Hovering in the middle of the pack on the start line,

just planning to swim it for fun, not a time.

And they’re off!

A rugby scrum of arms and legs.

Swimming water polo,

not daring to put my face in the melee.

Stalling into breaststroke occasionally,

swearing never to do this event again!

Until a space opens up, and another -

aiming for the clear water.

Able to stretch out now into my stroke,

weaving my way to freedom of movement.

Starting to overtake

instead of just holding my ground.

Vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom

flying down the river.

Water vibrating my goggle strap

in rhythm with my stroke.

Hunting down my prey one at a time:

acquire target, aim, fire!

This is fun - I am racing!

I want to do this again.

I will get poll position on the start line

to race it from start to finish next time!