I placed myself at the back in the middle right beside Laura. Standing next to her relaxed me even more. Just like in Kona, the day started with Bono telling me 'Its a Beautiful Day' and I couldn't help but smile. The water was warm, calm, clear and soothing. It wasn't heavenly in the way Kailua Bay is, but it was heavenly in its own unique way and I was loving it.

I tried to pick up a draft right away, but everyone I jumped on seemed to be my pace or slower. I checked my HR a couple times to make sure I wasn't going too hard - nope, hardly breathing. So I kept swimming on my own hoping to find some feet a touch faster to pull me. It took about 600 meters before I finally picked up a steady pair feet. Soon I had two pair of feet right in front so I got just in between and enjoyed the tow. I don't think I sighted even once in that first stretch.

I lost my draft team at the first turn. At the second turn I saw one of the divers below and couldn't resist waving. Right out of the turn I picked up a steady draft, but lost him in a little kufuffle with a crazy zig-zagger and ended up swimming the last 500 meters draft-free.

Up on the beach I was thrilled to see a time of 1:30:26 and my HR at 128 bpm - lower than Kona. I had no time goals for the swim going into the race, but thought I'd probably be around 1:40. I was most happy with my swim, and ran through transition with a big ole smile planted on my face. Time to start singing!