Hi:
I am a newbie to open water swimming competition and have only ever done open swims as part of triathlons. I am doing the big shoulders race on Saturday in Chicago and am wondering what the deal is with hydrating or taking GU? What do folks do to refuel on longer swims?
Would appreciate any help you can offer. I sort of signed up on a whim and am now freaking out a bit :)
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Former Member
I've recently changed my program for 5K swims. In the past I did nothing. But now I drink a fair amount of water before the event stopping 30 - 40 minutes before hand. I also take 2 GU packets 5 - 10 minutes before the race with a mouthful of water. In salt water try to avoid taking in too much water accidentally. I once did that on a 5K and had a very bad case of the runs later. If it is a fresh water race and the water is considered clean, I have no problem taking a little sip from time to time in hot conditions.
I've recently changed my program for 5K swims. In the past I did nothing. But now I drink a fair amount of water before the event stopping 30 - 40 minutes before hand. I also take 2 GU packets 5 - 10 minutes before the race with a mouthful of water. In salt water try to avoid taking in too much water accidentally. I once did that on a 5K and had a very bad case of the runs later. If it is a fresh water race and the water is considered clean, I have no problem taking a little sip from time to time in hot conditions.
