First Tri-Open Ocean Swim UGGH!
 

Okay, so I've been training like crazy, especially swimming (3 times a week) with my 1500 meter times hovering around 27 minutes. Not stellar, but I thought respectable. But this weekend in Ventura, CA at my first Ocean Swim I was wearing a spring wetsuit and the water was freezing. I hit the water my arms and legs went numb, and the water was so murky I couldn't see the swimmers directly to my right or left. I admit I freaked a bit. I stuck it out and swam most of the 1500 meters with my head out of the water, but I ended up throwing up on the run up the beach (off the course) after swallowing so much salt water. Lesson learned, I need way more open ocean training, but any hints would be greatly appreciated. The rest of the race went well, and once on the bike I did fine.

-Marcus.

I have done races that are so murky you cant see anything too, I just deal with it. Every 3-4times i go to breat, i breath straight forward to realign myself. You can always rely on the guy beside you, he/she may be way off course too.