Cyprus was my third open water swim. Copenhagen number two, and Reston, VA my first. At the end of Copenhagen's 2K, my neck was rubbed raw by my wetsuit. I had learned my lesson, I said. Always use Body Glide when wearing my suit.
So I didn't expect to have any problems with the 5K in Cyprus last weekend. But no, I still hadn't learned.
Yes, lucky readers, that's my pit. The right one to be specific, the one that suffered the worst. I thought for sure that it must be the salt water. After all, I've swum 5000m in the pool and this didn't happen, so it must be the salt.
My buddy Rob (originator of the title quote) informed me that one should "always lube the pits." Even in freshwater, he advises. I believe I will follow that rule. In Cyprus I didn't want to pass up the two free days after the race. I wanted to swim in the Med, for God's sake. When's the next time I'll be in the Mediterranean?
I boughts some baby oil at a convenience store near my hotel and I must admit that it was a pleasure to swim in the sea. No pain. No worsening of the rash. I will bring that bottle with me on every OW swim I do in the future.
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