I signed up for a 10 K swim in Atlantic City this September and am wondering if any open water swimming veterans out there have any tips for preventing or at least moderating the lower back pain that seems to always be triggered in me by very long distance freestyle events like this. I did the Chesapeake Bay swim in the late 90s, and getting out of the water at the end of the race was like a parody of the Evolution of Man from a squid to Homo Erectus, only in my case, I didn't quite make it to the standing position before collapsing in a heap of lower back spasms.
In any event, I suspect I will just have to suffer through the discomfort and hope a week or two of convalescence afterwards will restore me to my self. But again, any advice short of oxycontin shots in the lumbar region will be truly appreciated.
Parents
Former Member
Jim,
Fortunately the 10K race www.whswim.com I did a couple of weeks ago the conditions were idea. Water temp was around 74F, calm conditions and sunny! However I did the same race two years ago and water temp was down to 60F in some locations, burrrrr and in typical marathon swimming rules no wetsuits allowed. About a third of the field DNF'd that year. This year, they had 50 entrants, (an excellent turn out for land locked Colorado) and I believe everyone made it.
Back to the back. If there is any chance you can find a lake to swim even a minimal amount 2000 to 3000 meters once or twice a week you can go a long way towards training your back for the stress of a 10K as your body does get used to it with practice.
Jim,
Fortunately the 10K race www.whswim.com I did a couple of weeks ago the conditions were idea. Water temp was around 74F, calm conditions and sunny! However I did the same race two years ago and water temp was down to 60F in some locations, burrrrr and in typical marathon swimming rules no wetsuits allowed. About a third of the field DNF'd that year. This year, they had 50 entrants, (an excellent turn out for land locked Colorado) and I believe everyone made it.
Back to the back. If there is any chance you can find a lake to swim even a minimal amount 2000 to 3000 meters once or twice a week you can go a long way towards training your back for the stress of a 10K as your body does get used to it with practice.
