I went to Key West for the Annual Swim Around the Island 12.5 mile event.
I pulled out just after mile 7 when I started to throw up. The salt water did not agree with my stomach and with my snacks (protein shakes work in fresh water but not much in the ocean...Lesson learned). I was also not comfortable near Sigsbee Island, not in a panic but not comfortable as shore was quite a distance away, committee boats out of sight and I had no where to go to get out in a hurry if I needed to (the volunteer in a kayak was great but no help for me at that point).My mind playing tricks on me, I tried to remain focused and carry on, but I failed, and made the decision to stop. Too bad as the shallow water and reefs were about one mile away.
Up to that point I had accomplished a personal best: the first few miles were in waves 3-5 feet high and I had to fight to keep my stroke normal. The buoyancy was insane and in the waves, my upper body went one way, and my legs the other way. It was tiring right from the start. Then north and around the western tip of the island to the marina, lots of ships at anchor (one of my phobias that I learned about in the Vancouver swim in 2007)...The conditions better going north, the waves died down a bit. Current a bit strong and pushed me back when I stopped to refuel. As expected, I shot through the Fleming Key bridge like a bullet, narrowly avoiding the pilons (we were warned about that).Then at Sigsbee island not much wave action but wind face on, the going slower but comfortable (the only time I was comfortable). At that point I thought I could reach the end of the swim.
I rounded the north of Sigsbee Island, reaching mile 7 plus, and made the decision to stop. Throwing up is a normal occurrence, especially in salt water and waves. I had by then my sun guard on as the mid day heat and sun were starting to take a toll on me. Water temp around high 80s. The end of the swim would have been the hardest, with the same wave action as at the start. I was advised that I needed to be mentally strong for the last few miles. Conditions not great, but they could have been worse, I am told.
I pulled out with no regrets as I had by then accomplished my best swim ever: hard conditions with little or no relief, 4.30 hours of rough swimming. I think I still had time to come in under the 8 hour time limit..but now will not know until I return to try again!! The committee boat had a beer waiting for me when I hauled myself up the ladder. I will have a few photos soon, but not many as we did not have time.