Training for 5 mile swim

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 07:48:42 GMT

Originally posted by MichaelC 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! Swimming out doors there is no help to streamline, eg. turns. Get outdoors and get in some open water swimming. 1 hr 2 hr swims using strokes per minute to guage your time. 23 min mile 58 to 60 strokes a min for me 75 strokes a min around 20 min mile. George

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 06:40:57 GMT

I don't ever really feel ready no matter how much I do---just my mind playing tricks on me!

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 06:25:46 GMT

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.

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 06:00:25 GMT

5:15-7:30??? Yikes! (But yikes in a good way) Where do you swim?

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 05:57:30 GMT

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)

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 05:29:12 GMT

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!

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Former Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 05:04:26 GMT

Surviving would be a nice start!

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

knelson — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 02:32:52 GMT

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!

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Karen Duggan — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 01:46:44 GMT

Sorry Michael, I figured since you entered you'd already have that surviving part down. I don't know if I can help :p

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Rob Copeland — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 01:20:24 GMT

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.

RE: Training for 5 mile swim

Karen Duggan — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 01:02:35 GMT

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!