30Jul11

I'm at the OCEAN!!!  I did not swim Thursday and I regret not going.  I was not able to swim Friday since I was traveling all day when I finally got here, I was too tired to swim.  I did check out the ocean and had to resist the call to get in.
I got in today and did an easy mile.  I forgot to pack grease or buy some so I had to keep it short.  Plus I'm still a bit travel lagged.  I swam out a few hundred yards then headed south with the current.  I was able to see the ocean floor and watched crabs scurry around jelleyfish try to get me.  2 were successful. 
I swam till I felt I was about 1/2 mile judging distance and stroke count.  I turned back and swam against the current all the way back.  The water was pretty choppy and was rolling me up and down pretty good.  It was very fun. 
I wish I could have gone more but I was already getting a small hot spot under my left armpit so I headed in when I was at my starting point instead of doing more like I wanted.  I will have grease by Monday and will do more next time.  Man it feels incredible swimming in the ocean.  It's just so different than swimming in anything else and the vasteness and power of it amazed me every time.  I'm glad I'm here.  I do wish my friends back in UT were here with me.  They would love it and make these swims even more enjoyable, if that is possible!

Distance today = 1 mile.

27Jul11

Got up at 0330 and packed my kayak with my swimming gear.  Today was about Kim and not me.  She wants to do the Deer Creek 10k but has never gone that distance before.  I told her that I would paddle for her and I would guarantee she would get 6 miles with me.
We met at my house at 0400 and off to Pineview.  She was greased, chem-lighted, and ready to go by 0430.  We just went straight east to cross the lake.  It was still completely dark so it was pretty beautiful being out there when it was so quiet and a blanket of stars over us.  I stopped her every mile for hydration and gels etc. 

About mile 4

Lucky for me, we were still heading out when the sun was rising over the mountains to I got a beautiful view of the sunrise this morning.  When we turned back at 2.5 miles, the sun was behind us and lit up where we were heading nicely.  We hit our starting point at just under 5 miles.  I then jumped in and swam the last mile with her for encouragement and a swim buddy just in case she bonked!  She did great but I did make her swim a bit extra to be positive we had gone over 6 miles before heading in.  I just kept shouting, "Keep it honest, keep it honest". 
She finished and she looked great during the swim.  She will have no problems at Deer Creek and I was very happy for her when she was done.  She said her shoulders were pretty sore but she felt really good about finishing the swim.
Thanks Kim for letting me help you.  Sorry that I made you do that little extra to guarantee you went over 6 miles when your face CLEARLY stated you wanted to head in.  But as I always say, "Hate me now, thank me later"!

After the swim.  Congrats Kim!!!

26Jul11

Just my luck!
I got up at 0600 and decided that swimming in PV wasn't going to happen.  I was a bit sore from yesterday and I knew there was another mountain of chores to do today.  One of which is to drive my Great Dane to Erda where he will live for awhile.  I decided to hit the GSL on the way back.
Once I got there, I was ready to go.  The water was very warm and the winds and currents looked very calm.  I decided to do the "Gridley Straight" route.  JUST MY LUCK, about 1/4 into the swim my goggles busted!  I now have saltwater in both eyes and a nice little swim back to the inlet.  I made the most of it and got a nice leg workout in between side stroke, breast stroke, elementary backstroke and a magnificently beautiful doggie paddle!  Despite all this, I was all smiles.
Total swim I'm marking for myself today is 1/4 mile.  It just wasn't in the cards for me to get a swim in today I guess!

25Jul11

Got up early and was at the lake at 0530.  Enough light was out so I headed straight in.  I did the buoy loop twice.  One 2nd loop, I met up with Alicia heading out so I just added on more so we could swim together.  We then did the dam route one time then the buoy route 2 more times.  My arms got really heavy and slow on the first 1/2 of the last mile for some reason.  Could it be the copious amount of ice cream I had or not going to bed until midnight?  Hmmmm.  They felt fine the last half mile and I with I could have done more but house chores were calling and I couldn't spend all day swimming even though I wanted it.

Distance was 6.03

22Jul11

NIGHT SWIM
At 2100, Kim, Alicia and Josh were at my house and we were rolling out with my kayak....and paddle! :)
We got to the lake when there was still plenty of sunlight so I showed the route to Josh then we sat in the Escape after unloading everything to keep from getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.  Gords arrived with one of his sons and we all just chatted while waiting for the sun to completely disappear.  Josh brought some little wrist glow sticks that we all put on.  They were pretty funny and we kept joking how we should go clubbing after our swim.

Why Patricia married such a nerd is beyond me!

We got in right around 2200 with chem-lights strapped to our heads and I paddled the first mile.  Everyone was feeling comfortable and the adjustment period did not seem to take long.  THIS is why I chose the people I did for the first swim!  I paddled to the first buoy and looked back to see a small group of glowing people slowly moving towards me.  It was a pretty neat and funny sight.  After each buoy, I would do a headcount then paddle to the next.  I kept the flashlight I had off while moving but when people would get near, I would light up the buoy so they could see where to stop.  I stopped at all 5 on the way out.  Once we got to the turnaround point, I stopped every other buoy.  Everyone kept talking about how much fun they were having.  No one seemed nervous or apprehensive about anything while out there.  We all could see each other well and the kayak well.  On the way back towards the shore the wind picked up and I was having a tiny bit of trouble keeping the kayak under control.  I found the shore and got out to get ready.  Alicia got in to paddle as I put a light on my head.

Then the adventure began!!
The wind was really going strong and steady.  We all lost sight of Alicia and to add to the fun, there was another person on the left that kept shining a flashlight directly into our eyes!  We thought it was Alicia but it wasn't.  People don't realize this but when you shine a bright white light in the eyes, your pupils dilate and it makes it EXTREMELY difficult to see your paddler and their lights!  Thanks for "helping" but please leave us alone!!!

Touching kayak = DQ!!!

We swam for awhile and Alicia couldn't seem to find the first buoy for some reason.  It was getting a bit too choppy and we kept getting separated from our kayak.  I said it might be time to head back in and call it early.  Gords said was a good paddler and let him try to keep with us.  OK one last shot at this.  Alicia jumps into the water and Gords jumps into the kayak.  I turn to see the kayak turning upside down and 2 man feet kicking in the air as they fly over the kayak!  It was pretty funny actually.  We flipped the kayak back over and had to recover all the items spilled.  All was found except for Alicia's goggles.  Gords made it on attempt #2 and we headed back in.  As we were going in, I realized that all of us were visible except Alicia.  I told Gords to turn around so he could give his SSD with a flashlight in it (which made it glow like a jack-o-lantern) to Alicia so she can be seen.  He did as I asked but idiot me I am just sitting there looking at Alicia and not at the kayak.  WHACK!  Right into my left eye goes the kayak.  I yelled a nice profanity that every fish in the lake heard and noticed a very small amount of blood in my hand when I covered my eye.  Genius Goody, REAL smart!!!  (Lights in FRONT of kayak too not just in back...lesson learned the hard way).

We made it back together and except for 2 cuts on my eye the thankfully stopped bleeding quickly, the night swim was a success.  The wind and water got too choppy for our first time.  If it happens again, we will probably be okay and just keep going but not for the first one.
It was a great time and thanks to Kim, Alicia, Gords, and Josh for coming out.  Everyone kept their cool and stayed together even when the weather and "situations" we encountered were against us.  Half the safety stuff we covered we actually had to use!  LOL  Good planning = good swim.

After the swim.

21Jul11

Met with Lisa this morning at Pineview at 0630.  We did the dam route today.  She's a little freaked out by the line of red buoys out there so she stops about 50 yards short.  I swam to them, hit them, then went back to her.  We were holding a pretty decent pace for the swim.

2 Miles today

19Jul11

1 mile easy today.  Arms were a bit tired from treading water for an hour while with some clients at Pineview and from the swim yesterday.  Mainly from treading for an hour.
Met with Alicia and we did buoy loop. 
My swims are going to be here and there since I'm packing my house the next 2 weeks!  I'll swim when I can.  Hopefully this won't interfere too much with my training.

One mile today

18Jul11

Very good swim today.  I got up at 0430 and was heading to Pineview at 0500.  I sat there a few minutes waiting until the sun was up enough to at least see the buoys.  I headed out once they were slightly visible and did the buoy route.  After starting the 2nd loop, I noticed Kim was coming up behind me.  I swam back to her and she and I did the 2nd loop together.  She had to go after her first mile so I was solo for another 2 loops.  Coming back in and debating whether to do one more loop or 2, I noticed my friend Lisa getting ready to get in.  I asked her where she was going and she said she was doing the dam route.  Perfect!  This will be almost another 2 miles added on and with a friend.  We swam to the dam then back again.  When I was done, I looked at my GPS and it read 5.76 miles.  I was very happy with this.  Good swim today and I felt very comfortable and strong after getting warmed up for 1.5 miles.  It does annoy me how long it takes me to get warmed up sometime.  Once I get going though, I truly feel like I can hold that pace forever (given that I have food and water with me).
Total today was 5.76 miles AND this puts me at EXACTLY 200 miles of total training since I started keeping track this year!!!!!!!!!!!!

15Jul11

Met with Alicia this morning to do a short mile at Pineview.  It was a nice day on the lake and we made sure we did an little extra to get an honest mile in.

One mile total

14Jul11

Did not get up this morning for a swim.  I decided to join Josh with some of his friends at Bountiful Lake this afternoon.  I got there right when they were getting ready to start.  It was a nice group of about 8 people and we did a casual lap around the lake.  After one lap, I wanted to do another and Josh joined me.  Near the far west end, for about 200 yards, there was a definite "difference' in the water.  I'm 95% sure it was human waste or something waste because the smell and.....well I'm just sure it was!
I cut in short and swam heads up for awhile till the water got better.  Josh and I chatted some more and we finished our 2nd mile together.  It was nice swimming with a friend but I don't think I"m going to swim in that lake ever again.  Maybe for some cold water training in the winter but that is closer to the boat ramp.  Nothing going around the lake will happen again for sure!

Distance = 2 miles.

13Jul11

Up early and met Kim at my house to go to Pineview.  Very calm day on the lake and we had a nice swim.  My shoulders took longer than normal to warm up then when they did, I seemed to be low on energy.  I think I need to get up earlier and eat more than just a granola bar before these swims.

Total distance was 1.75 miles.

12Jul11

Back to Pineview!  Got up early and was at the lake by 0630.  I didn't want to or feel like doing anything spectacular today so I just did the buoy loop with a bit extra.  I'm getting the pictures of my weekend put on a disk and should have them posted by tonight.

Distance today was 1 mile.   Woopie!!!

9Jul11

OK, here we go.  Today was a day of severe ups and downs.
Got up at 0530 and my father in law and we were out the door soon.  Got to the race start with plenty of time to spare and set up.  I met up with my dad's friend George and he chatted with me a bit then marked my numbers on me. 
Nature called and I went to the port-a-johns only to be told they had no toilet paper in them.  What???  I had to walk to the hotel down the street to find a bathroom.  Got back and found Suzie and handed over what I wanted her to carry for me.  When the safety briefing was over, the start was going to be in 7 minutes.  I hurried out of my clothes and greased up.  Was completely ready with 2 minutes to go.  I chatted with the guy next to me and I noticed something amazing and quite hysterical.  The swimmers had segregated themselves.  All the swimmer to my left were in wetsuits and all the skin swimmers were on the right with me.  Someone else noticed this and yelled. "Yeah, this is where the REAL swimmers are!"  I couldn't help but laugh with the other non wetsuit swimmers. 
Countdown from 10 then we were off.  I ran in quickly and tried to get acclimated as soon as I could.  I was able to adjust to the 60 degree water faster than normal and by the time I was even 1/3 heading out of the cove, my breathing had elongated and my body felt completely fine.  This was a very good sign.  As soon as I cleared the cove, Suzie was at my side.  It was good seeing her there and I knew that the work we put in yesterday was going to pay off.  She stayed right where I wanted her to and did a fantastic job of paddling on the way to the Rock.  She was good on the signals too directing me to move in a particular direction or to come closer to her.  All messages to me were under 5 seconds and very concise.  No please, thank you, or manners, just straight info...just the way it should be!

We made a perfect line to Alcatraz and I stopped bilateral breathing and just took air on my left so I could keep looking at the island.  It was amazing.  I had such a great time looking at the prison and island that I found myself elongating my strokes more than needed so I could take a longer breath to look at the island more.  Halfway around we stopped for gel and a drink.  Suzie never touched me as we exchanged items.  I always try to observe the English Channel rules of swimming by never touching anything or anyone and vice versa.  It's just the way I feel and other serious swimmers are the same way. 

After my stop, I passed a full body rubber on the outside.  He had "I'm a triathlete" written all over him!  As soon as I passed this guy I thought, "I bet this rubber tries to draft off me."  I was right.  Not even 10 seconds after I had cleared him, he was directly behind me.  This pissed me off something fierce.  I popped my head up and yelled, "Oh F**k no!  This guy is NOT going to get a free ride off me."  This made Suzie laugh.  I made a very sharp sudden turn and sprinted for about 150 yards.  I turned around and he was way behind me.  Grrrrrrrrrrr.
When we were rounding the last part of the island before we could see San Francisco again, Suzie told me that the water is going to be going crazy so be ready.  She could not be more correct.  The way the island is with the cross currents, water comes in from all directions and goes everywhere.  It was EXTREMELY choppy and I found myself in what I can only describe as a whirlpool.  I was getting pulled to the left, then forward, then backwards, then to the right, repeat.  All this with the waves coming in from several different directions and at a 3-5 foot difference.  One stroke I would not be able to clear my arm or even my shoulder and the next stroke, there was no water there and I would drop a few feet.  It was REALLY fun!!!  I had this huge smile on my face and kept Suzie at ease from worrying about me by yelling, "WEEEEEE" every once and awhile.  I meant it too.

Now the adventure began!  I stayed close to the island to the point where we told previously to start heading in.  We did just that but the ebb tide had picked up quite a bit and had gone up to at least 2.+.  Suzie and I didn't realize how strong it was going until we had cleared the island.  We adjusted our direction and I started going at an angle to head back to the cove opening.  It was not enough.  I saw several people being pushed way off course and some even were getting yanked out or just flat out quitting.  A boat came by us and told me to get on back so he could move me.  I asked if he could just ignore me and he said he would.  Suzie and I talked for a few seconds and we decided that I really needed to push myself all out for several minutes to overcome the current and wind that were pushing us more and more away from the cove entrence.  I got in a strong rythem and pushed myself to just below my "redline" and held it there.  I was making good progress but I knew that this was going to add some serious time and distance to my swim.  I don't care!  I am there to finish on my own and my paddler and I are experienced enough and determined enough to do what it takes to finish.  We both acknowledged this even though no words were said. 
I was making some good progress when another larger boat came up and pulled next to me.  He did not ask, he DEMANDED that I get in the boat so he could reposition me. Suzie knew who this guy was and told him I'm fine, she is with me and I'm making progress.  He got mad and started yelling at us!  He starts yelling at her for being so irresponsible for letting me get this far out.  WTF?  She can't control the wind and ebb tide!  We just deal with it and we WERE!  I go to start moving a bit and this jackass pulls the boat directly in front of me!  He starts yelling at us again and demanding even more that I get in.  I was pissed now and know this guy was not going to let me move.  I yelled at him, "Hey, there is no reason to talk to her like that.  I'm getting in the boat so SHUT IT!"  I swam up to the boat and he lowered a ladder down.  I hesitated grabbing it because I knew what was going to happen.  As soon as I touched the ladder, my heart sank and I felt like I had just been forced to quit.  I felt like a quitter and there was not a damn thing I could do about it. 
It gets better!  There were 4 other people on the boat.  Jackass just SITS THERE!!!  He didn't go for more swimmers and I'm just sitting there getting angrier by the second.  Finally after several minutes, I ask (in the "nicest" tone I could muster at that moment), "Are we going to move??"  I'm cold at this point and then he takes off to "reposition" us.  Now the wind is blowing on me making me even more cold.  Jackass does not go parallel to the shorline, he angles IN to the cove shorline which will make our swim shorter.  I'm now EXTREMELY pissed off and I'm actually biting my lip so I don't scream my head off at this guy.  The cherry on top was when he finally stops, he YELLS at us, "You all better stay together, it's safer that way."  F-You man!  This is a RACE, not a swim, I'm not grouping with anyone.  I jumped back in and just as I expected, I was cold and the water felt cold.  I then started swimming and my shoulders and arms had gone stiff.  My anger meter was on 10 and I could actually feel heat being regenerated inside of me because of how pissed I was.  I took off like a bat out of hell.  I found my redline and stayed at it not caring about anyone or anything.  I entered the cove and swam even harder.  I was cold, my arms were stiff, and I had lost my paddler.  All of this AFTER, I was forced to get out even though there was no logical reason for me to be forced out.  I went all out to the finish swearing constantly in my head.  I cleared the beach and the race organizer Pedro gave me my medal and asked how the swim was.  I did not look at him or say one word to him.  I did look at George and thank him for being there.  Suzie could tell I was mad and came over to talk to me.  We discussed what had happened and she was also "less than happy" that we were cut off and talked to the way we were.  There was NO logical reason why I had to be "repositioned" even though I was in no danger and was making progress.  I was also the ONLY one there with my own paddler!  Yeah, I'm in REAL danger.
I was told that I was the third skin swimmer to finish and my time was 1:55.  I wanted to break 2 hours and I did, but not on my own.

The good things were that Suzie did an AMAZING job paddling for me and being exactly what I needed from her to be for that swim.  I always felt safe, strong, and confident with her there.  Suzie, you can be my wingman anyday!  The island was also great to look at.  I had more fun than can be described looking at it that close and all the way around.
The bad things were that this race was POORLY planned.  No TP in the port-a-johns.  No waver signing for the paddlers.  No coordination of paddlers on the other side of the island.  No real communication for people that were doing fine.  Forcing people to move when they did not need to.  Then shortening the swim instead of repositioning them just so you can get done faster. 
I keep focusing on the positives and I will probably be back to swim in the Bay again but I promise this forever, I WILL NEVER DO ANOTHER SWIM EVENT THAT SWIMWORLD HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH EVER AGAIN!!!  I will never recommend them to anyone and I will never forget that this "race" cost me $250 and was not even close to worth it for what I got out of it.  Even the food at the end was pathetic.  
Ok, back to happy thoughts.  After my swim, I cleaned up then spent the day going all over San Francisco sight seeing and doing all of the tourist stuff with my father in law. 
Suzie took a lot of pictures but they need to be developed then scanned before posting here.  Going to bed now and have to be rested for the long drive home tomorrow.
Thank you all who posted positive messages for me.  It did mean a lot.  Please check out the link for ALS awareness  I have on top of this blog.
Thanks again.

8Jul11

Got up at 0445 this morning and headed to San Francisco with my father in law.  The drive out was nice and there was very little traffic until we got near the coast in CA.  That was to be expected.  Met up with my paddler Suzie Dods at 1730 at the Dolphin Swim Club.  The club is REAL old school and has pictures, trophies, and everything swimming related for over 100 years.  I walked around in awe and even enjoyed the fact that there are people that have been swimming and hanging out there sharing swims and swim stories for over 50 years.  The building just had a feeling to it that can't be described.  I went out to the cove with Suzie and we talked about the swim some.  She paddled next to me and we practiced hand signals and hydration exchanges.  She and I also worked on her placement to me when I'm swimming.  Everything is going to work out well. 
We then went and picked up my swim packet then headed out for Italian dinner.  The food was really good but the portion was not as generous.  I left a little hungry still.  The best part by far was the conversation.  We mainly talked about family and places we have traveled or swam. 
Went over the final directions for the morning and now I'm off to bed.  Haven't decided yet if I'm going to swim at my best effort or take my time to enjoy this once and a lifetime swim.  I'll see how I feel in the morning.
.5 miles swam today.

7Jul11

Did not get up early to swim today.  I had decided to get one more short swim in the GSL before staying with my father in law before our trip to San Fran.  I drove to the marina around 1800 and there was a nice big dark cloud that started right over the marina all the way into the mountains.  Bad sign #1.
The wind was making every flag stand straight out.  Bad sign #2.  There is a flagpole at the very end of the marina that I've never seen any flag on before.  There was one today that was all red except for a black square in the middle.  I looked it up and it means "bad storm incoming".  Bad sign #3.  I tried to talk myself into just staying in the marina and MAYBE if I go out, I'll go with the current, etc etc.  A very clear impression went through my mind and body, "Don't be an idiot!!!"  I started the car and drove away.
Tomorrow I'll be in S.F. and alive to do a short warmup swim with Suzie.  :)

6Jul11

Got up early and was at the lake at 0615.  I was solo but forced myself to go considering I missed yesterday because there was NO way I was getting up early considering the hour I went to bed after the 4th.
I did the buoy loop 2 times and added more in to make sure I went over 2 miles.
On my first lap, I ran into 2 rubbers that were not only wearing full body suits, they also both had thermal caps on!!  Are you freaking kidding me.  One guy then proceeds to LECTURE me about how I should be in a wetsuit because at water temperatures "this cold" I am "going to crap then be in trouble"....  I just politely waved and told him to have a nice day and swam off before he could rant more.  This was just a snippet of the rants of this clown.  In my head I was saying things that were less than cordial.  It's 73 in Pineview.  73!!!  That's freaking hot water as far as I'm concerned.  Don't know why but that guy really pissed me off.  Glad I didn't say anything but don't lecture me on something like that.  I just remembered, "A fool looks like everyone else until he opens his mouth". 
Did 2 miles.  Going for a short swim in the GSL tomorrow before driving to San Francisco.  I'm getting VERY excited about Saturday. 

4Jul11

Happy 235th Birthday America!  I celebrated with some friends early this morning by going for a "freedom swim".  OK, it was just a swim but on the 4th, you can do anything and tag "freedom" in front of it.
I met Gords, Kim, Alicia with her dad (to kayak), and Lisa (who I know from the gym) at Pineview at 0730.  We all stayed relatively together and did the buoy route first because it was all Lisa wanted to do.  Once we finished the first loop, Lisa needed to head out but the rest of us stayed in.  We all decided to head straight for the middle buoy then make a straight line for the dam.  This was a nice open area and the whole thing is a no wake zone so boat traffic is minimum and very slow at best.  Very little danger.  I started feeling good soon after I started to head to the dam and dare I say, DARE I SAY, I was keeping up with Gords!  I was told by my paddler for this weekend Suzie Dods that I'll have to push it at certain parts during my Alcatraz swim.  I made myself do just that.  I made good solid pulls and limited my breathing the best I could.  My lungs were not very happy at times and I got that "you're a fatty" cramp under my right rib but I pushed through it anyway.  It felt good to be in such a strong pulling stride.  I got to the buoys blocking the dam right with Gords and we waited for Kim and Alicia to come to us.  We rested a minute and got some fluids then decided to head back the same way.  About halfway we regrouped again to decide to head with the shoreline back to the beach or farther out to the buoy where we started.  We all wanted more so we unanimously voted for the longer route.  This made me happy!  Once at the buoys we followed them all the way in instead of heading straight toward beach.
I know it was the longest swim of the year so far for Kim and Alicia and I'm glad they did it.  It was REALLY nice having my friends out there with me today swimming.  I'm trying to convince Kim to do the Deer Creek 10k event.  I think she's seriously considering it.  I could tell she was having a really good time despite it being a longer swim than her norm.
Alicia's dad did a nice job of staying with us and getting us what we needed when we needed it.
All in all, it was a PERFECT day on the lake and the swim was more fun than can be described with words.  Thanks all that came out and more of these get togethers will be done soon!

Distance was about 3.5 miles

2Jun11

Went out last night about 2145 and headed to Pineview.  By the time I got there, it was completely dark and only the stars could be seen.  I headed down to the beach and sure enough, not one buoy could be seen!  Some boats were visible in the distance because of their lights but that was about it.  I got in and swam away from shore but the beach quickly disappeared.  I decided to swim 25 strokes then look up (repeat).  This was a genius idea because after my 4th rotation, I stopped about 2 yards from a boat!  This was a pretty good sized boat and the background swimming to it kept it camo'd.   Not ONE light was on and this kind of pissed me off.  Not only did I nearly run into a boat in the middle of the lake, what is to keep another boat from plowing into him later?  I was VERY tempted to swim up and bang on the side awhile but decided to head back instead.
Luck was on my side and even though I knew relatively where the shore was, a couple came there and started to have a late night picnic.  I could see the lights from their phones and it guided me in.
I got a lot of questions answered from the swim and will be giving a definite date soon on when the first group night swim will be.

Swam .5 total.

1Jul11

Met up with Kim at 0600 this morning and we drove to Pineview.  Just a simple one mile loop then we added a bit more to make sure we went over a mile.  It was a beautiful morning and the lake was perfect.  When we arrived the parking lot was full and the beach area was full of clothes and items from all the people in the lake swimming already.  I was impressed to see how many people were already in the water.  I was not impressed to see that EVERY one of them was wearing a wetsuit and only swam about 1/4 of a mile before calling it quits!
I've decided that I'm going to start calling people that wear full body wetsuits for every swim no matter how short the swim or how warm the water is "Rubbers".  It seems odd to me that the swim for some was shorter than the time it took to put the wetsuit on anyway.  So that's it, I'm calling them Rubbers from now on.
I even told Kim about Gords theory that Ironman swims should be 6 miles to make it a true endurance race and she agreed.
anyhow, 1.2 miles today.
P.S.  I did bring 2 GPS items with me and sure enough, the one GPS unit on my phone is not as accurate as a high tech one that I also had with me.  It was slightly off and short of the distance the watch showed.    I'm going to keep using the GPS on my phone but I know now that it isn't completely accurate and the time averages aren't correct either.  Oh well.  Better something than nothing.