I am contemplating doing a 5 mile swim race in July. Right now I swimming 4 times a week, 3500-4000 yards a session (3 times with master, once alone). Would it be helpful to add one or two sessions a week in which I do some lengthy (30 minute or so) repeats? What else might help? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
I swam 7 miles in Lake Tahoe a few years ago on my own doing about the same yardage as you are. I guess you need to look at your goals: is it to finish? a time goal?
Mine was just for fun. I didn't find the distance difficult at all, but I WAS purple when I was done and it took me 2 1/2 hours to warm up!
Michael,
There are a number of similar threads on the Long Distance Forum. Have you read through these yet?
Per chance is the swim you are planning the Lake Minnetonka Challenge? I can’t remember if they require/allow escorts, which should change how you train to navigate. But check out the Long Distance Forum, it covers this as well.
Originally posted by EyeoreSAM
We swim 5-6 days per week from 5:15-7:30 and we do anywhere between 4000-7800 (season high last week). I don't know if that helps, but I feel like we will be prepared for the swim, but certainly not to race 5 miles
Trust me, with that kind of work under your belt you'll be ready!
You are right, it is the Minnetonka Challenge, and they do require escorts (the specifics of this year's rules have not been posted yet, as the race has just recently found a new race director for this year). In fact, part of my decision whether or not to do the swim will hinge on whether I can round up a canoe and paddlers to escort me!
Michael-
I think my team is going to swim Minnetonka also. We swim 5-6 days per week from 5:15-7:30 and we do anywhere between 4000-7800 (season high last week). I don't know if that helps, but I feel like we will be prepared for the swim, but certainly not to race 5 miles (I don't think that I would ever be prepared enough to race that long---just to finish)
We swim in New Hope. 1/2 of the team swims only M,W, F, but those of us going to Nationals swim 6 days. I also coach the kids team that swims there and I get in with them some times.
