New to OWS: Minimum speed to avoid embarrassement

This is not an embarassing time at all. I say go for the Big Shoulders in Chicago this September. If 5K seems to far, just do the 2.5K single loop. Enjoy the skyline!

:angel:Definitely Go For It!!!!!! It's better to be out there doing it; you're doing your best - you know yourself, and the day to day responsibilities that you have to meet- Stay in the present while doing the swim and enjoy the experience:)

I was in the "search for Monongy" race in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago. I did the 1.2 miles in 1:01. I WAS rather embarrassed. Not so much for the time, though. They gave me a 1st place blue ribbon for my age group. That was embarrassing. "You look pretty good for your age, but that's like saying your dog has pretty good breath for a canine."

around here you would definetely be upper 2/3 or better....go for it:applaud:

Hello, I am a 50 year old female former age group swimmer. I've really enjoyed swim training for my recently complete first half ironman tri and would love to do some 1-2 mile OWS events. If my 1.2 mile OWS time is ~40', will I be totally embarrassed in an event? I define totally embarrassed, as I'm still finishing while the organizers are ready to go home. Finishing in the bottom 1/3 is not a problem for me. This is about a fitness motivator and comraderie--not about winning :) Also, please recommend a good first time event in the midwest. Thanks! Your time is fine; you'll never get the slowest swimmer award! And you *might* surprise yourself and get recognition in your age cohort! I'm very impressed with the half Ironman. That's hard to prepare for and hard to complete. There are still swims in the Midwest that have not closed registration. Please let us know where you are located and how far you'd like to travel, or whatever combination of info would allow others to point out some swims. There are two OW swims on August 7, one in Michigan, one in downstate Illinois.

if you're faster than flotsam, no embarrassment

Thanks Everyone for your encouragement! What websites do you recommend for learning about events?

if you're faster than flotsam, no embarrassment I agree. Hi PMT! BTW I'm an adult onset swimmer. very middle of the pack. Your times are just fine. One of the things I love the most about the OW community is the lack of judgement about speed. There is no embarrassment. If you try your best, that's it. A

FMIF, Your story is similar to mine. I read about the racing posts re the 10k ows in IN.They were so inspiring I tried a 10k in the pool. Finished it, barely, and then signed up for the Big Shoulder 5k in Chicago when I got home. Reality has set in( I'm totally screwed!!!!) but I will show up and enjoy the day for whatever is in store for me.

ocassionally frustrated by my swim times but not inclined to quit... I was once told by a race volunteer 'he could have completed the swim at my speed'... seen him every year for six years - always the volunteer and never the swimmer!