670 contestants participated in today's Big Shoulders 2.5K and 5k Open Water Long Distance Swim Classic in Lake Michigan. Water temperature was a balmy 72 degrees. Sunny skies produced air temperatures in the mid-seventies.
As usual, Chicago Masters did a super job of organizing this event. Results were available very promptly at the conclusion - love that electronic timing! If past performance is any guide, they'll be posting the results for your viewing pleasure at www.bigshoulders.org in a very timely fashion.
This is a challenging and fun event and worth of consideration by any serious OW swimmer even when it isn't the national championship.
Thank you Chicago Masters for a job well done!
the day was beautiful! sunny skies, cool water, very little wind! this was my first time doing the 5k and it was a blast! I can't wait to do this race again next year***
re: the mosquitos, we had such a wet August that the mosquitos have been out of control vicious lately. I came armed with Off and I still got bit, dangit!
***However: next year, as part of my training, I will pack icepacks around my feet for 20 minutes, then practice jumping up and sprinting across my lawn. Though the water didn't feel too cold, it was chilly enough and enough of my blood/oxygen was being diverted elsewhere that my feet went numb by the end of the 5k. As Kirk said, the worst part of the race was the 50m run up on the sand. At about the 25m point, my frozen feet refused to comply with the forward motion of my upper body. WHAM! I hydroplaned on the sand. One of my finer sports moments! :D
the day was beautiful! sunny skies, cool water, very little wind! this was my first time doing the 5k and it was a blast! I can't wait to do this race again next year***
re: the mosquitos, we had such a wet August that the mosquitos have been out of control vicious lately. I came armed with Off and I still got bit, dangit!
***However: next year, as part of my training, I will pack icepacks around my feet for 20 minutes, then practice jumping up and sprinting across my lawn. Though the water didn't feel too cold, it was chilly enough and enough of my blood/oxygen was being diverted elsewhere that my feet went numb by the end of the 5k. As Kirk said, the worst part of the race was the 50m run up on the sand. At about the 25m point, my frozen feet refused to comply with the forward motion of my upper body. WHAM! I hydroplaned on the sand. One of my finer sports moments! :D
