SWIM - We got into the water at approx. 6:50am. Unlike most every other triathlon, the IronMan starts as a mass, deep-water start. What that means is we all get out into the water and when the cannon goes off, we all start at once.
With more than 2,500 of us in the water, when the cannon went off, to say it was crowded would be an understatement. But overall the swim went pretty well. A couple times as I was swimming, when I breathed to the side I could see the convention center with all of the people and all I could think was: "Wow...it's finally here, we're finally doing it!"
By the time we we were about half-way through the first of two loops the "crowd" had begun to spread out somewhat. As I rounded the first lap I was able to take a quick look at my watch and saw I was at approx. 38 minutes; a little ahead of where I thought I'd be. I knew with all those swimmers I'd end up swimming a little more than the 2.4 miles just from trying to stay clear of people and not being able to hug the inside of the buoys. Aside from some kicks and elbows and one instance of being swam over and inhaling a mouth/lung full of water, I made it through the rest of the swim pretty well. It was great to see the volunteer at the edge of the lake extend his arm to help me out.
Swim Time: 1:17:58 - well ahead of where I thought I might finish. I was a happy camper.
After getting out of the water we came up a row of volunteers and one looked at me and said: "Lay down!" I don't know if they find volunteers with super-human strength for this particular assignment, but as soon as I did, she proceeded to strip me of my wetsuit with one big pull. I checked to make sure my little swim briefs were still on me and I grabbed my wetsuit and ran back up the "helix" (which was lined with people 3-deep) and into Monona Terrace to get my bike bag and change. I have to say the volunteers were amazing and once inside, a volunteer come over and asked what he could do for me. He emptied my bag and laid all of my things out for me as I changed into my bike gear. Not sure who you were...but THANK YOU!!! I got in and out about as quickly as I could.
Transition 1 Time: 11:35 - not bad, about what I thought it would take.
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