how do you swim for that long?

I suppose it does amaze some that a person actually enjoys swimming for 8+ hours non stop. I know I love it. But I wasn't convinced at first. Infact when I was handed a pamphlet on a 11.8km or 7.3 mile swim, I looked incredulously at it and thought "that is the most ridiculous distance I can imagine"> Then I looked at the records. Did a bit of math and told myself I want to break that record. As luck would have it, the weather was perfect and I did break the record for my age group. I must admit the mere thought of swimming that distance set my pulse way over the aerobic zone. But once a goal has been set, and I have set my mind to it then completing the goal is what it is all about. Now I do all distances, the longest I have done is 34kms. As has been said, it is about pacing. I train all energy systems and especially work on speed so I can improve my times in a marathon. regular training throughout the season sets the base. By February march I increase my longer distance training days by 10% per week. So now I am able to swim 8kms in a session. When I hit the lakes in mid June I will be doing some longer sessions. Mostly 2x a day in 3 hour sessions and then in July step up some sessions to a 5-6 hour session. It's really not as boring or 'hard' as it sounds. It also helps to have some others who are training for these events. We email each other with motivation tips and swap 'sick workouts', which adds to the fun and makes you look forward to meeting them in the water on race day. After my first marathon, I thought I would not be able to use my arms for a week!! WRONG! They were just fine the next day. Part of it is conditioning, flexibility and shoulder prevention diligence, balance in all muscle groups. However an important part is how much fuel, what type and how often to fuel up during the swim. I train using the fuel I will take on race day so I can swim without getting depleted and therefore my energy system will stay even. I agree with the mindgames. If possible take a look at the course up close. In a boat, and even swim parts of it. When you are familiar with the course, you can set little goals for reaching certain parts. I sing happily as I go along keeping my pace in time to the beat. I have a whole lot of favourites as well as pick up the pace songs. What can make the day tough is inclement weather. Lots of waves and wind make the going slower. Warm fuel helps keep you warm and the spirits up, so I am prepared for the not so warm weather. Being out in the open, checking out the scenery and the wildlife is a wonderful feeling. Plus the fantastic feeling of setting a goal and reaching it is so worthwhile. Perhaps if you are new to distance, choose a shorter distance like a 2km or 5km and see how you liked it. Hey, before you know it you to could be upping your distance and setting bigger challenges for yourself. Besides, just think how much "you've come a long way" means!! Kiwi

I suppose it does amaze some that a person actually enjoys swimming for 8+ hours non stop. I know I love it. But I wasn't convinced at first. Infact when I was handed a pamphlet on a 11.8km or 7.3 mile swim, I looked incredulously at it and thought "that is the most ridiculous distance I can imagine"> Then I looked at the records. Did a bit of math and told myself I want to break that record. As luck would have it, the weather was perfect and I did break the record for my age group. I must admit the mere thought of swimming that distance set my pulse way over the aerobic zone. But once a goal has been set, and I have set my mind to it then completing the goal is what it is all about. Now I do all distances, the longest I have done is 34kms. As has been said, it is about pacing. I train all energy systems and especially work on speed so I can improve my times in a marathon. regular training throughout the season sets the base. By February march I increase my longer distance training days by 10% per week. So now I am able to swim 8kms in a session. When I hit the lakes in mid June I will be doing some longer sessions. Mostly 2x a day in 3 hour sessions and then in July step up some sessions to a 5-6 hour session. It's really not as boring or 'hard' as it sounds. It also helps to have some others who are training for these events. We email each other with motivation tips and swap 'sick workouts', which adds to the fun and makes you look forward to meeting them in the water on race day. After my first marathon, I thought I would not be able to use my arms for a week!! WRONG! They were just fine the next day. Part of it is conditioning, flexibility and shoulder prevention diligence, balance in all muscle groups. However an important part is how much fuel, what type and how often to fuel up during the swim. I train using the fuel I will take on race day so I can swim without getting depleted and therefore my energy system will stay even. I agree with the mindgames. If possible take a look at the course up close. In a boat, and even swim parts of it. When you are familiar with the course, you can set little goals for reaching certain parts. I sing happily as I go along keeping my pace in time to the beat. I have a whole lot of favourites as well as pick up the pace songs. What can make the day tough is inclement weather. Lots of waves and wind make the going slower. Warm fuel helps keep you warm and the spirits up, so I am prepared for the not so warm weather. Being out in the open, checking out the scenery and the wildlife is a wonderful feeling. Plus the fantastic feeling of setting a goal and reaching it is so worthwhile. Perhaps if you are new to distance, choose a shorter distance like a 2km or 5km and see how you liked it. Hey, before you know it you to could be upping your distance and setting bigger challenges for yourself. Besides, just think how much "you've come a long way" means!! Kiwi