Swimming, Life, and Other Stuff!

Today was a "no excuses" sort of day at the Big Shoulder's 5K national championship ow swim.
The skies were azure and the almost calm water was a perfect 70 degrees! This was the exact sort of day most ow swimmers hope for!
I left the wetsuit in the trunk and donned in my bs suit. I wore 2 caps just because I practiced that way all week.
I started right at the edge of the "Giant Dorito" anchored by the tow line; a perfect start....well except when the rowboat accidently wacked me on the back with their oar. I heard them freaking out so during my breathing cycle I sputtered out "I'm fine!"
I took off and quickly noticed the exceptional water clarity. It was very cool to view the extreme plant growth underneath us while heading out to the first Dorito!
I enjoyed the large field of competitors this year. It's much easier to stay on course when you're in a group vs. swimming in isolation. I was really racing people today! It was an adventure in FUN!
The 5K passed by quickly.
I always have a problem figuring out where to go at the end of this race. True to Bobinator form I stood up about 150 yards off to the north of the finish line and had to run across a cement loading dock and other beach obstacles. Other than that I felt like I nailed the race as tight as I was capable of.
I ended up 1:27!!!! That's a good time for me.
SwimRobin was right at the finish line and greeted me as I came in; she had a spectacular race today! (1:17 if I remember correctly!)
I ran into Chicken of the Sea up on the beach too! Amanda was pleased with a pr today too!
I think I may take a week off swimming. I am thankful for such a positive experience at BS. I was feeling burned-out and beaten-up after Nationals and not looking forward to the 5K. I think a few days off might put me back to where I need to be, both physically and mentally.