YOUR FAMILY at the end. If there is anyway to make this sport safer then I am all for it, however ultimately it comes down to personal responsibility and realistically evaluating your level of fitness.  If you are a weak swimmer (which has nothing to do with speed per se) then don't sign up for an Ironman or 70.3 until you are confident that you can complete the swim portion safely.

AGREED.  100%.  I'm also saying speed doesn't equal strength.  Hubby=1:08 in 4 IMs = pulled in #5.  Me=1:18-30 in 3 IMs, just fine.  Pace isn't the answer.....part of it is just race day circumstance and risk.

Live to race another day is ALWAYS the best answer.