Not sure what to say about the swim other than if I ever get stranded on an island and need to swim to another one a mile away through ridiculous waves, I can probably make it. You'd literally feel yourself bouncing up and down through the waves and then get met with a face full of water making breathing a little tough. I actually stayed surprisingly calm and went at a grandma's pace since I knew from the start this wasn't about setting a good time. The way back in was nice and then I got up, talked to Ricci briefly at the turn around and went back out. On the second lap out I had this strange feeling that I was only 20 yards from shore swimming in place and everybody on shore was laughing at me. I felt like I was going nowhere so I started breathing on my left so I could see land and be reassured that I was actually moving. Got out of the water and my watch said 32'50" so that's probably better than I expected. The swim was more of a mental challenge than anything and given that I'm a relatively poor swimmer, it ended up being a good confidence builder knowing I can get through it in awful conditions.

I need to increase my turnover on my stroke, but that's something to work on over time. That was AJ's advice before the race when I asked how to swim in that crap. He said forget about form and finishing the stroke. Just turnover. It was also Mike's comment after the race. Guess I should actually start practicing it.

I was in no hurry at all in transition and took my sweet 'ol time taking off my wetsuit. I put on my socks and shoes and headed out.

Nothing.

Went out with the thought of going easy in a middle type effort, which I did. A girl passed me about a half mile into the run and she was breathing pretty heavily. Since the wind was right in our face, I picked up my pace slightly and stayed right behind her. Her pace was fine and steady and I figured I'd hold it there. Breathing was easy and I think I talked to about everyone I passed (that I knew). At the turn around I stopped, drank some water and then started again. I picked up my pace slightly and passed the girl. I thought she'd stay on my heels this time and let me pace her back, but I think she didn't have as much left from the first half. I felt really good so I picked it up a little and moved by people, eventually catching Wright. We talked for a few and then I moved in front of him. With about 30-40 yards left I heard Wright pick up his speed so I figured I'd do a final kick as well and stayed in front of him. I'm fairly surprised at the pace since I felt like I went out ridiculously slow and was never in a lot of pain on this run.

I thanked and apologized to the girl that paced me for the first half. She didn't really care and said she should have just stayed behind me on the first half, which she's right - she should have.

Nothing. That's how I planned to run it and it went well.

Beers and stories with everyone, which is always a good time. Too bad it wasn't slightly warmer though.


Waves!


Not starting on time was only due to the weather. I'm glad that the swim was held. I think from a non-competitive standpoint, this race was probably the most fun one yet and I had a really good time doing it in the crappy conditions.