You seasoned open water veterans have any tips for a pool guy who is clueless without walls and a pace clock?
I did 2 miles in a lake with some friends this morning. It was the third time I've done an open water workout. I've also done 3 races (1994, 2008, 2009).
It was unpleasant to have no idea how much farther I had to go. We were turning around at the other side. At one point, I thought the shore looked around 50 yards away but based on stroke count it was 200+.
I knew it was around 700 yards from the last buoy on the way back. I just tried to go as fast as I could maintain, and hope the other side eventually showed up.
Like anything, you just have to experience it. The more you can actually get in and practice the better understanding you will have on how far you have to go based on the overall distance and conditions (currents, if any). I pretty much know about how long it should take me to do say a 5K within 5-10 min. Its not a bad idea to wear a lightweight watch with a stopwatch function so you can glance at time if need be.
As far as doing the swim, I always like to get away from the pack the first 500 yards and then I will calm down into a easier pace.....its even okay if some folks pass me. Then gradually build back up to the pace I plan to hold for the next 90% of the swim. When finish or shore is within site (or 500 yards) time to see what's left.
I've also found that if you know someone you can follow, say that's done the course/race before, its not a bad thing to follow them. I followed (and somewhat dragged) and former Olympian in a 5k only to pass them with 760-1000 yards left and won by over a minute. That was the OW swim of my Master's career. But I credited him quite a bit for the route and knowledge of the course.
Like anything, you just have to experience it. The more you can actually get in and practice the better understanding you will have on how far you have to go based on the overall distance and conditions (currents, if any). I pretty much know about how long it should take me to do say a 5K within 5-10 min. Its not a bad idea to wear a lightweight watch with a stopwatch function so you can glance at time if need be.
As far as doing the swim, I always like to get away from the pack the first 500 yards and then I will calm down into a easier pace.....its even okay if some folks pass me. Then gradually build back up to the pace I plan to hold for the next 90% of the swim. When finish or shore is within site (or 500 yards) time to see what's left.
I've also found that if you know someone you can follow, say that's done the course/race before, its not a bad thing to follow them. I followed (and somewhat dragged) and former Olympian in a 5k only to pass them with 760-1000 yards left and won by over a minute. That was the OW swim of my Master's career. But I credited him quite a bit for the route and knowledge of the course.
