Lake Champlain Swim

I did the swim last year. No lampreys, no wetsuit, (and I am not, ahem, genetically engineered for cold water) lots of chop, and great fun. My time was much longer than I expected, but I think the conditions last year were more than anyone anticipated. I agree that it's hard to get information, but I've had success e-mailing Jamie Held, the new Aquatics Director at the YMCA. She e-mailed me a course map so my husband/kayaker could start prepping. My biggest concern is really how his back is going to hold out in the kayak. Last year required more ibuprofen for him than for me. And personally, while I miss the "we're in New York, there's Vermont, see you over there" course, I am glad that it sounds like my son with have more things to do with my mom while they wait for me to come in. Last year's beach was a bit bleak as a family member waiting for your swimmer. My seven-year-old is already so over waiting for mom to finish and when it's not in a really beautiful beach, he tends to get a bit bored. I do remember that last year, Tad, the former race director, e-mailed out a list of participants and many of us started e-mailing each other before the swim. Perhaps that will happen again? I'm happy to answer any questions for first-timers. My time was not great, but I had a great time, and really felt like the conditions were something I had not experienced to that degree before--except for a terrible Coney Island swim a few years ago. I'm not sure how much previous experiences matter given that the course is so different. I will say that my nutritional plan was having my husband stop me at least very half-hour for gatorade. Boring and obvious, but for a swim of that distance, it worked for me. Looking forward to August! Sydne

I did the swim last year. No lampreys, no wetsuit, (and I am not, ahem, genetically engineered for cold water) lots of chop, and great fun. My time was much longer than I expected, but I think the conditions last year were more than anyone anticipated. I agree that it's hard to get information, but I've had success e-mailing Jamie Held, the new Aquatics Director at the YMCA. She e-mailed me a course map so my husband/kayaker could start prepping. My biggest concern is really how his back is going to hold out in the kayak. Last year required more ibuprofen for him than for me. And personally, while I miss the "we're in New York, there's Vermont, see you over there" course, I am glad that it sounds like my son with have more things to do with my mom while they wait for me to come in. Last year's beach was a bit bleak as a family member waiting for your swimmer. My seven-year-old is already so over waiting for mom to finish and when it's not in a really beautiful beach, he tends to get a bit bored. I do remember that last year, Tad, the former race director, e-mailed out a list of participants and many of us started e-mailing each other before the swim. Perhaps that will happen again? I'm happy to answer any questions for first-timers. My time was not great, but I had a great time, and really felt like the conditions were something I had not experienced to that degree before--except for a terrible Coney Island swim a few years ago. I'm not sure how much previous experiences matter given that the course is so different. I will say that my nutritional plan was having my husband stop me at least very half-hour for gatorade. Boring and obvious, but for a swim of that distance, it worked for me. Looking forward to August! Sydne