Abruptly, the race started. I hadn’t heard the official start, I just got going when everyone else did. It was a washing machine of elbows as we all merged into the racing line to swim out the 2.2 kilometres. My fate was sealed pretty quickly with so many people and a slow start. Without the skill and speed to move through the thick swarm, I eventually settled into a steady pace behind Has-To-Be-Size-11-Shoes, Mr. Arm Slap on my right and Neon Green Wetsuit Man on my left. Wi