I started out on the outside and just tried to avoid the scrum and not be in the way of the elite guys. It seemed to work pretty well as I didn't really make a whole lot of contact with anyone. I started out a little fast for the first two buoys, but settled down and found my usual pace. I had a problem swimming straight and found myself correcting course quite a bit. I remember wishing we had just signed up for the sprint relay as I completed the first lap. My shoulders were already wearing out at this point. I actually flipped onto my back once I rounded the buoy on the far end. I think I kicked about halfway across the short side before I flipped over and started swimming again. I just shortened my stroke after that and tried to keep moving until the finish.

I am going to figure out how to dress myself properly and train in open water with a wetsuit more often. I think I will look at shortening my stroke a little and see if it helps my shoulders. I think I will also try altering my head position to look forward more as opposed to looking straight down at the bottom of the lake. This may help me with navigation.

I was tired and walked up to the transition. I didn't see my buddy right away so this "transition" was pretty darn slow.

run... evening jogging would be an improvement.

It was good to get out and participate. It was a fun day outside with the guys. It was very inspiring to see so many people out there kicking major butt. I'm looking forward to doing my first individual sprint tri at some point.