Hi friends,
I am trying to get information from any of you who have done some very long ocean swims. I have one planned that will be 18 miles. I am reasonably confident at the training required, although any suggestions for that would also be welcome.
I plan on swimming upwards of 40 to 50 miles a week for it, regularly. I also plan on a long swim once a month (10 miles) and two weeks for recovery from that distance until my body understands that this will be a regular thing. On the 10 mile swims, one way will be with current, the return will be against it (can't wait!!).
My biggest question comes to the tapering for the 18 miler. How soon, what distances, etc., etc.
Any advice, other than seeing a mental counselor for my "temporary insanity" at choosing something like this at age 60, would be helpful!!!
Donna
Former Member
Your own body and age seem to have a large part to play. The older i get the more taper I need. I agree with this. Even the volume/intensity in the weeks preceding the taper plays a role.
LBJ:
I don't think it's a requirement that you go off the blocks! I've had trouble in that department too. We have a few 85+ swimmers where I live. I think one of them goes off the blocks and a couple other do not. They always get the most applause. But I VILL leave you to your lovely blue stuff. I VILL try it again some time! I don't think I'll need to know how to taper like IslandSox though. She's a maniac, and I say that in the most admiring way.
But Leslie, there are no starting blocks if you swim open water---doesn't that entice you to get into that deeeep blue water? Off topic: 3 other people are considering this 18 miler; people from here. I think it would be great if we could get a relay together!! Two for sure are thinking about a relay from Roatan to Utila.
I find the word maniac very endearing so to maintain my new title, I'm going to do the swim myself!!! Mt. Everest has nothing on me!!!
I find all this tapering info great stuff; a lot of it does depend on my fatigue level, my age, etc. I have just never tapered for anything but pool swims; this is a different set of waves.
Donna
