Goodluck to all of you who are racing on Saturday!

Since 5150 is WTC-organized, are finishers going to be called ironmen as well? 

Hey Deo! The swim start is definetly the most nerve-racking part of a triathlon...Your not alone!!!
Since you still new to the sport, best advice is to keep joining triathlons with open water swims.
No matter if its small or big event...
Experience is strenght!

Doing some open water swims on your own or with a few friends, wont give justice to the intensity and stress of a mass start.

Your lucky to be racing in the Philippines, as you can race all year long!

Thanks Matt!

I will definitely do what you just posted.

Congrats to your Joyette for podium finishing in the last Camsur HIM. I hope you do that race next year.

Doc,

I hope you get good karma in doing such an acitivity.

I hope some of our government officials should take example on what you did.

Kudos to you and your team!

Deo P.

How do you conquer open/ deep water swim?

I've done several triathlons, 4 of which were in open water ( SubIT '10, Triking ( which Neil Catiil won ), Phil. IM 70.3 (2x) ). However, the thought of swimming in deep water scares the shit out of me ( well, at least during the first 200 meters ), making me start at the back of the pack and finish the swim still at the back of the pack. I know its all mental but is there something I can do about it? Something to boost my confidence and improve on my swim times?

Thanks in advance!

Great and generous efforts on your part. I am a Filipino and read Neil Catiil's blog about your recent generosity. Thank you.

can i use a 9 speed chain and cluster in a 10 speed shimano set up need to save some cash

No, otherwise it will start skipping chains.

Tried this before. Installed a 10-spd cogset using a 9-spd chain. Wondered why, despite my continuous tuning, my chain always skipped. Went to my LBS and changed my chains to 10-spd specific, problem solved. Try comparing 9-spd and 10-spd chains, you will see the 9spd chains are a bit thicker than the 10spd.