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
Parents
Former Member
Gabriel, a friend of mine attempted the Channel back in August 2007. He only started to prepare about a year before and had done no open water swimming. Justin's training was all steady swimming (no intervals), with open water at every opportunity. I am convinced he would have succeeded, but for the choppy conditions on the day.
If you are sure you want to do it in 2008, no doubt it can be done. But Rob Copeland's advice looks absolutely spot on to me!
Another thing - it is the cold and the tides that stop people making the swim, not the distance. You don't say how big you are, but a good big 'un beats a good little 'un in the English Channel!
I wish you good luck, because no matter how well you swim on the day, you are going to need luck!
Gabriel, a friend of mine attempted the Channel back in August 2007. He only started to prepare about a year before and had done no open water swimming. Justin's training was all steady swimming (no intervals), with open water at every opportunity. I am convinced he would have succeeded, but for the choppy conditions on the day.
If you are sure you want to do it in 2008, no doubt it can be done. But Rob Copeland's advice looks absolutely spot on to me!
Another thing - it is the cold and the tides that stop people making the swim, not the distance. You don't say how big you are, but a good big 'un beats a good little 'un in the English Channel!
I wish you good luck, because no matter how well you swim on the day, you are going to need luck!
