Bridge Run & OW Swim with Team Psych

I got an email a few days ago from a local triathlon team, Team Psych, about an open water swim they were hosting at Clearwater Beach. I’ve gone to a few Team Psych events in the past and they are a super fun group. I invited a co-worker, who is also triathlon training, to join me.

The swim started at 8am at the beach in front Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.

I still had a long run to get in this week so I got to the beach an hour early to get a 6 mile run in.

I ran along the beach and over the Sand Key Bridge, exactly 3 miles out and made my way back. The sunrise from the bridge was incredible. I always love a change in scenery for longer runs. It takes away the familiarity with the route and allows me to just check out and enjoy it.

My pace has been all over the place lately but I was able to get my planned 6 miles in in just over an hour. It was pretty stinkin’ hot but I kept a steady 11:15-11:30 pace for the whole run. Perfect timing to get back for the swim.

As soon as I got back people were starting to arrive for the swim and I found Britt, my onsie-twinsie! This photo absolutely cracks me up.

Can you tell the sun was in our eyes?

We started out with an entry drill where we were taught to run in to the water avoiding dragging our legs and then the “dolphin dive”. Honestly, I had no idea that the dolphin dive was even a thing. That’s why I love going to group trainings. I learn so much about the sport.

Nicole from Team Psych set up a 1/4 mile loop swim course along the shore line with a couple buoys. It was so nice to have buoys to spot during a training swim! The water was flat as could be with almost no current. Absolutely perfect.

I swam 3 quarter mile loops. Each took me between 12-13 minutes. After I finished my final loop Nicole gave me a few pointers to help pick up the pace in the water. Apparently, I palm the water instead of cutting through it blade-like. I so appreciate her telling me that. It’s these little tips that stick with you on race day.