Beach to Bridge Swim/Run



by Christopher Hussey  
   A swim, a Run, it sounds like fun. The 7th annual Swim/Run in West Harwich is a Donohoe Family tradition. Sister's, brother's, nephews, niece, father, mother, neighbors, they all do it. As for me, I made it a tradition as a spectator with my boys over the last number of years with the exception of 2000 (I relayed with swimmer niece).
      
        This years edition was my chance to try the combined event with no training or practice in the swim dept. Assuming I could struggle through the half mile distance. I was so wrong! From the shore, the turn-around buoy looked miles away and when the gun went off, the buoy definitely moved out another few miles. Well, after about two minutes of paddling (I would not call it swimming) I figured I would just enjoy the swim. It didn't work. I was not enjoying myself as the Jaws theme was  ringing in my head. Finally, some hope as the turn-around approached. I laughed as the girl in front of me touched and spun the buoy in the water as she headedback to the beach with her mother. She was about 9 or 10 years old and I never caught her again. I had about 200 swimmers in front of me and close to 20-25 behind me.   
     
         The return trip was really hard but beautiful with all the homes lining the shore on a clear, sunny day. At this point, Julie and the guys were worried that nearly everyone made it in with no sign of that foolish guy Chris. A couple pints of seawater later (yum), and rubbery limbs hanging from my body I was overjoyed to hit the sand. A quick stop for aphoto with son James and off to the run! The run was slow to start then, picked it up after a mile or so anxious to just finish. In the end I learned a few things; I like to run Only. I have great respect for Triathletes. I will watch next year and cheer on my Bride and her family (The Donohoe's.)