Sunday was my first open water swim. I was definately fit enough to take on my a one mile swim, 26 mile bike and 6.2 mile run in kingston on the Hudson river. For the past 4 months I have been training hard first 2 months one mile swims 2 to 3 times a week in 25 yard pool. Next month One mile swims followed by 2 or 3 hard 200 swims. Last month a 100 warm up, hard 200 meter swim, followed by a mile swim under 35 minutes and then 3 to 4 100's strong pace under 1:45 30 second rest. I thought I was ready, but found I had numerous problems. One I did not wear a wetsuit and paid for it creating to much drag. Second after 80 strokes I felt uncomfortable and could hardly see 2 feet ahead of me in the Hudson. I wanted to go back and quit, but a guy in a wave runner helped turn me around. I still couldn't keep track of the 1st marker. I wound up at the second marker 200yards or so down river. This was a mistake most made by most the race, but because of my slow start I was forced to swim 250 yards up river alone. I finally lined my self up straight up stream for the marker and went for it after a jurk in a Kayak said he though I was going backwards, It was then I just went for it Looking up less and putting together a bunch of long hard strokes. My biggest problem with swimming in open water is keeping direction and feeling that I need to look after 20 strokes or so to stay on corse. Any suggestions on what to do.
Ps Took 40 minutes to swim up river on the Hudson plus 20 out and 15 back. A friend did the swim last year the swim took 20 minutes this year he did it in 38.
Write back with suggestions to do better and feel more comfortable.
Former Member
It sounds like you definitely did the appropriate amount of pool swimming to be able to swim a mile comfortably. I think what you have discovered is the traditional "first open water swim revelation" which is that unless you have done all your pool swimming against/with a current/tide in a pool with a broken heater with all your lanemates swimming on top of you and your EYES CLOSED you might not be quite prepared for the open water. The good news is that now you know what to expect, and chances are that you'll improve your navigating skills each time you get out into the water. The key is repeated exposure to the variables which characterize open water swimming, so the more you can get into a body of water that is not chlorinated, the better. You'll learn to spot a destination and how often to look up, etc.
Good Luck!
P.S. I think I have had a similar run-in with a relative of your obnoxious kayaker myself-doesn't that just make your day to hear from the peanut gallery?
Tried the long beach biathlon, only 300 yard ocean swim, but did it after a 3 mile run. Direction improved, know I need to work on having the same stroke in ocean as in the pool.
Will keep at it.
