This may sound kind of silly but I'm curious what others think is the best strategy for racing in waters warmer than your norm? Staying hydrated seems logical. Is there anything else you can do on race day to prepare especially for longer swims? Does drinking cold water really lead to cramping? Should I avoid drinking really cold water right before I race? I swam the 1000 in a meet today in warmer water than I'm use to. I believe I was well hydrated but I really struggled throughout the swim. Not long into the 1000 i could feel the heat overwhelm me. Fortunately, I finished but, man, it wasn't a good swim.
I expect the pool water in Mesa will be warm. I'd like to have a plan to best deal with this.
I'd appreciate any insight!
If you can find somewhere to practice in warm water to get you acclimatised, it may help. I raced in some very warm water last summer, only 100yds - there was no way I was putting myself through even a 200. But as I had been swimming in a warm pool all summer, I did beat the girl who practised in the indoor cool pool - she came in a good 2 or 3 secs slower than her cool-pool times.
Also stay in the heat when you're out of the water on race day - not in the blazing sun, but stay used to being warm. We had a girl collapse as she had sat in an air-conditioned car until about 15 mins before her race, then got out into the 100F heat.
Remember, its going to be the same for everyone though and good luck!
For USMS national meets, the following rule applies:
107.6 Water Temperature
Water temperature between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained for competition.
For USMS national meets, the following rule applies:
107.6 Water Temperature
Water temperature between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained for competition.
Yes,and I expect that to be true for Mesa,but if you were at The Woodlands for the 2007 Nats you would know it doesn't always work out that way.They were in the middle of a heat wave and in spite of a system to cool the water it was over 85 by the afternoon.
Like Patrick, I raced in Mesa last summer ... late June, I think, when it was close to 100 degrees outside. The water was awesome, about 79 degrees.
I know Paul and his crew at the Mesa pool will be on top of this. No need to worry about the water temperature. The blazing sun, however ...
I swam the 1000 in a meet today in warmer water than I'm use to. I believe I was well hydrated but I really struggled throughout the swim. Not long into the 1000 i could feel the heat overwhelm me. Fortunately, I finished but, man, it wasn't a good swim.
It was way too warm for racing a 1000 and not indicative of typical conditions you'll find in national pool events. It was great for warmup, getting in and out for the shorter stuff but just not the 1000.
i expect that some of the OW national championships will see water temps above 80, and likely closer to 85.
thats enough to keep me away...................
The USMS 10k national championship is scheduled for June 11 in Fort Myers FL. Water temp for the day is projected to be 85F. The 5K nationals at Fort Myers five years ago, in mid-May saw temps of 83.
That was about what is was last year in Noblesville. In upper Michigan in 2009 is was 58 to 60 so that probably wouldn't have keep you away.
For USMS national meets, the following rule applies:
107.6 Water Temperature
Water temperature between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained for competition.
i expect that some of the OW national championships will see water temps above 80, and likely closer to 85.
thats enough to keep me away...................
The USMS 10k national championship is scheduled for June 11 in Fort Myers FL. Water temp for the day is projected to be 85F. The 5K nationals at Fort Myers five years ago, in mid-May saw temps of 83.
