Hi all,
Long time, no post, I know... and first off, I'm HUMBLED reading about the things many of you are doing in OW swimming! You're inspirations to me!
I've been focusing a lot on running lately, and thought the Stars and Stripes event would motivate me to get more swimming in. (I'm pretty fit running-wise, having recently run a half marathon recently in 2:06:39, at 61 yrs., but not perhaps yet swimming fit at the moment.)
I've been curious to try this event for a while--a chance to combine two favorite sports (no plans for a tri... no interest in the bike part of multi-sport). Here's the link fyi:
www.nycswim.org/.../Event.aspx
June 16, 1500m swim/5k run.
I don't see too much of a problem w/ either distance (swim or run), but my questions:
(a) This event takes place in the Harlem River off Randall's Island. What's your experience with this location?
(b) Water quality: The web site assures swimmers that the water quality has improved a great deal; however, in the FAQ section, swimmers are advised to update their tetanus and gamma globulin shots (for hepatitis A). That sounds iffy, but is it just CYA stuff to protect them from lawsuits? If you have done NYC Swim events, do you feel the need to get such shots?
(c) What's your evaluation of NYC Swim events--i.e. in terms of organization and such. If you did any of them, would you recommend them to others? Why/why not?
I should note that I already sent in my entry--wanted to get in before the price went up from "a little steep for my taste" to "astronomical." :)
p.s. for any of you who have done triathlons: Any advice on transitions appreciated. I did an aquathlon in 2005, but except for that, my runs and swims have been stand-alone events. (Also, I hope y'all will forgive my foray into multi-sport... or maybe it's "duo-sport." :)
I presume this is the same location as 2011 event... it does seem so. I was swim-only.
my previous experience with NYCSwim is two swims in the Hudson and swim around governor's island - the swim in the East River was my first NYCswim in which we waded into the water, and for the leg up-river we were probably in waist- to chest-water - different than pier and ferry starts in the Hudson. ...deeper on the down-river leg.
call it vigilant or due-diligence but yes get the tetanus shot.
NYCswim is very well run and dedicated, but this 2011 swim seemed a little awkward. I think this was their first effort at this locale. It seems a very good venue for an aquathon.
I wouldn't hesitate to do the swim again. Best of luck :carolers:
Thanks very much for the info--and the caroler graphic!
I actually did get a tetanus shot this year (due to a face plant while running), so I assume that's recent enough, but maybe a booster wouldn't hurt? What about the gamma globulin they mention?
Interesting that the swim upriver is standing depth--I tend to like deeper water in OW swims...don't know why, just more comfortable. But for that short a distance, not too big a deal. It'll be interesting to see how my run goes after exiting the water. But that's the fun of trying new events! Wakes the body up! Will you be there for the 2012 Stars 'n' Stripes? If so, I hope to meet you!
Former Member
I presume this is the same location as 2011 event... it does seem so. I was swim-only.
my previous experience with NYCSwim is two swims in the Hudson and swim around governor's island - the swim in the East River was my first NYCswim in which we waded into the water, and for the leg up-river we were probably in waist- to chest-water - different than pier and ferry starts in the Hudson. ...deeper on the down-river leg.
call it vigilant or due-diligence but yes get the tetanus shot.
NYCswim is very well run and dedicated, but this 2011 swim seemed a little awkward. I think this was their first effort at this locale. It seems a very good venue for an aquathon.
I wouldn't hesitate to do the swim again. Best of luck :carolers:
