I have been swimming for some time now. I usually do about 4000 yards four days per week. I have never done a long distance swim. I'm not sure why but I have been tossing the idea around in my head to swim a 30-38 mile Fresh water swim at the end of August. I'm not concerned about the time it takes. I'm thinking I would need a support crew, nutrition while underway, lights etc. etc. I would appreciate any feedback and insight you could lend regarding workouts to build up, experiences, recommended suit, food, etc. etc.
Lets hear it.
what are nutritional options while underway?
Almost infinite. Different strategies work for different people. But there are a few best practices - e.g., liquids generally better than solids, maltodextrins generally better than simple sugars, too many calories generally a bigger problem than too few.
Find out what has worked for others and adapt it to yourself. Google is your friend. For instance, if you search for "marathon swimming nutrition," the first four results lead to articles I've recently written on this subject.
Personally, I like Maxim (or equivalent unflavored maltodextrin) spiked with fruit juice.
Whatever you decide, the important thing is to practice it well beforehand, preferably multiple times on long swims. If you intend to do a 38-mile swim in 6 months, it's already pretty late in the game. Many people spend years preparing for even a 20-mile swim, much less 38.
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www.freshwaterswimmer.com
what are nutritional options while underway?
Almost infinite. Different strategies work for different people. But there are a few best practices - e.g., liquids generally better than solids, maltodextrins generally better than simple sugars, too many calories generally a bigger problem than too few.
Find out what has worked for others and adapt it to yourself. Google is your friend. For instance, if you search for "marathon swimming nutrition," the first four results lead to articles I've recently written on this subject.
Personally, I like Maxim (or equivalent unflavored maltodextrin) spiked with fruit juice.
Whatever you decide, the important thing is to practice it well beforehand, preferably multiple times on long swims. If you intend to do a 38-mile swim in 6 months, it's already pretty late in the game. Many people spend years preparing for even a 20-mile swim, much less 38.
-------
www.freshwaterswimmer.com
