If you could describe your preparation for this I think many of us would be very interested.
Well, I think everyone is different. For instance, most people put on weight and I lost about 15 lbs. I tapered for Nationals a few weeks prior which probably was dumb ( I would not have bothered trying to keep my 8 year 200 LCM back streak alive had I known my French nemesis was showing up). Finally, most swim in cold water which was impossible in Arizona (I believe this might have been most helpful).
First, you need to plan this bad boy out. It seems to be a 2 year notice to get a boat. My initial choice of pilot said he does not take reservations until one year out. I waited and then panicked about 18 months out and tried to get someone else. As expected, everyone in more prestigious CSA was taken. Leaving me with other organization CSPF (which in my opinion is just as good). Deposits are due around December before you are doing. Final payment on boat.
Training wise, I have been preparing about 18 months. I bought a kayak and my wife kayaked a bunch of 5-10 mile swims/races last year. Big test was a 6 hour (14 mile) swim in my local lake in December last year as conditions are similar (at least temperature) to Channel (61). Truly miserable day but confidence builder. This year, I simply upped my mileage to 7000 for many days and a 5-8 miler in the lake once every week or 2. I found tapering for Spring and Summer nationals as well as a brief one for Open water Nationals in Chattanooga was a good break and provided some periodization. Manhattan swim 2 months prior helped build confidence, get some miles in, and was not too close to actual channel attempt.
I believe the channel is mostly mental and one thing that kept me going is the realization that there are fair number that do it that are not that great of swimmers (not to sound rude). Perhaps, if I had done more cold water training, it would not have been as hard on me. I'm in awe of the people who are out there for 16 plus hours. Also, I've done a lot of 10 k races over the last several years and believe I've found a pace that I can go for a long time. Those initial 10k at Horsetooth reservoir used to really hurt. Well, hope this is what you were looking for. Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement. Super glad to have that one under my belt:).
Yes, great perspective. I've never really swum an open water event over about 5K, so the thought of something like the English Channel is pretty daunting.
Yes, great perspective. I've never really swum an open water event over about 5K, so the thought of something like the English Channel is pretty daunting.Thanks for the details, Kurt. I did my first ever long swim with you back in 2012 when we swam the Saguaro lake 'test swim' for the SCAR (http://www.scarswim.com/). That was in nice, warm water and I remember thinking after that ~9 mile swim that the Channel could be in my future. When, the next day, I exited Canyon lake (about 63-64 degrees) after about 30 minutes due to the cold, I realized the Channel was struck off my bucket list. Watching you complete that day with ease also made me think you could handle the challenge. Congratulations again!
no joke pwb
yeah my idea of fun does NOT include swimming in cold water
kurt what time of day did your crossing start at?
most dont realize it can go at any time.
my good friend lynn started hers at 3am
kurt what time of day did your crossing start at?
We met at 2am, did some paperwork (supposed to have your passport...my wife did not). I started swimming at 337am. First 4 hours was kinda miserable. With the sun up, I felt much better. I was in French water by about 4.5 hours and thought I would be well under 10 but I think I was swimming against a current or something at the end.
Each spring, SwimTrek (a USMS sponsor) provides Long Distance & Channel Training tours on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, about 75 miles south of Barcelona.
It's an EXCELLENT way to establish one's base for a Channel attempt.
The water temperatures run 57-60 with the air in the mid-70s. On day five of the six-day tour, there is a six-hour "Channel Qualifying Swim" with support crew, safety, feeding, etc.
Earlier in the week, there are Channel training specific seminars covering Feeding, Hydration, Hypothermia, Fatigue, and Motivation. All of the guides are experienced LONG DISTANCE, COLD WATER swimmers and/or support crew. They can even help with training plans and boat arrangements.
www.swimtrek.com/.../swimming-holiday-channel-and-long-distance-training-mallorca
