Cinco de Mayo 500 Postal with South Davis Masters

I got up earlier than usual this morning to swim with South Davis Masters.  Today was the second day of a postal event that they are hosting called the Cinco de Mayo 500 Postal.  The idea is to swim a 500 as fast as possible, with a special award given to anyone who can do it by descending their time each 50.

After a quick warm-up, we got ready to swim the 500.  There were quite a few swimmers and we had to split up into three heats so that everyone could swim with a timer and counter.  I counted for two people and swam in the last heat.  I wasn't expecting a great time, I just wanted to be part of the event.

My first 100 felt pretty fast and I was a little worried that I was going to bonk before I was done.  I felt better than I expected the whole 500 and my elbow (which I messed up at the last meet) didn't bother me at all.  I was surprised when I finished at 5:53.66 (with a wall start!).  That was just a bit faster than my 500 time at the QUAC meet (5:56.72).  With a proper start from the block, I probably could have been closer to 5:50.

My splits are below:

This was a fun event, and only cost $5 to enter!  For anyone who wants to give it a shot, I'd be happy to be your timer.  Entries have to be received by May 6th.  Click here for event details.