Half Ironman swim at seven months pregnant - the results

This past Saturday I competed in the Barb's Half Ironman as a relay swimmer. 1.2 miles in the warm Russian River in Guerneville, California. I've done this event a couple of times and had been swimming intermittently at the pool so I wasn't nervous until I attempted to zip up my triathlon wetsuit 10 minutes before the race began. I couldn't breath... and I looked like Shamu. I was suddenly very concerned that I was going to smash Little B (that's the baby) and requested the opinion of about five women - all said there was no damage I could inflict by a tight wetsuit. My husband's concern was that he didn't want me getting out of breath and drowning. Fair enough, I appreciated the concern, but with the river varying in depth from 2 1/2 feet to 6 feet,there being dozens of officials in boats and hundreds of fellow lady swimmers, I wasn't worried. Plus, I convinced him that I am the one carrying this baby, she and I are totally best buds now, and why would I ever put her in danger?! He had to agree! Off I went.

I usually start front and center for the swim, but this year I was one row back and off to the side so I didn't get the normal punch/drunk combo from a competitor. For the first race of my life I took it easy, did catch up stroke, breathed every three strokes, and even did some backstroke. At the turn around it was shallow and I walked/dolphined off the bottom for almost a 1/4 mile. That was more work than the actual swimming. It was a quick swim and I did relatively well, only adding 3 minutes to my time from last year. I ran up the finish chute, passed the timing chip to my mother-in-law and off she went on her bike. Good times! I was very proud of both myself and Little B for hanging in there on the swim. After the swim I went back to the hotel for a shower and consumed half a bag of Kettle Chip salt and vinegar chips. DELICIOUS!

And for all of you mom's considering racing while pregnant, I met another woman there who raced the whole Barb's Half Ironman last year while five months. She said it was fine and I got to meet her now eight month old baby girl, who was adorable and healthy.

Then to top of the weekend I went body surfing on Sunday and that was a bad idea. I decided to cut the session short when I got pummeled by a six footer and I somehow kicked myself in the back of the head. Talk about flexibility! Ouch. And I am wondering why I am so tired this week...