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<p>This was a 5k open-water swim through the Hiland Chain of Lakes (through 5 lakes) near Hell, MI, finishing at Moon Lake. I received some good help on Sat from a new friend about breathing and all I wanted out of this race is to practice the easy breathing in a race condition. Just like tri races, there were some pushing kicking at the beginning where we swam around three buoys, but after that was wide open, pretty straight way to the Moon. Based on my only other 5K swim back in 2004 in Detroit river (some sections against current), 2:20 something (wetsuits), I was fully prepared for 2hrs+ swim. I drafted off some feet (loved them!) time to time and swam very easy and comfortably. When I looked my watch once, it said 1;07 something and I thought at least half way done. My back started getting sore and did some cat stretch here and there. Then before I knew it, I saw some crowd at the beach. Am I done already? Then saw an finish arch. Wow, I am done. Then started sprinting. Boy, it felt great to have plenty of energy left to kick it at the end. Without any puky, icky feeling, I could eat post-race foods and chat away with the teammates for another few hours waiting for the awards and cheered other swimmers. 1:41:52, 7th out of 11 in my AG. I know I could swim at least 5sec/100 faster for the whole distance but I stuck with my goal for this race and very happy about how it went.</p>
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<p>My next goal is learn how to swim faster (as I know how) while maintaining a nice and easy breathing. Sacrifing a few minutes or even several minutes on the swim, if that would allow me to ride and run harder w/o dealing with the puky issue, it is definately worth it. Got to persuade my ego to suck it up, though. </p>
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<p>My next goal is learn how to swim faster (as I know how) while maintaining a nice and easy breathing. Sacrifing a few minutes or even several minutes on the swim, if that would allow me to ride and run harder w/o dealing with the puky issue, it is definately worth it. Got to persuade my ego to suck it up, though. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=14312899&id=861725135&ref=fbx_album&fbid=10150232169450136" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=14312899&id=861725135&ref=fbx_album&fbid=10150232169450136</a></p>