Postal 10K

Well look who is getting himself into distance freestyle! I was thinking of introducing this to my team this year. I don't know that many folks on my team know about the USMS postal events, and I think it will be a great way to get non-meet swimmers involved in more USMS-sponsored activities that aren't meets.

I think most of the team would not like the 10 K part of it. Good luck recruiting! Swimmy :)

Yes, I forgot to mention that I would be plugging the 5k portion of the "10k/ 5k postal swim"

Yes, I forgot to mention that I would be plugging the 5k portion of the "10k/ 5k postal swim" Yeah, but start with the 10k and then when everyone starts turning pale, tell them, "oops, sorry, I meant the 5k!" And then those who wouldn't even have considered the 5k will be so relieved, they'll sign up. :D

I am getting ready for my 4th foray into the event I consider myself a distance swimmer BUT even this takes that a little too far, I usually swim it in 2000m spurts, it is REALLY boring but once you get into it:rolleyes: it isn't too bad. my lanemate and I played catchup last year...he would work a 1000 then I would lead the next one...I was the last one in the pool last year and my coach (unbeknownst to me) would send someone in to "sprint" a 150 or so and I would try and catch them for something to do... Really there are no real tricks I can tell you, at the end just think of all the great food you can eat...bring LOTS of gatorade/water/etc for the end of the lane and the breaks and the fact that your hands will be swollen at the end of the swim....plus if you did the hour swim and do both the 5k/10k you are 3/5th of the way to getting a postal patch... good luck and just swim it!:groovy:

Thanks for your advice. I was thinking of breaking it into pieces and taking 20-30 sec. every mile or so to grab a drink or whatever. I imagine the boredom would be the worst. I found that to be the case when I did the 5K 2 years ago. That one I did as a continuous swim. I like the idea of "team swimming" it. If one of the other swimmers doing it is near my pace that would work well. I don't consider myself to be a distance swimmer but I do enjoy doing these longer events in the summer since the pool season is near non-existent around here. My goal this year is to do all 5 postal swims and get the patch. I am getting ready for my 4th foray into the event I consider myself a distance swimmer BUT even this takes that a little too far, I usually swim it in 2000m spurts, it is REALLY boring but once you get into it:rolleyes: it isn't too bad. my lanemate and I played catchup last year...he would work a 1000 then I would lead the next one...I was the last one in the pool last year and my coach (unbeknownst to me) would send someone in to "sprint" a 150 or so and I would try and catch them for something to do... Really there are no real tricks I can tell you, at the end just think of all the great food you can eat...bring LOTS of gatorade/water/etc for the end of the lane and the breaks and the fact that your hands will be swollen at the end of the swim....plus if you did the hour swim and do both the 5k/10k you are 3/5th of the way to getting a postal patch... good luck and just swim it!:groovy:

OK Mr Poolraat, To fully answer your question, I would break this up into more manageable distances, as that will help you keep track. 50x100 will bore you to death, but it works. I would end up doing something like breaking it up by 1000, doing something like: #1 - warmup, 4/3/2/1 #2 - free pace set (ie 10x100) #3 - kick (ie 400 4-position kick, 12x50 desc 1-4, 5-8, 9-12) #4 - something IMish #5 - 500 of something exciting, 500 w/d You lost me on the "IM ish!" 1000 IM would put me in the hospital! Fly causes heart failure! Swimmy :)

my lanemate and I played catchup last year...he would work a 1000 then I would lead the next one Is this allowed? I thought you had to swim one to a lane in these potal events, or is that only for the one hour swim? The ability to draft would make it much more tempting! edit: OK, I'll answer my own question :) No, drafting is not allowed. You can swim two to a lane only if you stay on separate sides: RULES: The 2007 USMS Rules govern these events. Drafting, floatation and propulsive devices (pull buoys, fins, paddles, wet suits, etc.) are not permitted. When two swimmers share the same lane, each swimmer shall swim on one side of the lane during the entire race (no circle swimming).

yep you answered your own question:D It would make it a little more fun if you could do a little drafting...boredom is truly a problem during this event although last year I managed to workout an inservice for work during the event..thank god for counters...:banana:

OK Mr Poolraat, To fully answer your question, I would break this up into more manageable distances, as that will help you keep track. 50x100 will bore you to death, but it works. I would end up doing something like breaking it up by 1000, doing something like: #1 - warmup, 4/3/2/1 #2 - free pace set (ie 10x100) #3 - kick (ie 400 4-position kick, 12x50 desc 1-4, 5-8, 9-12) #4 - something IMish #5 - 500 of something exciting, 500 w/d