Race Report: Big Shoulders 2.5K Swim

Alas, I wimped out and opted for the 2.5 instead of the 5K (two dreadful laps around Lake Michigan). As it was, my lats were tired after one lap because my "training" has involved shorter, more frequent swims (i.e., 2000 m 3 or 4 days a week). This technique seems to work quite well for me when I am trying to get back into the swing of swimming. My balance, rhythm and lung capacity all usually feel a bit off when I haven't been in the water for awhile. Anyway, it seemed to work quite well in preparation for this open water swim as well.

Prior to signing up, I checked out some of the results from last year's race... pretty impressive. This race attracts Olympic caliber athletes like Erica Rose and some guy whose name I can't remember who did butterfly for the entire 5K course. Insane. Erica Rose has been the top female finisher for several years, finishing just short of an hour typically.

In the past, race conditions have been tricky - i.e., cold, choppy and poor visibility. Fortunately, I have dealt with all three of these issues previously, so I wasn't particularly worried. On Saturday, the 6th, however, the water was a balmy 69, not a cloud in the sky, no fog. It was quite difficult to see the buoys, however, as there were only three of them stretched out across the lake. Spotting was probably one of the more difficult aspects of this race.

Overall, it was a great swim. I specifically focused on extending my pull through and keeping a nice cadence. My right shoulder did the thing where it tries to pop out of socket, which means I was getting tired and need to spend more time in the pool/gym. Anyway, I pulled off 47 minutes and change, and beat the girl behind me because she decided to walk out of the water and I booked it past her. I'm a triathlete, beeatch. Ready for T1! (Not.)

We also got these weird Che Guevara Andy Warhol-esque t-shirts with a be-goggled Obama on the front and the word "SWIM" beneath. For the remainder of the day, people complimented me, asked questions, or flat out mocked me (Th.) for my t-shirt. Does Barack even swim?