Jordan Lake Open Water Challenge

This weekend was the Jordan Lake 1 mi open water challenge. There were 150 swimmers and as usual, FS Series put on a very efficient and well-organized race. The race stared at 7:30 and we swam, got awards, ate Jimmy Johns sandwiches, and got home in time for third breakfast.

Keith, Kevin, and I after the race

Because of the large number of swimmers, they split us into 2 waves - the guys started in the 1st wave, and the ladies started 4 min later (and they subtracted 4 min from our clock time). This is something that I have grumbled about in the past because, in theory, it puts the fast ladies at a disadvantage. With the waves being only a few minutes apart, the faster ladies will inevitably pass a lot of the guys and waste time and energy going around them.

However, I have decided that I like the 2 wave system. It carries certain advantages for a sneaky, directionally challenged gal such as myself:

1) We get to learn from the fellas mistakes - In this case, the guys lined up in front of the second turn buoy, which put them in a disadvantageous position. Of course, girls are usually just a little bit smarter than boys are. I joined a group of ladies lined up in front on the first turn buoy, which gave us a more direct route.

2) It makes for an easier start - I usually waste a lot of energy at the start, trying to vie for position with sprinter dudes, who usually slow down within a few hundred yards. Because these sprinter dudes are big and strong, they can be hard to pass. In a ladies only heat, it is easier to establish a good position early on.

3) It's easy to keep track of where you place among the ladies - with full body suits, mandatory caps, and ubiquitous buff bods, we can easily morph into agendered blobs in an open water race. When the waves are divided by sexes, keeping track of who's who becomes much easier.

4) There are always plenty of people in front to help with sighting - my name is Kim and I am directionally challenged. I have no problem admitting that without my GPS, I would be constantly lost, chronically late for my therapy appointments, and would have been fired from my job long ago. Unfortunately, my Garmin is not water proof and is no help to me during open water swims. When half the field gets a head start, however, that does help. There are always people in front to show you which way to go.

5) You're racing against the clock - Since the guys have a 4 minute head start, to beat them you have to beat the clock, not them directly. If you come in 3 min behind the 1st guy, you still beat him by 1 min. You can see where the guys are but they can't see you. Certainly, there are guys who would pick up their game if they saw you chasing after them. But the benefit of this system is that they can't see! We can sneak up on them.


So, being split into 2 waves really is not so bad. It often works to my advantage and did in this case. I ended up getting first overall, after battling it out with a fast lady who finished only 4 sec behind me. In fact, in this race the first 4 finishers were ladies!

Way to go, girls!