Managed to get back in the ocean yesterday. I have a 3 mile openwater swim
on sunday and was glad to get a run in the salt water after so much pool
time.
I had been doing consistent back to back 24-26 minute miles in the pool and
was pleasantly surprised to realize a 22 minute mile in the salt water (and
fairly bad navigation to boot).
Miles 2 and 3 were a little slower at 27 minutes each but I was going easy
the whole time and feeling very good. I was trying to gear myself to push
for a fourth mile, but punched a jelly and got two stings on my right
knuckle -- so I stopped at 3.5 miles.
Total water time (oh yeah, I forgot my cap in the car so I wasn't looking
forward to losing too much body heat) was about 1 hour 35 minutes in 67-69
degree waters and 4-6 foot swells.
Sunday, caps are mandatory (and supplied), so if our weather holds and
doesn't drop the water temp too much I should be fine for a good strong
swim.