I'm new here, and I know that I am in the minority on this forum, but was directed to this forum when looking for answers to open-water swimming. I live in Dallas, TX and for the most part grew up here with the exception of living in St. Croix for four yrs when I was a young teen. I haven't been back since I left and am making it a goal of mine to swim in the Coral Reef Swim they have every year in October. (i wanted to when I was younger but my mom wouldn't let me. ; ). They have a one-mile, two-mile, and a five-mile (that last one is to Buck Island). Though pretty much all of my childhood was spent in the water, whether it be the ocean, lakes, or rivers (my mom was a Scuba instructor), I am not a technical swimmer at all...never taught correct strokes or anything like that. I really would like to train for a 2-mile though, to start...but not sure of the steps I would need to take to do that. Also, my endurance is nothing right now (I said I'm in the minority here, right?) and part of this goal is a goal to get into better shape. I also have mitral valve regurgitation, which is fairly mild but has increased my heart rate and lowered my stamina considerably. I am planning on seeing a cardiologist to hopefully get on meds for that though. Is it unreasonable, knowing all this info, to train for a 2 mile for next year?
There are a lot of good books out there to give you an idea of what to expect. I am currently reading "Lessons from Alcatraz" by Joe Oakes and Gary Emich, and "Open Water Swimming" by Steven Munatones.
Obviously, you are going to want to talk to your cardiologist before starting any type of exercise program due to your medical condition, but I would be really surprised if he was not 100% on board with your swimming. My sister was diagnosed with a lung condition as a result of a premature birth and being on a respirator. Her respiratory doctor fully supported her joining the swimming community (she has since quit, but I digress...)
I had read the best approach is to make small distance increases on a monthly basis. So if you can comfortably swim 1/2 a mile now, do so 3-4 a week for 4 weeks. The next month, add another fraction to the equation, whether it be 1/4 or 1/2 mile and follow that new routine for the next 4 weeks. With a year, the goal of a two mile swim is completely in your reach!
Another note, I recently made the switch from distance in a pool to OW (love it!), but there is a big difference between the pool and OW. The best thing I ever did was find a group of local (and crazy purist) swimmers in my area who OW 3-4 times a week. Very helpful information from these guys, and plenty of encouragement :angel:.
There are a lot of good books out there to give you an idea of what to expect. I am currently reading "Lessons from Alcatraz" by Joe Oakes and Gary Emich, and "Open Water Swimming" by Steven Munatones.
Obviously, you are going to want to talk to your cardiologist before starting any type of exercise program due to your medical condition, but I would be really surprised if he was not 100% on board with your swimming. My sister was diagnosed with a lung condition as a result of a premature birth and being on a respirator. Her respiratory doctor fully supported her joining the swimming community (she has since quit, but I digress...)
I had read the best approach is to make small distance increases on a monthly basis. So if you can comfortably swim 1/2 a mile now, do so 3-4 a week for 4 weeks. The next month, add another fraction to the equation, whether it be 1/4 or 1/2 mile and follow that new routine for the next 4 weeks. With a year, the goal of a two mile swim is completely in your reach!
Another note, I recently made the switch from distance in a pool to OW (love it!), but there is a big difference between the pool and OW. The best thing I ever did was find a group of local (and crazy purist) swimmers in my area who OW 3-4 times a week. Very helpful information from these guys, and plenty of encouragement :angel:.
