I've been training for my first open-water swim in a lap pool. The event is only one mile and I've been swimming it in about 29 minutes. Is that fast or not? I'm not entirely sure. Also, how does lap pool swimming translate to open water in terms of time. I know I need to take into consideration the sighting, temperature and not having walls to stop at/push off, but should I expect to swim it in 29 minutes? Or is that unrealistic?:cane:
29 minute pool miles will mean you definitely won't finish last, and will likely finish in the top half of the field depending on that field.
My open water times often translate faster than pool times for a number of reasons including inaccurately set courses, currents, and the sheer joy of swimming outdoors in open water.
However, there are occasions when my open water times are much slower than pool times due to rough water and adverse currents.
Another immutable law of open water swimming: You will arrive at the event, and you will notice a bunch of chiseled young people looking ripped and ready to go. You will be intimidated by them. You will also not notice some squat guy built like an emperor penguin. When you finish your race you will sip on a beverage and laugh to yourself as many of the chiseled young people exit the water well after you. Then you will notice the emperor penguin being called to the awards stand.
29 minute pool miles will mean you definitely won't finish last, and will likely finish in the top half of the field depending on that field.
My open water times often translate faster than pool times for a number of reasons including inaccurately set courses, currents, and the sheer joy of swimming outdoors in open water.
However, there are occasions when my open water times are much slower than pool times due to rough water and adverse currents.
Another immutable law of open water swimming: You will arrive at the event, and you will notice a bunch of chiseled young people looking ripped and ready to go. You will be intimidated by them. You will also not notice some squat guy built like an emperor penguin. When you finish your race you will sip on a beverage and laugh to yourself as many of the chiseled young people exit the water well after you. Then you will notice the emperor penguin being called to the awards stand.
