Hello Open Water Veterans,
I'm seeking some advice to help next time I try an open water swim. Yesterday I competed in my first open water swim, signed up for the 3 mile, but stopped at two miles due to breathing difficulties. The breathing problems began as soon as I entered the water- I have no idea why.
Water temps in low 70's
I've been training in the water and on land, so cardio fitness and body readiness should be good.
I was mentally prepared, even had a fan club rooting me along.
I've swam in many lakes over the years so no phobias.
Had my usual breakfast (protein shake and some nuts). During hour or so before the race began was sipping on an electrolyte drink and water.I ended up doing head-up *** stroke for the first 3/4 mile before I was able to put my face in the water and breath something close to normal.
It was as if my lungs stopped working (similar feeling to when I had pneumonia many years ago).
By the end of the 2nd mile, which was done mostly freestyle, my lungs began making it difficult to breath and legs were cramping so I played it safe and exited the water. Even today more than 24 hours after the event I'm still feeling like my lungs aren't quite full capacity, otherwise I feel fine. Except for a bit of next stiffness from all the head up *** stroke.
Given the same situation I would do the same again. I'm not looking for sympathy or pep talks, but would like to find out if anyone has had similar experiences or suggestions for next time. (There will be a next time!)
Any ideas??
Parents
Former Member
this is interesting. several years ago during a race in a lake i had a episode of acute bronchospasm, likely due to some algae that had bloomed in the lake. i had many open water swims done, and never had a problem in that lake, however it happened relatively quickly. i could hear wheezing and i coughed hanging onto every vessel there was until i could finish.
i do not have exercise induced or any other form of asthma.
turned out a number of people were affected differently and some people who had recrudescent asthma had reactivations resulting in several months of inhaled steroid therapy (we're talking about elite racers)
so, with your continued chest tightness, i wonder about some reactive airway disease perhaps had as a kid and never treated or needed treeatment and exacerbated by something in the water?
not to scare you but its a thought in someone who seems as experienced as yourself. if you continue to have chest tightness i'd refer you to a pulmonologist for PFT's and see where the difficulty lies in your spirometry readings.
my 2 cents.
this is interesting. several years ago during a race in a lake i had a episode of acute bronchospasm, likely due to some algae that had bloomed in the lake. i had many open water swims done, and never had a problem in that lake, however it happened relatively quickly. i could hear wheezing and i coughed hanging onto every vessel there was until i could finish.
i do not have exercise induced or any other form of asthma.
turned out a number of people were affected differently and some people who had recrudescent asthma had reactivations resulting in several months of inhaled steroid therapy (we're talking about elite racers)
so, with your continued chest tightness, i wonder about some reactive airway disease perhaps had as a kid and never treated or needed treeatment and exacerbated by something in the water?
not to scare you but its a thought in someone who seems as experienced as yourself. if you continue to have chest tightness i'd refer you to a pulmonologist for PFT's and see where the difficulty lies in your spirometry readings.
my 2 cents.
