IMLOU Part II: The swim

IMLOU swim start

Our team arrived in line at about 0500 to lay claim to a starting position.  In case you're not aware, IMLOU has the only time trial start format for the swim in Ironman.  It is different from a mass-wave start in that athletes jump into the water one at a time.  The only problem is getting a decent starting position usually means getting up extremely early.  Quite honestly, there was no tactical advantage by getting in line early as there was still plenty of time to complete the event.

Headed to the swim start

Can I wear my wetsuit at IMLOU?

We were about 1/2 mile away from the swim start area.  The event started at 0700, and I was in the water at about 0725.  The volunteers did an excellent job of dividing the athletes into two lines and reminding us to put on our goggles.  I jumped in the water and was greeted by tepid water temperatures and low visibility.  In fact, I literally couldn't see my hand as I reached during my swim stroke.  I had planned to draft on some other athletes, but that idea was out the window!

We certainly weren't swimming in Kershaw Park in Canandaigua, NY anymore!

The swim was going well but I never licked the inside of my goggles and began to fog up after about 20 minutes.  I veered off course and a volunteer paddled over to me to get me pointed in the right direction.  I took a moment to lick the goggles and I was all set.

There was the typical "Ironman Swim Course" contact at the turn buoy, but it seemed as though people took care not to be too violent - there was no need for it.

The course turned out into the river and began to go with the current.  I swam WAY to the outside near the middle of the river to take advantage of the current.  In hindsight, I don't think that was much of a tactical advantage either.

We made our way under several bridges and finally came to the swim finish.  There were teams of volunteers yelling instructions and helping athletes get to their feet.  It reminded me of the beach landing scene in "Saving Private Ryan".  Thankfully, we were not under enemy fire.

I jogged up to transition and saw my group cheering me on.  I stopped to rinse out my mouth and slap some high fives.  What a great encouragement!

I couldn't wait to get on the bike and put a smack-down on the IMLOU bike course.  I had a Zipp 900 clincher disc and Zipp 808 front to help me out, and was sure that my aero helmet was going to be a huge advantage.



Look out bike course!  Here I come!

About 56 miles later, I would start to re-evaluate my plan and go into cruise mode...but more on that next time!