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
Karlene,
If you can find a body of water close to the temp you will be racing in, find time to train in this.
Suggestions:. 1. Find out what the rules are re caps and types of suits. IS it 1 cap and 1 suit? If you have to wear the race cap? (otherwise silicone caps are a bit warmer).
2. You should get a pair of silicone ear plugs and swim with them to get used to them. Ear plugs stop the cold water from getting down into your ears. It not only keeps your body temp warmer, but cold water can upset your vestibular apparatus ie your balance mechanism located in the ear and you can get dizzy.
3. Get in the water at least a couple of minutes before the start. (If it is a cold day, run or jump for several minutes before the start on dry land, to get your core temp up )Never ever dive in. If it is a water start, stride jump in and keep your head above the water. Get your body used to the cold water, get your breathing under control. Sometimes the cold water can cause a vagal response, where you can get shortness of breath and a rapid heart beat. Tread water vigorously. Use your arms as well. When you are comfortable, put your face in while treading and sculling. Position yourself for the start.
HAve fun.
If it is a windy day, use some grease on your arms to cut the chill from the wind. (The amount of grease allowed if it is a FINA sanctioned meet, is up to the referree)
You may want to take some hot tea or chocolate etc. IF it is cold before the race, drink some a few minutes before the start. You will appreciate this after the race as well. Change out of your wet suit as soon as possible.
And don;t forget, never do anything new on race day. Train in the suit you will wear, the food you will eat and the fuel you will use.
If you have a cold shower by the sauna or hot tub, get used to standing under this for longer periods each day. It does help a bit!
HOpe it is a fun race.
Off for another open water training session.
Karlene,
If you can find a body of water close to the temp you will be racing in, find time to train in this.
Suggestions:. 1. Find out what the rules are re caps and types of suits. IS it 1 cap and 1 suit? If you have to wear the race cap? (otherwise silicone caps are a bit warmer).
2. You should get a pair of silicone ear plugs and swim with them to get used to them. Ear plugs stop the cold water from getting down into your ears. It not only keeps your body temp warmer, but cold water can upset your vestibular apparatus ie your balance mechanism located in the ear and you can get dizzy.
3. Get in the water at least a couple of minutes before the start. (If it is a cold day, run or jump for several minutes before the start on dry land, to get your core temp up )Never ever dive in. If it is a water start, stride jump in and keep your head above the water. Get your body used to the cold water, get your breathing under control. Sometimes the cold water can cause a vagal response, where you can get shortness of breath and a rapid heart beat. Tread water vigorously. Use your arms as well. When you are comfortable, put your face in while treading and sculling. Position yourself for the start.
HAve fun.
If it is a windy day, use some grease on your arms to cut the chill from the wind. (The amount of grease allowed if it is a FINA sanctioned meet, is up to the referree)
You may want to take some hot tea or chocolate etc. IF it is cold before the race, drink some a few minutes before the start. You will appreciate this after the race as well. Change out of your wet suit as soon as possible.
And don;t forget, never do anything new on race day. Train in the suit you will wear, the food you will eat and the fuel you will use.
If you have a cold shower by the sauna or hot tub, get used to standing under this for longer periods each day. It does help a bit!
HOpe it is a fun race.
Off for another open water training session.
