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.
My response must be qualified with a "I've never swum 20 miles":
I used to swim in high school living in Florida. When I would visit family in Denver, I would get in the water and train. There was a major difference in my stamina between sea level and 5200 feet. I would have to cut a 6000m workout down to about 4000m at the beginning of the week. However, by the end of 5 days or so, I had acclimated. So I think it may be possible that if you can train for at least a week before hand at altitude, you might be OK.
As far as getting to distance, that 20 miles is a bit beyond my comprehension, though, I have found with consistent training over the last year and pacing, I often feel as if I could swim much farther than the 3 mile distances I typically swim.
My response must be qualified with a "I've never swum 20 miles":
I used to swim in high school living in Florida. When I would visit family in Denver, I would get in the water and train. There was a major difference in my stamina between sea level and 5200 feet. I would have to cut a 6000m workout down to about 4000m at the beginning of the week. However, by the end of 5 days or so, I had acclimated. So I think it may be possible that if you can train for at least a week before hand at altitude, you might be OK.
As far as getting to distance, that 20 miles is a bit beyond my comprehension, though, I have found with consistent training over the last year and pacing, I often feel as if I could swim much farther than the 3 mile distances I typically swim.
