Hi all,
Don't worry, I'm not asking if it's too late to try it this year. (It is, except for people doing the relay.) I'm a tad crazy but not that crazy! :)
Even next year is unlikely because based on what I've read, I think it would be wiser to get more comfortable with longer distance swims--and so next year, I'm thinking of doing the Great South Bay Swim for the second time (5+ miles), plus maybe some 2-4 mile swims, so distance in open water isn't a novelty but something I'm accustomed to.
The Boston Light Swim looks very intriguing historically and as a swimming challenge. It's definitely too much swim for me just now but I am wondering if it's something that I can reasonably hope to work my way up to. My only ambtion in this as it was in the Great South Bay swim is to beat the cut-off time. I did the 5.25 mile distance in 3:25, but I'd want to improve my speed/strength since the BLL from what I understand has some tricky currents and a person needs to be ready for them. The GSB swim had a tide assist to start off--and some pretty intense chop in the last couple miles. I thus learned that I can keep swimming while seasick. It's a useful thing to know. ;) Of course, I might also want to get a better idea of how to prevent seasickness....
So, first off what kind of experience did you have before you began training for the BL swim and how did you prepare for it? And do you think it would be realistic for me to consider doing it in, say, two years?
Parents
Former Member
I did it in 2004 (and got 2nd place). It is doable, but it is challenging. The water is cold - typically in the high 50's to low 60's. The current is with you most of the way, but there is a point where it is pushing you sideways and is a bit tough. The area around the bridge can be ROUGH - I remember watching my boat and thinking that they were going to drown. It's listed as 10 miles, but I think it's more like 8.5. It can be very difficult to get an escort boat and not cheap.
OK - the good news is that it's an amazingly fun race on a superb course and is a must-do if you feel you are able. Everyone involved with the race is really nice. They had a nice dinner the night before and hot showers at the end.
I would suggest that in order to finish you must work on strength/raw endurance (i.e. some long, paced swims) and you must be able to withstand the cold for a long time. Again, it is doable, but it's not a "one mile with the current at the beach" type swim. You may also want to check the tide table for this year's race- I seem to remember that it was timed in such a way that if you didn't finish in X time (can't remember the number), you wouldn't be able to finish because the tide would turn against you. That would give you an idea of the kind of effort you would need.
Concerning seasickness, two words: Ginger capsules. I suffer from at and haven't had this once while using ginger capsules.
Hope that helps a bit. Feel free to PM me if I can help in any way.
-LBJ
I did it in 2004 (and got 2nd place). It is doable, but it is challenging. The water is cold - typically in the high 50's to low 60's. The current is with you most of the way, but there is a point where it is pushing you sideways and is a bit tough. The area around the bridge can be ROUGH - I remember watching my boat and thinking that they were going to drown. It's listed as 10 miles, but I think it's more like 8.5. It can be very difficult to get an escort boat and not cheap.
OK - the good news is that it's an amazingly fun race on a superb course and is a must-do if you feel you are able. Everyone involved with the race is really nice. They had a nice dinner the night before and hot showers at the end.
I would suggest that in order to finish you must work on strength/raw endurance (i.e. some long, paced swims) and you must be able to withstand the cold for a long time. Again, it is doable, but it's not a "one mile with the current at the beach" type swim. You may also want to check the tide table for this year's race- I seem to remember that it was timed in such a way that if you didn't finish in X time (can't remember the number), you wouldn't be able to finish because the tide would turn against you. That would give you an idea of the kind of effort you would need.
Concerning seasickness, two words: Ginger capsules. I suffer from at and haven't had this once while using ginger capsules.
Hope that helps a bit. Feel free to PM me if I can help in any way.
-LBJ
