I'm a 61 y.o. still-practicing physician. I've done a 1.5 mile lake swim in Maine for the last 3 years. I was able to reduce my time to 48 minutes this past summer from 49 the two previous summers. I've increased my workouts to include three days in the pool and two in the gym with a slave-driving trainer. I swim around 2500-3000 yards in the pool. I'm seriously considering the FKCC Around Key West Swim this June. It is 12.5 miles, though some of that is with the tidal current. Suggestions for training other than seek psychiatric help?
Anybody have an estimate as how much a kayaker would cost? I need to work out my budget, if you know what I mean. Does anyone advocate shaving down for the event for cooling purposes?
Amanda,
How much does the zinc inhibit your ability to sweat? Also, do they require you to wear a swim cap?
I HATE caps, never wore one as swimmer from age 14 on (when I focused on distance) and they tend to make a already HOT swim HOTTER.
Lump I'm not sure about the sweat thing. I guess since I had a tank suit on I didn't need as much zinc coverage as guys would.
They didn't require a cap at all when I swam it. I wore one for most of the race then took it off for the last 2 miles when I got too hot. My scalp got really burned and peeled :))
Again, still wondering what folks think in terms of the two different races. We'd have to bring the whole family down, since my son can't really hang out on the beach by himself for 7 hours while my husband kayaks.
Another question, actually. Do those who've done the race think it's better to have a local kayaker who has done the course? My husband always kayaks for me and is both a terrific navigator (with a sailing background), and knows my swimming and patterns really well. That being said, he doesn't know Key West.
Opinions?
Well, I'm a bald head (at least mostly, I usually shave it to keep it that way). I'm gonna have to think this one through cause I can't afford to have my head get that fried.
Maybe I'll ask for a sponsorship from "Zinka" and paint my whole body up with their colored zinc product! Hmm...painted on swim cap?!
http://zinka.com/
No-to the local kayaker idea-let your husband guide you-a good kayaker can make a difference-the locals aren't used to directing the swimmer or giving the feedings. get a 2-man and put your son in it too.
I love the theory of putting my son on the kayak--the reality of my husband have to do both parenting and taking care of me sounds miserable for him. I think the boy will have more fun hanging out on the beach with his grandmother... And I'm neurotic about the son so I want to make sure he's taken care of.
Thanks for the advice. I agree with sticking with a kayaker who knows me, and my patterns, and has a vested interest in keeping me alive...
Which race did you do? I'm still trying to determine which is better.
Most likely my family, brother's family, and or parents will probably come down if I do indeed swim this (which is highly likely right now). So I'm sure their will be a social beforehand and folks get to meet and hang out. I'm sure spectators and family will be in a general area. If that is the case I'm sure your son could hang out with our family?
My hope is that we make a big family vacation out of it and one of my buddies that I'll relay with brings his powerboat (19'-20' center counsel fishing boat). I'll also be bringing my 14' Kayak. By mid April I should have a more firm commitment on the plan.
No-to the local kayaker idea-let your husband guide you-a good kayaker can make a difference-the locals aren't used to directing the swimmer or giving the feedings. get a 2-man and put your son in it too.
My paddler was a local and the owner of Lazy Dog. He knew every inch of the water around KW and we worked out the feedings between us along the way. He'd led swimmers round before. Unfortunately I don't think he's there any longer.
I don't know if I'd feel confident putting a kid in a kayak. It's a long time in some pretty extreme heat.
I swam Key West this year on a 6 person relay with some good friends. It was really fun....though the water was a bit warm...and on cow channel they mistimed the tide, so it made for a tough mile and a half.
I commend Lori on putting on a great event and really congratulate those who swim all 14 miles. Definitely get an experienced paddler if you go the distance and bring lots of fluids for the heat. Jellyfish are not a problem that early in the year (at least not this year).
If you do plan on going, take an extra day and attend a Race Club camp in Islamorada (90 miles north/east). Whether you are an open water swimmer or competitive swimmer, I will help you with your stroke technique and make you faster.
Gary Hall Sr.
The Race Club
