The start was really exciting as it was in deep water. A true slugfest!

Being slow, I had people swimming over and under me. I couldn't see the second buoy so I just followed any feet I had in front of me. Turned out OK.

I fell into rythmn and tried, to no avail, to find to some people to draft off from. It's amazing how people change pace in these swims. If I would do that, I'd probably DNF!

About half an hour into my swim, I start getting passed by the pink caps. Men were given a 5 min. head start...and most of us needed it, too. I proudly got beaten by 22 female swimmers!

After rounding the last buoy, I started swimming next to/behind a guy with really colorful speedos, unlike mine. When he swam freestyle, I could keep his pace and even pass him, but when he frequently alternated to breastroke for sighting purposes, I'd be left behind!

As we came into the final stretch, it turned into a race between me and him. I finally pulled out whatever strength I had in me and beat acquamarine-speedo guy (speedos are really popular down here, still) in a final "sprint".

For the first time ever, I was dizzy after completing a swim, which I guess means I put in a good effort for my ability.

More structured swim training. I need to get a pro to look at my form. My coach just makes us do set after set, but never corrects our form.

Got some food and electrolyte drinks and waited for Mayde to come around. This was her first (and my second) OW-only race.

She did it and, as usual, beat both her and my expectations, coming in only 11 minutes after me. Her results: 1:12:02, 12/17 in AG, 39/56 women and 178/243 overall.



Possibly, lack of good form and insufficient swim training. But, I'm still happy with my result.

It seems long ago when I was just starting to learn to swim properly (August 2004). Now I'm pretty close to that elusive (for me) 2min/100 meter mark.

My goal for any upcoming swim-only event will be to place MOP overall/age group. I've still got some work to do.


This was the first time this race was ever held. I truly had low expectations as it was organized by the military, which in this "democratic" country is completely politicized; and this is, after all, an election year. But there was none of that at all.

Live music, beer stands, a beautiful beach in a private & crime-free environment. I absolutely loved it!