17/07/2025
Challenge Roth Swim 🏊 - 1:09
Overall, I was happy with my swim. It was non-wetsuit, and they lifted the rope when I was halfway to it from the steps into the canal, which I estimate cost me around a minute. Luckily, non-wetsuit swims don’t faze me. It just means I have to swim more consciously—as I can get lazy in a wetsuit.
Once through the rope, we were properly off. Jesus Christ, I’m actually doing this. A few hundred metres in, I realised the seeding was spot on—everyone swimming around the same pace. After about 600m, I was free from flailing limbs and found a decent pair of feet.
At 800m, I felt some foot cramp coming on—not ideal. Trying to stretch while swimming is like dragging anchors. I slowed down enough for a few others to pass. But I shook it off and found rhythm up to the turnaround.
On the way back, I hugged the bank to avoid current. After 400m, I found another pair of feet to latch onto, pushing through to the bridge. Looking up at the bridge and transition, seeing crowds packed into it, and hearing that noise—it was something else.
Under the bridge, final turn, things got chaotic—proper washing machine. But nothing a wide stroke and a few flying arms couldn’t sort. Out of the water, grabbed my bag, into the tent—greeted by a helpful volunteer who basically dressed me. Why can’t all races have them?
