June 23 I'll be trying my longest open water swim in
Saratoga Lake NY--5 miles. Water temp is expected to be
60-65 degrees. I have a torso type wet suit and will wear
head cap and ear plugs. I hope to finish in 2:15 to 2:30.
Any advice as to what to expect/eat/drink/pace/etc?
I'll have my own escort canoe as required by the rules.
I feel physically prepared, but am new to this.
Parents
Former Member
Hopefully, you've tried eating/drinking in practice and know what agrees with you. I highly recommend Accelerade, but I don't think that I'd try it first at the race. Have at least 1 good-sized thermos of warm water - you can drink it as water or mix whatever powder you like in it. Solid food is a personal thing, but for a race of 2-2.5 hours, I'd forget it except as a treat (Handler: "C'mon, if you accelerate the next 400 yards, I'll give you a small slice of a Snickers bar.") Bananas work well, too, but again, any of this is dependent on you having tried it in practice. Forget things like Power Bars that tend to get really stiff and take too long to chew. Feed every 30 minutes, although some people prefer 20. Have the feeding bottle attached to a pole so you can't drop it and lose it. It also keeps the litter factor down.
Breathe to both sides if you can and don't look up every/every other stroke. You will also need to consider which side and how far ahead you want your boat - everyone is different. I hate to have a boat at a 45 degree angle to me - it throws off my perspective. I'd rather have them along side or a bit ahead of me.
Don't go out like a 500 yd pool race - get your stroke down, get relaxed and then start to push. Draft when you can if it's allowed, but be courteous and don't touch the feet of the person you are drafting off of.
One word: Sunscreen. Bullfrog brand is expensive but it stays on in water like nothing else.
Bring a small gift(s) for the person(s) in the boat.
Enjoy the race - I really wanted to do it, but am part of a relay team for the Manhattan race, so can't make it.
P.S. Lose the wetsuit - they are for wusses. ;-} (Ducking and running for cover)
Hopefully, you've tried eating/drinking in practice and know what agrees with you. I highly recommend Accelerade, but I don't think that I'd try it first at the race. Have at least 1 good-sized thermos of warm water - you can drink it as water or mix whatever powder you like in it. Solid food is a personal thing, but for a race of 2-2.5 hours, I'd forget it except as a treat (Handler: "C'mon, if you accelerate the next 400 yards, I'll give you a small slice of a Snickers bar.") Bananas work well, too, but again, any of this is dependent on you having tried it in practice. Forget things like Power Bars that tend to get really stiff and take too long to chew. Feed every 30 minutes, although some people prefer 20. Have the feeding bottle attached to a pole so you can't drop it and lose it. It also keeps the litter factor down.
Breathe to both sides if you can and don't look up every/every other stroke. You will also need to consider which side and how far ahead you want your boat - everyone is different. I hate to have a boat at a 45 degree angle to me - it throws off my perspective. I'd rather have them along side or a bit ahead of me.
Don't go out like a 500 yd pool race - get your stroke down, get relaxed and then start to push. Draft when you can if it's allowed, but be courteous and don't touch the feet of the person you are drafting off of.
One word: Sunscreen. Bullfrog brand is expensive but it stays on in water like nothing else.
Bring a small gift(s) for the person(s) in the boat.
Enjoy the race - I really wanted to do it, but am part of a relay team for the Manhattan race, so can't make it.
P.S. Lose the wetsuit - they are for wusses. ;-} (Ducking and running for cover)
