Ready for a swim....
THE SWIM LEG–1.2 MILES
My group waded into the lake and waited for the start horn to sound. I seeded myself in the rear of the field and was ready to begin the swim. The swim course was approximately three 0.4 mile legs. Over the lake it looked quite far, and I knew it would be my longest swim of the year. Instead I chose to concentrate on each individual buoy and break it into smaller pieces.
The first turn came quicker than I thought at about a time of 15 minutes. I made the turn and swam the second leg in about the same time. The third leg however, was the most difficult. It was near the end of the swim and the wind was making the water choppy. This leg was a right hand turn and I usually breathe on my right. Every breath resulted in a wave slapping me in the face and I was gulping large amounts of water from Lake Winnipesaukee.
As I swam I marveled at the beauty of the sunrise, and the clarity of the shoreline in the morning sun. It was at this point that I realized that this race would be different. While many of my shorter races had been more intense, this one would be different. I would actually have time to observe my surroundings during the race rather than just run a frantic pace.
The clarity of the water was amazing and the lake bottom came into view much quicker than expected. As the bottom quickly rushed up to greet my weary feet I stood up at the first opportunity and began slogging through the waist deep water. Pushing through the archway, I began pealing down my wetsuit as I ran to the transition area.
With goggles and swim cap in hand, and my wetsuit opened up I made the turn and headed to the bike.
