Does anybody have any experience/advice on training to swim this beast?
I'm 23 years old, swam competitively from ~6 to 18, and since then have been lightly going to the gym a few times a week. At my peak, I was averaging about 7km a day, but have no experience with open water swimming.
Ideally, I'd like to try it around August 2008... I currently live in NYC and my brother, who lives in New Haven, is also training for this event. I've checked out the Channel Swimming Association website, but would really appreciate any advice you have to offer.
I think the first step would be finding a trainer . . . ?
Please let me know!
Gabriel
Gabriel, a most excellent goal! But maybe a bit aggressive for someone with no open water experience.
I swam the channel in 2000; it was a terrific experience! And I strongly encourage anyone who has set this as a personal goal.
In training for the channel I was training about 25K to 40K per week (which is much less then the experts suggest) and I was getting into open water as often as possible, a couple of times a week at the Jersey shore from May through October, making sure to get in a number of cold and cool water swims (48F – 60F). The channel in August will be around 60F, which is cold if you haven’t trained for it.
And now for a brief reality check… going from no open water experience to a 10 – 14 hour (or longer) cold water swim in what can be rather challenging conditions, in less than one year is unprecedented. Also, attempting the channel isn’t cheap, plan on spending $7,000 to $10,000 when all is said and done.
If I may make a suggestion or 2… (I will anyway)
1) Yes, find a trainer. There are many channel swimmers in the NYC area.
2) Start open water training immediately (even if only 30 minutes or so, this will get you used to cold water and open water conditions)
3) Plan on a channel attempt no earlier that 2009
4) For 2008 compete in 5 or 6 2-5K swims, 2 or 3 10K’s and if possible a 25K. I think USMS will be running a 25K next year. This would be a good opportunity to get in a 6-7 hour swim.
5) In 2009 swim the Tampa Bay Marathon, time wise this is close to the channel, only in warmer water (and Ron Collins does a superb job)
6) Okay it was more than 1 or 2 suggestions – final suggestion GO FOR IT!!
Gabriel, a most excellent goal! But maybe a bit aggressive for someone with no open water experience.
I swam the channel in 2000; it was a terrific experience! And I strongly encourage anyone who has set this as a personal goal.
In training for the channel I was training about 25K to 40K per week (which is much less then the experts suggest) and I was getting into open water as often as possible, a couple of times a week at the Jersey shore from May through October, making sure to get in a number of cold and cool water swims (48F – 60F). The channel in August will be around 60F, which is cold if you haven’t trained for it.
And now for a brief reality check… going from no open water experience to a 10 – 14 hour (or longer) cold water swim in what can be rather challenging conditions, in less than one year is unprecedented. Also, attempting the channel isn’t cheap, plan on spending $7,000 to $10,000 when all is said and done.
If I may make a suggestion or 2… (I will anyway)
1) Yes, find a trainer. There are many channel swimmers in the NYC area.
2) Start open water training immediately (even if only 30 minutes or so, this will get you used to cold water and open water conditions)
3) Plan on a channel attempt no earlier that 2009
4) For 2008 compete in 5 or 6 2-5K swims, 2 or 3 10K’s and if possible a 25K. I think USMS will be running a 25K next year. This would be a good opportunity to get in a 6-7 hour swim.
5) In 2009 swim the Tampa Bay Marathon, time wise this is close to the channel, only in warmer water (and Ron Collins does a superb job)
6) Okay it was more than 1 or 2 suggestions – final suggestion GO FOR IT!!
