Hi! My name is Andy. I'm new here. I've lurked a little, and it looks like you all are really nice, helpful folks. Looking forward to interacting with you!
I started this thread for a couple of reasons:
First, to find out if there is anyone else on this board who is doing either the 2.5K or the 5K in this year's Big Shoulders in Chicago on 9/8.
Second, if anyone has ever done that race, to find out what it was like, and to ask if there are any pieces of advice to share. This will be my first time in that race, and actually my first open water swim other than a tri.
Finally, to ask if there are any training plans anyone can recommend to me.
Also, is there a thread anywhere on this board on which folks introduce themselves?
Thanks!
Welcome Andy! I'm signed up. I've done the race many times and it's always lots of fun. Are you doing the 2.5K or the 5K? My advice is to get to the beach early. There will be long lines to check in. As far as the race, just relax. They divide the swimmers up into several waves, so each wave isn't huge but there will be some jostling at the start. My advice is to keep calm. Resist the temptation to sprint to establish your own space. After a couple hundred meters the swimmers will spread out.
As far as training, there's a workout forum dedicated to open water swimming you might want to check out:
Open Water Workouts - by Mallory Mead - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
This is a fun event and no two years are ever the same! If you can get to Ohio Street Beach to swim the weeks before the race that will give you more of a comfort level. It's a great swim to finish the open water season. Enjoy!
First off: welcome, Andy! You're probably used to the frenzy at the start of open water if you've done triathlons, and you will certainly be in shape for it too. I'm guessing you are in Madison from your username. A good gear up swim for Big Shoulders might be the MOWS in August. Are they doing the 1.2 and 2.4-mile distances again?
Knelson's advice about just staying calm at the start is important; psychological prep for OW is really important, so try to get in as much lake swimming as possible before the event... in lots of different conditions, so you are mentally prepared to adapt. I'm in Kenosha, WI and I'm always surprised at how weird the first couple of lake swims of the season feel after being in the YMCA pool for nine months straight... it's so easy to get used to those walls and that straight black line!
Alex: Thanks! No, I live in Galesburg, IL. The story of the screen name: Ages 4-7 I lived in Monona Grove, old suburb of Madison. There was a beach on Lake Monona near our house. That's where I learned to swim, when I was 5. I remember learning the backstroke (before I learned free, if memory serves), and going nuts with it, to the point where the teacher and my dad needed to holler at me to stop because I was quickly swimming out of the swim area. If I ever manage to do an Ironman, I want it to be Wisconsin, because it would be extremely cool to do the swim portion of my first IM in the lake in which I first learned to swim.
You're right about OWS feeling weird after the pool. I plan to have OW swims in a lake that's by a friend's house.
oz: Jammers. I have been swimming in colder water, but not for awhile. I've been in somewhat-crowded swim starts in the tris I've done.
Thanks for the input, guys!
Cold water preparation is going to have to be in Lake Michigan itself at this point. Got in to my local "spring-fed" lake yesterday after a couple of days out and found it super warm... felt like maybe 85 degrees; up from about 80 earlier this week I think. The heat wave has really warmed up the inland lakes, but Lake Michigan never seems to warm up over here!
Cold water preparation is going to have to be in Lake Michigan itself at this point. Got in to my local "spring-fed" lake yesterday after a couple of days out and found it super warm... felt like maybe 85 degrees; up from about 80 earlier this week I think. The heat wave has really warmed up the inland lakes, but Lake Michigan never seems to warm up over here!
You never know what Lake Michigan will be like so be ready for anything! I've done the 5K four times. Three of those times it was perfect (68-70 degree water, fairly smooth, and at least a hint of sun in the sky). One year it was cold and I hated it (65 degrees, rainy and choppy water). The 2.5K is one lap around the course. The course is easy to follow and there are some buildings on the shore line you can use to sight. Have fun!
While we are on the subject of Chicago... I'm going to be in the Lincoln park area visiting family for a short vacation. I found list of teams in Chicago, but it is hard to tell what area of the city the pools are in. I'm interested in connection with a club to swimming open water or to get in a pool workout. Any recommendations on clubs in that area? BTW. I've wanted to do the Big Shoulders swim for a long time too.
Thanks,
Mark Miller
Had a good/sorta OK OWS workout Saturday. Swam for 47 min. in a friend's private lake. The top of the water was VERY WARM. Good for cardio/endurance, and good for getting used to murky open water, not-so-good for training for Lake Michigan. Oh well!
I'm corresponding with a guy who sent me two weeks worth of workouts; they look BRUTAL, which is what I need. If we can work it out, we're going to meet up so he can critique and teach me on technique.
