Well, I did it. I completed my first open water swim on any length. The water was extremely cold, only 62 degrees, and I struggled for the first part of the 1/4 mile swim. However, about half way, my body adjusted to the water temperature and I completed the second half more in stride.
Reflecting on my experience, I made the mistake of starting out fast, thinking the faster I go the quicker my body will warm. While my body may have warmed quicker because of the amount of energy I was exerting, I ran out of energy quickly. I need to remind myself on race day to remember my training, and swim at a consistent medium pace.
Amazingly, by the time I completed my swim, I did not want to get out of the water, it actually felt comfortable. I'm not sure I could have completed the swim without using a wet suit. If I can find the courage, I should enter the water 5-10 minutes before the race starts to allow my body to warm the water that is trapped in the wet suit.
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