Had my first open water swim up in the frozen north. It was simply wonderful to be outside and swim free!! ( no admission costs!!)
I was the only swimmer in the group (14 of us) without a wetsuit but the water temp , 68 or 19, and was surprisingly warm. We did a 80 min workout and I was toasty warm the whole time.
I noticed that focusing carefully on the smaller details of my technique has certainly paid off. And a bonus, with the clear water I could check to see those tell tale bubbles around the hand in the pull and could make corrections.
A great workout. Back in the lake tomorrow. Once acclimatized to this temp, I will move to a cooler lake and adapt to that. I know not all waters are this delightful temperature !
Looking forward to the open water season.
Parents
Former Member
Lakemaster,
Glad to meet another swimmer who swims outside the lines. Wow, I'm jealous, outside training and altitude training!!
I can fully understand why a wetsuit is necessary in that almost brainfreeze/bonefreeze temperature.
The lakes I swim in are also crystal clear, but not at that altitude. My lakes are a 10-25 minutes drive, I could go further to get higher up. Perhaps I should for the added benefit of altitude training.
Yes I have done many ocean swims. The coldest was the NAtional 10km champ. Water temp 55, did warm up to 72 for a small portion in the shallower channel and only for a small part of the course. Needless to say it felt like a bathtub and I revelled in the relative warmth. On average the water temp in my many ocean swims has been 55-64 degrees. Lake swims (of which I choose to swim more races in) have averaged 64-72 degrees.
I can't really say if I notice a difference between fresh and salt water. However the air temperature certainly plays a large part.
For example, I swam in a lake friday, temp (water) 68, air temp 70 . Water felt lovely. On Sunday am I had coerced a couple of masters to begin outdoor training. Same lake, same water temp, but the air was 59, and it was cloudy and windy. Much chillier on the body and took 1000m before the body began to feel comfortable. We swam for 60 mins, I was warm at the finish, but very appreciative of a hot shower afterwards!
For my body type, (although lean, I am able to withstand the cold water) I am finding now as I reach the half century that I am not quite as good at adapting to the colder water for prolonged periods (eg my 26km marathon distances) My time in the water is greatly affected by the elements. No sun and wind markedly reduces my ability to stay in for as long as I could 10 years ago.
Hammerhead, You too have it made. Perfect ocean temp and conditions as well as a pool to check those times and turns!
Happy outside the lines swimming.
Lakemaster,
Glad to meet another swimmer who swims outside the lines. Wow, I'm jealous, outside training and altitude training!!
I can fully understand why a wetsuit is necessary in that almost brainfreeze/bonefreeze temperature.
The lakes I swim in are also crystal clear, but not at that altitude. My lakes are a 10-25 minutes drive, I could go further to get higher up. Perhaps I should for the added benefit of altitude training.
Yes I have done many ocean swims. The coldest was the NAtional 10km champ. Water temp 55, did warm up to 72 for a small portion in the shallower channel and only for a small part of the course. Needless to say it felt like a bathtub and I revelled in the relative warmth. On average the water temp in my many ocean swims has been 55-64 degrees. Lake swims (of which I choose to swim more races in) have averaged 64-72 degrees.
I can't really say if I notice a difference between fresh and salt water. However the air temperature certainly plays a large part.
For example, I swam in a lake friday, temp (water) 68, air temp 70 . Water felt lovely. On Sunday am I had coerced a couple of masters to begin outdoor training. Same lake, same water temp, but the air was 59, and it was cloudy and windy. Much chillier on the body and took 1000m before the body began to feel comfortable. We swam for 60 mins, I was warm at the finish, but very appreciative of a hot shower afterwards!
For my body type, (although lean, I am able to withstand the cold water) I am finding now as I reach the half century that I am not quite as good at adapting to the colder water for prolonged periods (eg my 26km marathon distances) My time in the water is greatly affected by the elements. No sun and wind markedly reduces my ability to stay in for as long as I could 10 years ago.
Hammerhead, You too have it made. Perfect ocean temp and conditions as well as a pool to check those times and turns!
Happy outside the lines swimming.
