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?
It sounds like you're on track and have realistic goals about this swim. For my first open water swim, my goal was just to finish and have fun so I adopted a very smooth stroke, making sure to keep my shoulders and entries wide (less stress on the shoulder) and had a blast.
There is a temptation (especially in 60-62 water) to start of swimming like mad -- maybe even trying to keep up with the others. I recommend starting towards the back of the pack with a few *** strokes to bob your head in the water until the hyperventilation slows and move into freestyle from there.
Watch out, though. You do this swim, and you'll be hooked.
It sounds like you're on track and have realistic goals about this swim. For my first open water swim, my goal was just to finish and have fun so I adopted a very smooth stroke, making sure to keep my shoulders and entries wide (less stress on the shoulder) and had a blast.
There is a temptation (especially in 60-62 water) to start of swimming like mad -- maybe even trying to keep up with the others. I recommend starting towards the back of the pack with a few *** strokes to bob your head in the water until the hyperventilation slows and move into freestyle from there.
Watch out, though. You do this swim, and you'll be hooked.
