Steelman 3.1 Open Water Swim

My first Steelman swim, and I had to do the 3.1 mile??? What was I thinking? Well, I signed up day 1 and figured I would have plenty of training time, I didn't know then that I would be traveling 2 of the 3 weeks leading up to the race or that the other week would be spent drinking and eating with family as we remembered the life of a great man who passed suddenly at the age of 90. I didn't know that these three weeks would have me gain 8 pounds, 5 that I had just lost and then an extra 3 for the cushioning.

Being who I am, I could not skip the event, as many of my friends and family had suggested, no instead I figured I would go and just pace myself, hoping not to cramp.

I follow the rules for the most part. I try to help out if I can. Well, this time it bit me in the rear. WE all kept receiving email after email after email(I am not kidding, it was at least 2 email a day) about there not being enough parking. So I took Dale's advice and parked at the Marina and walked to the race start, 2+miles, it was hot and humid and I was all sweaty, but it was like a nice long warm-up.

Dale does such a great job with the Steelman events, I recommend to everyone that if you want to do a top notch race that is a ton of fun, you do not have to look further than our backyard and the races that Dale puts on. I cannot thank him enough for the excellent job he does. Thanks, Dale.

Ok the race. First things first, I saw a young girl who was swimming and was so impressed. Here she is:

I didn't get her name, I should have but I was hot and not in the mood to be nice to strangers.

Of course, we could not have had the race without the awesome volunteers, THANK YOU!!

And, since I didn't train nearly enough, I was sure glad to see these guys and gals.

And maybe next year, I will get a chance to train and end up here:

The race was awesome, I finished 4th in my age group, 1:31. I was pleased but wished I would of gone a little faster, no cramping and had a great time.

Keep on training.