Hi:
Several of us in my Master's club are planning to compete in the 4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge swim next June. We're seeking suggestions for a good training program that will take us from the 3,000 we swim three mornings a week to the distance and time we need to complete this event successfully. Any and all suggestions will be welcome!
Mills
Parents
Former Member
The stories seem to be that every year the Bay Swim is different - sometimes the current is the factor, sometimes the temperature, sometimes the waves, etc. Last year the water was choppy and I drank a lot. In '91, 7 out of 8 swimmers were pulled from the water because of the current. Some years are reportedly smooth as a lake.
Though not being an expert, I found that practicing (short course) 100's on short intervals helped groove a feel - shoot for a relaxed stroke and pace that you can repeat "forever". Periodic long (1000, 2000+) swims are good for the mental aspect. In my case, I found 1:10's on the 1:20 or 1:15 worked and in the race I paced around 1:24 based on rough math from a final time. Also, if there's a way to practice without lane lines to get the effect of rough water, go for it. Or pick an outside lane on a busy night. Also resist the temptation to give in to adrenalin and go out to fast, carrying around lactic acid for a 4+ mile race is not pleasant. The Reston Swim has 1 and 2 mile events, some enter both (about an hour or half hour between) and the water is probably going to be similar to the bay in temperature but no where near as "natural". It's a good chance to try out your wetsuit, if chosen, and it's a nicely run race. Check to see when Sandy Point is open - there's a roped off swim area that seemed quite large - and it might give you a chance to do some laps in the real thing.
Good Luck,
DV
The stories seem to be that every year the Bay Swim is different - sometimes the current is the factor, sometimes the temperature, sometimes the waves, etc. Last year the water was choppy and I drank a lot. In '91, 7 out of 8 swimmers were pulled from the water because of the current. Some years are reportedly smooth as a lake.
Though not being an expert, I found that practicing (short course) 100's on short intervals helped groove a feel - shoot for a relaxed stroke and pace that you can repeat "forever". Periodic long (1000, 2000+) swims are good for the mental aspect. In my case, I found 1:10's on the 1:20 or 1:15 worked and in the race I paced around 1:24 based on rough math from a final time. Also, if there's a way to practice without lane lines to get the effect of rough water, go for it. Or pick an outside lane on a busy night. Also resist the temptation to give in to adrenalin and go out to fast, carrying around lactic acid for a 4+ mile race is not pleasant. The Reston Swim has 1 and 2 mile events, some enter both (about an hour or half hour between) and the water is probably going to be similar to the bay in temperature but no where near as "natural". It's a good chance to try out your wetsuit, if chosen, and it's a nicely run race. Check to see when Sandy Point is open - there's a roped off swim area that seemed quite large - and it might give you a chance to do some laps in the real thing.
Good Luck,
DV
