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!
Former Member
Big Shoulders hands out custom medals at the finish line to each finisher. They are different every year and match the t-shirt design. I've built up quite a collection!
Cool! Looking forward to it!
Training has been going well too. And once I get my shortness of breath (SOB) straightened out--I have a stress echocardiogram tomorrow morning--I'm rockin' it!
Short explanation: I've had SOB for about 3 years now, which has been diagnosed as asthma, but my local pulmonologist threw everything at it in his arsenal with limited success, and the university-hospital specialist I saw--same thing. The specialist, in fact, isn't convinced it's asthma. Now they're guessing heart rhythm, which is why I'm having the stress echo. My prayer is that it's something simple that can be managed by a baby aspirin a day or something like that, and that I won't have to quit working out or have surgery or some such nonsense. I already have had to stop running, as that just doesn't work. To get better so I can enjoy running again, and rock it in swimming (and cycling)--that would be AWESOME!!
Our lake can change temp. over night due to the winds that can pull up the cold:chillpill: from the deep & blow off the warm :cake:from the top even as we are having the hottest spell in our history right now !!
Following is some content just received from Big Shoulders organizers regarding near to maximum registration. So best to register today (July 20) or this weekend:
Greetings Big Shoulders Swimmers,
This may be our final warning on registration - only 35 spots remain for the 5K, and less than 100 for the 2.5K. Also, please note that those who register for the 2.5K after the 5K closes will not be permitted to switch distances. So if you know anyone who was thinking about registering for Big Shoulders this year, tell them it's now or never.
Also, if you are looking for a tune up swim in Central Illinois, check out:
Central IL Open Water Swim (1.2-Miles & 2.4-Miles) - Saturday, August 4, 2012 - 9:00 A.M. CT. Sign-up online by July 21 to receive the $40 early discount registration ($50 late registration thru NOON Friday, August 3). CIOWS 2012 offers a $12 Online One-Event membership, if you are not an annual U.S. Masters Swimming member. This is in addition to your CIOWS 2012 entry fee.
Note: We have gone to deeper Evergreen Lake waters for CIOWS 2012, with the course a rectangular 1.2-mile swim loop.
No Transfers. No Deferrals. No Refunds.
Online Registration: www.ClubAssistant.com/CIOWS
Event Website: CIOWS.org
Venue: Evergreen Lake (in Comlara Park), Hudson, IL
Timer & Scorer: Planet Adventures
Host: Central IL Masters Swim Team, Inc (CIMST.org)
My attitude: Bring it on! If I'm mentally ready, no prob.
I'm excited: I have my first swim lesson tonight with an honest-to-God Masters swim coach! It will only be a "one-off" deal, for now, since we can't really afford the monthly fee for an ongoing arrangement, but I'm hoping I get some good stuff for improving form and speed.
I am doing the 5K for the second year in a row and I'm excited! We were in Chicago this past weekend and I swam in Lake Michigan on Sunday morning. It was awesome - water temp was upper 70's and it was not choppy. I'd love for the conditions to be the same (I'd even be okay with 3-5 degrees cooler so I don't have to wear a wetsuit - I'm a former triathlete and my body fat is 16% so I am a wuss in cold water) come race morning, but I know that's probably asking too much. :)
