Hi,
I'm signed up for the maryland swim for life on July 13. There is a 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 mile option and I've chosen the 5. I've read as many of the previous posts here as possible on training. But, I would still like to ensure I'm on the right track and would appreciate some advice. I can always change which distance I'm doing if my training doesn't go well.
My Background: I'm a triathlete but I'm awful at swimming. I'm doing this swim to force myself to get better at swimming somehow. I've done some 1.2 mile swims in half irons and pure open water events. I can currently swim 2 miles in the pool without stopping. Recently I've been practicing the Total Immersion method in an attempt to become more efficient. I swim 4 days per week: 3x1500yd + 1x3000yd.
Goal: Just finish the 5 mile swim under my own power.
Questions:
1. How long should my "long swim" be in order to complete this event? How much should my weekly yardage be? Keep in mind that I've just learned the Total Immersion method and I'm still not that great at it. So, i've been trying to spend a few days a week just focusing on form.
2. Would it be advisable to wear a wet suit? I have a 5/3mm full wetsuit. Water temps are projected to be mid 70s. The wetsuit would give me an advantage and is permissible if the temp doesn't rise above 78F. But, in the mid 70s, would I overheat?
3. Does anyone have any other thoughts on training?
Thanks! :-)
-Jonathan
First of all, this is always a fun event which I have had the pleasure of doing a few times.
I didn’t see you mention your speed but it may be something to consider before attempting the five mile. The time limit is 3.5 hours and you should be prepared to go slower than a five mile pool swim. This race starts at same time every year so tides may or may not be in your favor. A few years ago when race was shortened to two miles due to storms, I remember swimming against a stiff current and it taking me 38 minutes to go out for first mile. The way back only took 19 minutes. That one worked out to around my normal two mile time. The next year I was swimming the five mile and I recall swimming against the current for the first couple of miles but that the tide changed and I seemed to be swimming against it on the way back as well. My time was about 25 minutes slower than I would have expected. Just something to keep in mind.
The Chester River is shallow where you will be swimming and temperatures seem to be warmer than the Bay. Only a few wear wetsuits and they are usually swimming in the one or two mile. It may make you a little faster but most likely will make you miserable. You would probably be the only one in five mile with a wetsuit. Temps have been relatively cool this spring but should be warming up quickly. Some years the event is held in June and I think that is why they estimate mid 70’s. I would guess temperature in low 80’s by race day. The Tolchester Beach Station on Chesapeake is the closest to Chester River to look out for temps.
www.nodc.noaa.gov/.../catl.html I would figure a few degrees warmer in Chester.
There typically isn’t much chop on the Chester but you should be prepared to swim against the current. I would agree with Coach Kevin on getting your yardage up but think you would benefit greatly by mixing some interval training in with your yardage. In every swim where I have faced adverse conditions, I always felt it was the intervals that got me through it and not the yardage.
Good luck. I have another swim that day or I would be there.
First of all, this is always a fun event which I have had the pleasure of doing a few times.
I didn’t see you mention your speed but it may be something to consider before attempting the five mile. The time limit is 3.5 hours and you should be prepared to go slower than a five mile pool swim. This race starts at same time every year so tides may or may not be in your favor. A few years ago when race was shortened to two miles due to storms, I remember swimming against a stiff current and it taking me 38 minutes to go out for first mile. The way back only took 19 minutes. That one worked out to around my normal two mile time. The next year I was swimming the five mile and I recall swimming against the current for the first couple of miles but that the tide changed and I seemed to be swimming against it on the way back as well. My time was about 25 minutes slower than I would have expected. Just something to keep in mind.
The Chester River is shallow where you will be swimming and temperatures seem to be warmer than the Bay. Only a few wear wetsuits and they are usually swimming in the one or two mile. It may make you a little faster but most likely will make you miserable. You would probably be the only one in five mile with a wetsuit. Temps have been relatively cool this spring but should be warming up quickly. Some years the event is held in June and I think that is why they estimate mid 70’s. I would guess temperature in low 80’s by race day. The Tolchester Beach Station on Chesapeake is the closest to Chester River to look out for temps.
www.nodc.noaa.gov/.../catl.html I would figure a few degrees warmer in Chester.
There typically isn’t much chop on the Chester but you should be prepared to swim against the current. I would agree with Coach Kevin on getting your yardage up but think you would benefit greatly by mixing some interval training in with your yardage. In every swim where I have faced adverse conditions, I always felt it was the intervals that got me through it and not the yardage.
Good luck. I have another swim that day or I would be there.
