Howdy -
I'm swimming to get in shape. I've been here before but started my training wrong and hurt the shoulders and stopped (few years back now). Weight and time kept increasing and I'm back. I can do a 1700-2400 yd workout in a SCY pool now without much difficulty (been back a bit over a month, lost 15 lbs and doing some PT proactively for the shoulder support muscles, feeling better). Well someone at work talked to me about a swim they are going to (Peak's to Portland swim to benefit the Portland, ME YMCA). It is "only" 2.4 miles, open water, in the ocean (Atlantic in July.. 50s for water temp?).
I am going to hit search here for training but looking for suggestions. I have just over 3 months to train (middle July). The other day I did 900yds without rest (I know, not a big deal but compared to a month ago, not bad) but that was a SCY pool with turns/kicks every 25yds.
So... What is a good strategy from going from "0 to 2 miles"? Our masters class is an informal class that is a workout group that meets 2 nights a week. We have a coach who runs swim teams for younger kids and has given great help on stroke so I'll be talking to her for thoughts but I wonder where I should be and when to get to that 2.4 miles by mid July?
I've done the Peaks race for several years now. Water temp is usually 60-62, though you will hit some patches of warmer and colder water. Most people wear wetsuits. It might also be worthwhile getting a neoprene hood--makes a surprising difference in how the water feels.
Also, the swim is timed to coincide with the incoming tide, so there is a tidal push. How much of one changes from year to year. I think there's supposed to be a fairly good push this year. This affects the line you want to take. When there is little push, you want to go in more of a straight line (which takes you nearer to Fort Gorges). When there's a bigger push, it's often better to go wider away from the Fort--you swim further but can go faster.
Bob's suggested plan sounds good to me. The only thing I'd add is to confirm your plan to make sure to get into a lake or ocean beforehand. Swimming without the black line and walls takes some getting used to--both in terms of endurance and in terms of swimming straight. In fact, my first year training for Peaks, I did very little long (500+ yards) pool swimming. Most of the pool swimming was shorter swims on low rest intervals. However, I did go out to a lake and gradually built up to around 2 miles.
Of course, given this winter, the ice will be out when? A week before the race? Two weeks?
Oh, and if you are going to wear a wetsuit, you should practice in that, too. It will change your body position, and the arms of a full suit (if that's what you wear) take some getting used to.
It's a fun swim. Hope this helps some.
I've done the Peaks race for several years now. Water temp is usually 60-62, though you will hit some patches of warmer and colder water. Most people wear wetsuits. It might also be worthwhile getting a neoprene hood--makes a surprising difference in how the water feels.
Also, the swim is timed to coincide with the incoming tide, so there is a tidal push. How much of one changes from year to year. I think there's supposed to be a fairly good push this year. This affects the line you want to take. When there is little push, you want to go in more of a straight line (which takes you nearer to Fort Gorges). When there's a bigger push, it's often better to go wider away from the Fort--you swim further but can go faster.
Bob's suggested plan sounds good to me. The only thing I'd add is to confirm your plan to make sure to get into a lake or ocean beforehand. Swimming without the black line and walls takes some getting used to--both in terms of endurance and in terms of swimming straight. In fact, my first year training for Peaks, I did very little long (500+ yards) pool swimming. Most of the pool swimming was shorter swims on low rest intervals. However, I did go out to a lake and gradually built up to around 2 miles.
Of course, given this winter, the ice will be out when? A week before the race? Two weeks?
Oh, and if you are going to wear a wetsuit, you should practice in that, too. It will change your body position, and the arms of a full suit (if that's what you wear) take some getting used to.
It's a fun swim. Hope this helps some.
