What are the thoughts on doing a 2.4 mile open water swim race a week before IMLP? This will be my first IM and swimming is by far me weakest suit. Good confidence booster + pacing practice or too close to race day?
Let me guess? “Damed Swim Race” in NC? 
I would personally recommend it as a confidence booster especially for the first timer who is a little apprehensive about the swim. The recovery for something like that should be pretty minimal assuming you’ve been training the swim distance this past year. Even if you haven’t… you should be fine.
I believe the course is 2 loops of 1.2 so if there is any doubt/problems you could always bail. Or if you have any second thoughts… you could just do the 1.2 race.
I’ll see you at the swim… and LP!
Very low physical cost assuming you don’t drown. I’m doubtful that most of us will learn much about pacing in 1 race. The race certainly won’t make you any faster unless the psych boost can make you faster. Or, if your siting is very poor and you focus very hard on good siting practice during the race.
In short, no downsides but only upside is experience.
Oh yeah… one more thing… (assuming your doing the race in NC) it won’t allow wetsuits sooooo the swim in LP will seem much much easier to you too! (also adding in the fact of a 2000 person pull/draft and automatic lane lines in LP
GAWD I LOVE THAT UNDERWATER CABLE!