I have to admit that despite swimming a couple open water races per year I always train in a pool. Well, today I took a vacation day and finally decided to swim in the lake right across the street from my house. It's a small lake--about 15 acres--but just big enough to actually swim in without feeling confining. I'd say it's a little over 200 meters swimming across the widest part, a lap around the circumference maybe 1/3 mile. The shore was lined with thousands of lily pads. I saw lots of ducks, Canada geese and even a blue heron. You get such a different perspective of the lake from swimming in it than you do looking at it from the shore, and such a change of pace from swimming in a pool all the time!
So where do you swim? And if you've got pretty pictures post them up!
I have a ton of pretty pictures of Lake Michigan, where I swim!
I don't know how to do the thumbnails (help?), and they are not on any photo sharing site.
Thanks, VB
you can upload files using the "manage attachments" button when you post.
I've been to both La Jolla Cove and Lake Michigan many times. Both great places to swim.
The lake I train in June-Aug is in the middle of town (city). it's about 400-600m wide and 1500-1800 long. it also has a 5km track around for walkers and runners.
we put out bouys using GPS so there are 198-202m between and we have a 1000m course. we have also measured out certain points around the lake and can swim 1300 or 2500m.
I like swimming in it because you're never really that far from land, and the only boats allowed are row boats and pedal boats.
here is a picture from Google Maps.
img67.imageshack.us/.../vxjlakeph7.png
We are doing a Tour de Lakes this summer. About 6 of us pick a local lake and swim around it. So far we have done 3, Lee, Beadle and St. Mary's. All are about 2 +/- miles. We're usually in the lake for an hour or so but we re-group a lot due to different swim speeds. We're planning to do 2 more before summers end. I also have a Lake Swim competition upcoming on Aug. 5. It's a 1.15 mile swim behind a row boat. This weekend, I am planning a trip to Lake Michigan to swim (the water is up to 75 degrees). As you well know (former Michigander), you have to take advantage when the warm water blows in because the winds certainly can turn it over quickly and back to the 40's it can go.
As you well know (former Michigander), you have to take advantage when the warm water blows in because the winds certainly can turn it over quickly and back to the 40's it can go.
Yes, this is crazy. I remember this happened last summer and an open water race had to be cancelled. Grand Haven, maybe?
I am blessed to live in a county in Indiana that boasts of "~100 lakes/ponds of various sizes." Depending on the distance you feel up to swimming there's probably something for everyone here or not far away. I'm new to the area and still growing in open water swimming but I have had the opportunity to swim in a couple of our lakes and am anxious to sample more.
I've also been able to get into Lake Michigan which is always a great workout.
From the "grass is always greener" perspective, some pictures and swim club information I've seen from La Jolla Cove make it look very inviting!
This season, I haven't had a chance to do any open-water workouts (just one 1-mile OW race), but most seasons, I swim in Lake Erie, at a beach several miles west of Cleveland.
BTW, those of you who swim in Lake Michigan, are you aware of the Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting website? It's one of my favorites.
