Felt really strong at the start, good entry, found a rhythm. Made it to the end of the pier and ran into 4 foot chop. Big rollers. Two kayaks capsized. When I went over the first batch of kelp I saw that it was "blowing" straight into us. BAD sign! Super strong head current.
I started to feel cold about 30 minutes into the swim. Not good. At my first feeding (45 minutes) I was shaking so bad I could barely grab the bottle.
The water started to flatten out about 90 minutes in. I was finally able to find my stroke and not battle waves.
Next two feeds on 30 minutes I was still cold and shaking. The sun would make brief appearances and warm me a little, then disappear.
I was getting pretty discouraged with the current when Sharley said she could see the finish. I focused on my pull and when I saw the sea floor for the first time, I knew I was getting close. The turn buoy was about 400 meters ahead then 200 meters to shore and the finish. I opened up my kick and dug deep. There wasn't much left in the tank, but what was there, I used up.

I trained my ass off for this swim. 13 weeks 335,835 yards. I was ready physically. I was not prepared for the cold.
1. Train more non-wetsuit.
The current and chop was demoralizing. I had a goal of under 3 hours. When that passed I was pretty discouraged. This was my first race at this distance, I learned so much about what you can and can't control. The winning times were 30-40 minutes slower than the past two years.

Staggered across the finish line and collapsed into Sharley's arms.
EMT's and Paramedics checked me out, wrapped me in blankets and after about 15 minutes I was able to get some warm fluids down. Three swimmers were transported for hypothermia. After about 30 minutes I was able to walk around and get some food down.


Train more non-wetsuit in cold water.


Super fun awards ceremony. Best finisher prizes ever. Hand made pottery mugs!
Good food and shirts.