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.
I did a 20 mile swim race after I was swimming about 20 miles/week the 2 months prior (I was doing significantly more than that before then though). It was a pretty intense swim - especially mentally.
There are so many factors that go into a marathon swim (especially one 30+ miles). If you are doing 4k a few times per week, I would say chances are very high that you wouldn't finish because your body literally just wouldn't be able to function for that long. The slower you swim, the longer it will take as well.
As for nutrition, one of the best tips I received was, along with my regimented intake of fluids and calories, to have treats as well. Whether it is candy, chocolate, or literally just anything you enjoy - it will be key to surviving the swim mentally. It is something to look forward to, because believe me, you'll need that. It can get real depressing halfway through a ten hour race.
As for regular intake, I'd say get some fluid and calories every 15 minutes.
I did a 20 mile swim race after I was swimming about 20 miles/week the 2 months prior (I was doing significantly more than that before then though). It was a pretty intense swim - especially mentally.
There are so many factors that go into a marathon swim (especially one 30+ miles). If you are doing 4k a few times per week, I would say chances are very high that you wouldn't finish because your body literally just wouldn't be able to function for that long. The slower you swim, the longer it will take as well.
As for nutrition, one of the best tips I received was, along with my regimented intake of fluids and calories, to have treats as well. Whether it is candy, chocolate, or literally just anything you enjoy - it will be key to surviving the swim mentally. It is something to look forward to, because believe me, you'll need that. It can get real depressing halfway through a ten hour race.
As for regular intake, I'd say get some fluid and calories every 15 minutes.
