Quote Originally Posted by sfa View Post
This was my first time in open water, and OMG it sucked. Or rather, *I* sucked. I had real problems keeping on course and dealing with so many people in the water, and I went off course seriously enough two times that I ended up in oncoming traffic. I did the second half entirely in breast stroke. And I was having difficulties with my cap slipping off. I wasn't thinking or worrying about my time, but I wish I had, at least a bit, because the course took me 38 minutes!!!! I know I'm a slow swimmer, but that's just nuts--in a pool I do the same distance in 22 to 24 minutes. It was bad, bad, bad.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, even if it sort of sucked! The good news is that your race isn't for a few more weeks, so you have some time to get in a few more OWSs and at least work on sighting and focusing on your stroke while in open water.

I just started learning to swim about a month ago, and have been in open water four times. It's amazing to me how much better I feel each time I go. Even if you can't get some people to jostle you in the lake, there are still lots of things you can work on to improve your chances of enjoying the race!

Good luck and I'll be waiting for that race report!

Alex