Along with some random road/obstacle races, DCB has put on a series of open water races that have been going on all over the state, all year long. The well-advertised event had caught my eye and i thought id give the 4000m a shot. i thought " why not, i need the experience for Ironman". $57 later i was signed up and promised a nice commemorative prize for all finishers. Now for the fun part.
The 4000M didnt start until 10:00am so naturally i slept in and took my time. Bad idea. The race was held at saguaro Lake in outter Mesa. And being a mesa resident and a naturally late person i thought i could take my time and still be there intime to race. As the clock whipped around i realized that i really needed to get out there, but first i had to buy my dumb Tonto Pass ( a six dollar one day parking permit for the lake), some gas and a little pre race fuel. And due to it being the weekend, the road was backed up with all the boaters heading out for the day.
Finally i get to the lake, hop out the car, while tossing Kym my keys, and getting a good luck kiss. The clock reads 9:55. i frantically rush through check in, get my number and cap and then barrel down to the dock. All the while i hear the announcer yelling, all 4000m swimmers should be in the water. I stop and hurridly attempt to throw my wetsuit on, and in my attempt i tear a hole in the calf of my right leg. I have so much adrenalin rushing that im shaking and all my movements are forced.
The gun goes off and so do all the swimmers, i mutter a few profane words and look up to see an old man cracking up while staring at me. Meanwhile my legs are in my suit and i can run. I dash down the dock to see the Kowalski brothers standing there flagging me to come to them for help. As i throw my cap on and spit in my goggles, matt makes sure the legs of my suit are straight and mike zips me up in the back. With a quick slap on the but from them i hop in and take off. Only about a min or two behind the pack.
Luckily i quickly catch up to the pack and start to feel like im part of the race again. I shortly realize that i have no idea where im heading or where to turn. So i get in line, like a salmon, and follow the leader. After turning four big corners, we were back at the start. I look at my watch did the math and figured that i just swam 1000m, so only 3 more laps to go. The course was very well marked and there were tons of kayakers and support members on the course. Any time i veered of course just a little, i had a kayaker steering me the right direction.
The swim was smooth and i was satisfied with my time of 1hr 27mins. And even more satisfied that i was able to pee while still continuing to swim ( No time lost there!!!). After all was said and done i get out the the water head up the stairs and recieve this wonderful little treasure.
Besides the LAME prize at the end, I still give this race two thumbs up. The course was very well marked and the atmosphere was fun. And you can bet that next time it comes around, ill be doing it again. Ill just be ontime.
For more fun here you go .www.dcbadventures.com
