How to start training for long (to me!) open water swims
Former Member
I swam in USS programs while growing up through high school and played water polo through college. I have also done several triathlons (sprints and olympic distance). However, I am at a loss as to how to prepare for an upcoming 4.5 mile swim in the Chesapeake Bay despite looking through these forums (there are some great posts here!).
I can usually fit in 45-50 minutes per weekday (translating to 2500-3000yds in a 25yd pool) and I'd like to start adding a longer swim at least one day on weekends. But what do I do during this time? I'm used to sets of 100s/200s/400s, but I can't imagine that will cut it anymore. My stroke is finally getting back into form after a two year hiatus from the pool so I'd like to target these workouts for more efficient swimming and more endurance.
Any advice for somebody new to long, open water swims would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I have done some 1 mile open water swims in the past and many olympic tri's, but I am training for my first 5K this summer. I have similar time in the mornings, with a long swim on the weekends. What kind of daily/weekly yardage are you guys doing? I usually get in about 3,000yds 2-3 times a week and 4,000 yds on Sunday. Should I be doing more? Any workout recommendations? Also, what do you plan to swim your race in? I am thinking about getting a Nero 10K. Any suggestions there?
THANKS!:)
No experience with the Nero, but i have the Point Zero 3 and I imagine they are pretty similar. I love love it! Like who would you save from falling off the cliff, a miller lite or the pz3. Easily, PZ3!
Last summer i did my first 5k. Pool swimming converts to open water great, especially long course meters. I found it really interesting to hear one of the medalists from the open water world championships trains long course meters, not in open water.
One or two really long swims, 3k or 4k, three or four weeks before the event helped me have enough confidence in my pace to know i could go the distance!
Good luck!
I have done some 1 mile open water swims in the past and many olympic tri's, but I am training for my first 5K this summer. I have similar time in the mornings, with a long swim on the weekends. What kind of daily/weekly yardage are you guys doing? I usually get in about 3,000yds 2-3 times a week and 4,000 yds on Sunday. Should I be doing more? Any workout recommendations? Also, what do you plan to swim your race in? I am thinking about getting a Nero 10K. Any suggestions there?
THANKS!:)
No experience with the Nero, but i have the Point Zero 3 and I imagine they are pretty similar. I love love it! Like who would you save from falling off the cliff, a miller lite or the pz3. Easily, PZ3!
Last summer i did my first 5k. Pool swimming converts to open water great, especially long course meters. I found it really interesting to hear one of the medalists from the open water world championships trains long course meters, not in open water.
One or two really long swims, 3k or 4k, three or four weeks before the event helped me have enough confidence in my pace to know i could go the distance!
Good luck!
