I'm in a swimming race, starting from a commercial bayfront, heading out into the bay. I feel like I'm in great condition for it, and paddle madly for about 30 seconds until I'm exhausted, and then turn back to shore. The other swimmers continue past me at a leisurely pace, off into the distance. It seems I had no idea that this was a long race. I should have paced myself.

After a while the other swimmers return, including my former friend Wade. I ask him how long he swam, and he says about 20 minutes.