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Days 2 & 3

Yesterday was the Gatorade Practice Swim #1. The wind was pretty wild at Tempe Lake and lots of chop. Surprisingly, the wind managed to kick up some current as well. Water was chilly as well, but not a long-johns swim like the SORT this past summer. I was out there for about 20 minutes, freaking out as usual in those conditions. The water was rougher under the bridges, which was a surprise to me. Swimming back to the shore, the water was in your face or over your head. Pick which way to turn your head, it sucks either way. Wind-induced current pulls you back towards the start. Gatorade has bleacher style steps out of the water but you cannot see the first steps. It is a grab the rail and pull yourself out situation. Mike taped my swim-technique was poor; arm entry position looked a bit flat.

Last night was the Banquet. Some guy who has had 2 heart attacks and is only 38 years old got an award for community challenge. Some guy lost 88 pounds training for Ironman. They gave him a year supply of cookies (gee, thanks for that). He swam in the 1988 Olympics. I'm curious to see his swim time. He was 304 when he started training.

Today was Gatorade Practice Swim #2. It was not nearly as rough as yesterday. I quickly went out and swam about 100 yards, just past the start bridge over Mill street. Today is minus the current and chop. SWEET! Got the goggle straps adjusted and trimmed up. Relaxed and swam with form. Hoping for a repeat tomorrow. This could be a very nice swim. Hoping for a wind free day!

Turned the bike in with the brakes working again....I have more on the bike than I would like, but nothing I want to take off of it. Sweet place on the rack-row forty-one on the path end! Bike should not get too banged up there, and will be right there to grab for the trip out. Tonight the special needs bags get packed and then it is just time to get the show on the road!

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