Pensacola Bridge 10K Race Report

Since the race was a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to jot down some notes before my thoughts were totally forgotten.  What can I say, I SUCK at blogging!!

I went into this race scared shitless.  I had no idea what I was getting into.  I got the best advice from a dear friend that went a little like this...'...100 mile bike ride doesn't scare you, 20 mile run doesn't scare you...not big deal...you need to be scared again...just a little.  It's so awesome to do the things that scare us - that's how we grow.  You are right where you're meant to be...'

With that in my head and some words of wisdom from coach, I went into the swim with my brain turned off.  I just knew I was going to be out there a LONG time!  I had my husband and niece were in a kayak right next to me for fuel/navigation.  Not having to sight would be a huge help for me.  Our plan was to stop every 45 min to re-fuel. Gatorade, water, Gu's, Powerbar Cola Blasts were on the 'buffet' line.  :)  Yes, we could hang off the side of the kayak while re-fueling.

The swim is along the 3 mile bridge...the 10k is an out and back.  The 10k starts in Gulf Breeze and turns around in Pensacola proper.  (the 5k starts in Pensacola proper and ends at Gulf Breeze)

The lower left is the start/finish.   Past the marina. Note the hump at the 'not so 1/2way' mark.

The way out was fine, NBD really.  We had to deal with a bit of wind, but I knew the way back would be way worse!  I hit the turn around @ ~ 2 hours which is where I wanted to be.

The way back was NOT as easy as the way out.  We had the wind from the SW and the tide was coming in (west -> east).  So the kayak was having a bit of trouble navigating while I was having trouble swimming!  Conditions were rough.  I had to shorten my stroke in order to keep moving forward.  My right shoulder was started to hurt.  Each 45' I just wanted something sweet to eat/drink as I was drinking so much salt water!

The 3 hour mark was my lowest point.  The major challenge of this event is not swimming itself, but the mental aspect of it.  It seems like FOREVER!  Not only was I getting frustrated with the conditions, I swam right over a jelly!  Ouch!  I was really hoping I was bleeding or getting swollen so I could quit.  Yup!  I've never thought like that before...quitting.  After assessing the 'damage' with my crew, I had no real reason to give up.  It took a couple of minutes for some calories to kick in and I was ready to go.  (I've never felt the high/low of calories in a swim before...crazy)  There were several participants who had already quit and I didn't want to be one of them.  Last place or not, I was going to finish.

My parents came out and met me @ ~ 1/2 mile to finish mark.  It def helps having someone out there with you.  Makes it seem like you are not alone, this bay is REALLY big.  We are so small...scary small.  I needed all the mental help I could get.  My family led me in, what a feeling it was to cross that finish line!  I did it!  It took me a bit longer than I had wanted but with those conditions I was pleased!  There were 2 girls who finished right behind me and it was so nice to meet and chat with them. 

Key points to remember for next time (yes, there will be another :)

• 45' interval fuel breaks it up quite nice
• turn off your brain...just know you'll be out there for a while!
• have a crew to help navigate
• there will be highs and there will be lows...AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...
• have a strawberry daiquiri on hand for the finish...something sweet to get the salt out of your mouth!

What a cool thing to have accomplished!  I am so thankful for my family for being out there with me!!  Until next time...

Post race yummy!  Cheers!