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!
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!
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!
