Big Shoulders Question

If I go to the Ohio St. Beach the afternoon/evening before, is it likely that I will get in a warm-up swim? Yes. I swim there a couple times during the week. You can swim along some tri buoys that are strung parallel to the walkway. The 2nd red pole is 1/2 mile. During lifeguarded hours, they prefer you not go beyond that pole, but sometimes they don't care. You can ask -- you'll see some lined up along the walk at their stations -- or just go and wait for them to say something. I would expect many ppl to be swimming. In non-lifeguarded hours nobody cares that I know of. If the bacteria level is high and the beach is closed, ask the lifeguard to point out a spot on the next beach north, Oak St. Beach. They are all used to OW swimmers and are quite sympathetic! You shouldn't have a problem. Close by is Hotel Intercontinental, where you can swim in the 25 yd pool for $15. Johnny Weismuller swam there. The area where the swim takes place is in my avatar. Nice! Regards, VB

The beaches officially close on Labor Day, so there won't be any guards, and I imagine the buoys will have been removed. You can still swim if you feel comfortable without a guard. The water is not tested for contaminants either, so no swallowing if you get a mouth full! Just kidding, I'd feel totally comfortable swimming there before the race. The water is pretty shallow along the wall, which is the last leg of the triangular course.

The two years I've swum Big Shoulders I've been able to get a swim in at the beach the day before. This summer I've also been able to slide in the lake adjacent to Lake shore drive and swim along the wall. Getting in a lake swim before the race should not be a problem. I'll be swimming the 5K this year for the first time and am looking forward to it. :bouncing: Maybe I'll meet you there.

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I'll be getting in the day before at Ohio St. The water is not tested for contaminants either, so no swallowing if you get a mouth full! I swallowed some of the Ohio River a couple weeks back. While it tasted bad, my innards didn't melt.

Are there any good beaches to train open water SOLO during the workweek between Evanston & Highland Park? I have to be there on business next week and would love to get some O/W training in the lake. Thanks for any advice. I'd be looking to swim early AM (6am-7am).

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I'll be getting in the day before at Ohio St. I swallowed some of the Ohio River a couple weeks back. While it tasted bad, my innards didn't melt. Actually the Ohio Street beach is behind some breakers (or something like that). Whenever there are water problems in the Chicago area, the Ohio Street Beach is one of the LAST to close. It's usually shielded from the worst effects. So swallow if you like! And good luck! I hope to be there myself in a month. JIM

Hi Hoosier, Congratulations again on your daughter's swim! It was much colder than what you will face in Chicago! The lake has been comfortably warm, in the seventies, this week. Really lovely. Last year it cooled down a bit the first week in September. I don't have records of temps, but plenty of people swam the 5k in ordinary pool workout suits, and plenty will be doing the same this year. Lake Michigan is very big and starts far north and all sorts of things affect temp, but I have swum in it into October before hanging up my neon yellow swim cap. Big bodies of water take longer to warm up in early summer and stay warmer later in the year than smaller bodies of water. It's all good. VB

Any idea of water temp? I know there is a big range listed on info, but curious as to actual temps in years past. Thinking of swimming if water is 70 or above. Colder than that I leave to the crazies and wetsuit gang.:D

Any idea of water temp? I know there is a big range listed on info, but curious as to actual temps in years past. Thinking of swimming if water is 70 or above. Yeah, you should be fine. I've done it--I think--four years now and it's been warm enough for just a regular swimsuit every time so far.

Beware of the parking the morning of at the Navy pier...its like 20 bucks, and if you don't have your pass from the swimm they won't honor you..it can be a grid lock in the structure...very rude employees .