I am trying to plan for the 5k open water swim this September in Chicago.
In need of good workouts to kick start the training process.
Does anyone have any tips?
Thanks in advance..!
Parents
Former Member
Katie and Matt,
Big Shoulders takes place at Olive Street Beach, which is just north of Navy Pier. One of the best ways to practice is to swim at the actual site of the race. The beach will open Memorial Day weekend, in about a month. You can swim for 1/2 a mile one way, next to the concrete sea wall, which is parallel to Lake Shore Drive. This will give you a good feel for the water and potential conditions.
Until then, maybe work on endurance. Are you able to swim 3 miles (5K) right now? The other thing you might want to consider, if you've never done a 5K before, is to think about doing the 2.5K instead. That's only a 1 1/2 miles. Maybe try that one first and see how it goes.
If you want to try a warm up swim before that, there is a 1 and 2 mile swim in Crystal Lake in July.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
JIM
Katie and Matt,
Big Shoulders takes place at Olive Street Beach, which is just north of Navy Pier. One of the best ways to practice is to swim at the actual site of the race. The beach will open Memorial Day weekend, in about a month. You can swim for 1/2 a mile one way, next to the concrete sea wall, which is parallel to Lake Shore Drive. This will give you a good feel for the water and potential conditions.
Until then, maybe work on endurance. Are you able to swim 3 miles (5K) right now? The other thing you might want to consider, if you've never done a 5K before, is to think about doing the 2.5K instead. That's only a 1 1/2 miles. Maybe try that one first and see how it goes.
If you want to try a warm up swim before that, there is a 1 and 2 mile swim in Crystal Lake in July.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
JIM
