I'm a rookie in the pool, and am surprised that keeping one's weight down appears to be less important than I thought. After decades of running with the knowledge that every pound over my running weight added 20 secs to my p/m pace, am I ok being a little chunky? I do aspire to be competitive in my age class. Thanks, Steve
Some research I did on marathon swimming/swimmers (the marathon swimmers here should feel free to correct me) seems to suggest that higher body fat is an advantage, especially in cold water. Witness swimmers such as Lynne Cox who has mentioned in her book that her body type is ideally suited to cold water swimming. And in an article I read about Alison Streeter, record holder for the most the English Channel crossings, Streeter said, "you can't be a skinny minny." Both of these women are strong swimmers and have done some pretty fast swims.
So if you're considering long-distance open water swims, especially cold-water swims, you might want that body fat.
Also noticed that among the fastest people in my masters' swim groups seem to be heavier-set.
But there were pretty lean people who are also among the fastest in my masters' group, so I guess it also comes down to other factors--like swim caps, ;) talent, and training.
Some research I did on marathon swimming/swimmers (the marathon swimmers here should feel free to correct me) seems to suggest that higher body fat is an advantage, especially in cold water. Witness swimmers such as Lynne Cox who has mentioned in her book that her body type is ideally suited to cold water swimming. And in an article I read about Alison Streeter, record holder for the most the English Channel crossings, Streeter said, "you can't be a skinny minny." Both of these women are strong swimmers and have done some pretty fast swims.
So if you're considering long-distance open water swims, especially cold-water swims, you might want that body fat.
Also noticed that among the fastest people in my masters' swim groups seem to be heavier-set.
But there were pretty lean people who are also among the fastest in my masters' group, so I guess it also comes down to other factors--like swim caps, ;) talent, and training.
