I have heard nothing but good things about rev3 races, I might have to make the trek to find/try one (no pun intended).

Ironman Florida is in the gulf, also saltwater, and 1.2 miles of that felt like forever (doing it twice was ... even more fun?). The weird taste of salt in your mouth, I swear it makes you chafe worse, and swallowing it makes you feel icky. Oh, for that first taste of fresh water after you get out! I felt grimy all day (moreso than usual).

I did a local race a couple of years ago that was co-ed and very physical, as physical as an Ironman mass start. I think a recent sprint I did had a pretty physical start, too. I have to balance being in the thick of the physical start causing anxiety or frustration with its tendency to make me swim faster.

Nothing like seeing your family, YOUR signs. Congrats on a fun race, despite a miscalculation on the nutrition. Aquabike, here you come!