hi all - i'm considering a marathon swim of 20 miles next july. My concern is this: i've lived the last few years at 200 feet elevation and the lake is at 6000 ft. I'm sure in the months as I train i can get some time in at higher elevations, but they would probably be no more than 2000 feet. How significant is this change in elevation and would it drastically affect my ability to swim for 20 miles, even if i have the endurance?
My endurance is another question. I've completed one Ironman triathlon, meaning i've never swam more than 2.4 miles. I'm very comfortable in the water though and feel i can be disciplined over the next 10 months to get the training in. Anyone have thoughts on training tips in order to complete a 20 mile swim 10 months from now? Thanks much.
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Former Member
In Track & Field, it is felt that for endurance events there is a significant change above 1000 meters altitude. So much so that in the past they have had adjustments in qualifying times (I think it was 3%, but don't trust that memory) for things like the nationals and olympic trials.
I lived at 6000 feet for years in Colorado Springs and there was a difference. However, if you deliberately slow down slightly, it makes the distance more doable. One thing that I always found was that if I was coming from sea-level to 6000 feet and racing, I either wanted to race within 36+ hours of arriving or wait about a week and then race. There seemed to be a performace "dead zone" between those days and the same was true for going from 6000 feet to sea-level.
Going from 2.4 miles sea-level to 20 miles at 6000 feet is a big leap, but it can be done. You may find that the psychological factor is bigger than the physical factor.
One thing I'd be VERY concerned about is the sun - UV rays are much more intense at 6000 feet and you are going to be in the water a long time. Make sure you have polycarbonate goggle lenses. Serious sun protection is in order.
-LBJ
In Track & Field, it is felt that for endurance events there is a significant change above 1000 meters altitude. So much so that in the past they have had adjustments in qualifying times (I think it was 3%, but don't trust that memory) for things like the nationals and olympic trials.
I lived at 6000 feet for years in Colorado Springs and there was a difference. However, if you deliberately slow down slightly, it makes the distance more doable. One thing that I always found was that if I was coming from sea-level to 6000 feet and racing, I either wanted to race within 36+ hours of arriving or wait about a week and then race. There seemed to be a performace "dead zone" between those days and the same was true for going from 6000 feet to sea-level.
Going from 2.4 miles sea-level to 20 miles at 6000 feet is a big leap, but it can be done. You may find that the psychological factor is bigger than the physical factor.
One thing I'd be VERY concerned about is the sun - UV rays are much more intense at 6000 feet and you are going to be in the water a long time. Make sure you have polycarbonate goggle lenses. Serious sun protection is in order.
-LBJ
