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.
If you would like to experience what it is to swim at elevation, I would try first to swim the Horsetooth 10 K swim just outside of Fort Collins, CO, elevation of 5700. If you have time before you swim 20 Miles at 6000 feet. The event is held early in August. Age is another factor in how well you will adjust to the change in oxygen.
At 6000 feet, the time adjustment is about 24 seconds per 1650, so that may help you gauge the time it may take you to swim the 20 miles. Go to www.csi.org for adjustments.
Last note, I live at 5400 feet. I just competed at 6300 feet, I could feel the difference in the lack of oxygen. It hurt, not a great deal, but there was more raspying at the bottom of my lungs that hurt. This occurred in warm-up and the 800 meter race.
Good luck!
If you would like to experience what it is to swim at elevation, I would try first to swim the Horsetooth 10 K swim just outside of Fort Collins, CO, elevation of 5700. If you have time before you swim 20 Miles at 6000 feet. The event is held early in August. Age is another factor in how well you will adjust to the change in oxygen.
At 6000 feet, the time adjustment is about 24 seconds per 1650, so that may help you gauge the time it may take you to swim the 20 miles. Go to www.csi.org for adjustments.
Last note, I live at 5400 feet. I just competed at 6300 feet, I could feel the difference in the lack of oxygen. It hurt, not a great deal, but there was more raspying at the bottom of my lungs that hurt. This occurred in warm-up and the 800 meter race.
Good luck!
