Getting started in Chicago

Totally agree with Lyn ^^ You can do a 5k this summer if you keep up with it. Plan on a longer swim on the weekends, gradually working up to 4000 or 4500 tops. Mix it up a little so you can work on focusing on your stroke or speed - sometimes doing sets of 200's and others doing sets of 500's or a few 1000's. There are some really good workouts on the Open Water workout page that you can tailor to your needs. Keep track of some of your longer workouts - the blog feature on this site works well or you can keep it more personal and just do it yourself. You might want to do a "time trial" of a 1000y or 1650y (mile) every 4-6 weeks over the summer to measure your progress. For wetsuits, see if a local triathlon shop has any for rent that you can try out and practice in. I don't know that I'd actually buy one unless you think you'll continue with the sport. And this race sometimes ends up on the edge, temperature-wise, of allowing you to wear one or not. Maybe you should just keep an eye on the water temps through about mid-August and if it looks like it'll be warm enough, you may not need one after all. Where do you live? Are there places you can OW swim before the race?

Not a pro here, I'm just going by my experience last year, my first open water season. I would say it is very do-able. You may want to put some of your running time into swimming further and longer in the pool maybe one day a week, or even just once to give yourself the confidence. If you can swim 5k in the pool, you can in open water, it's actually much more fun and easier out there. But even if you can't, if your goal is to have fun and finish, you'll be fine. Don't go out too hard is the single bit of best advice for a newbie. Sorry, can't help out with wetsuits.

You should be able to get to 5k by the end of the summer. Some things to keep in mind: You can stop and rest at any point during the swim - do easy breaststroke or just float. Wetsuit should make you buoyant enough Big Shoulders 5K is two loops of the course. Always an option to get out at the 2.5K point - just let the people at the finish know Rent some different wetsuits and try them to find one you like before you buy. Use the race day wetsuit a few times before race day. You can practice at Ohio Street beach all summer. Take advantage of this and get comfortable swimming there before the race. Practice in open water a few times without the wetsuit if temperatures permit Good Luck! Let's hope weather for Big Shoulders is better than last year! NickCharles = The Thin Man?

Thanks everyone. I'm about a half a mile by foot from the lake and the @lakemonsters folks (Open Water Chicago) are the only ones that are swimming now (I admire those crazy people.) I figure I want to get to the point where I can do 2500 without stopping in a pool before I hop in open water (Memorial Day.) Thanks again everyone. This will be interesting to see if I can become a proper open water swimmer.

My input: I think you can do a 5K by Big Shoulders if you keep at it. I'd be concerned less about wetsuit and more about getting in the Lake to practice open water swimming prior to Big Shoulders. There are no lane lines to follow so sighting is key. Also cross waves affect breathing etc. First time in can be disorienting. The Ohio Street Beach is protected by the jetties and can be tamer than other beaches in Chicago so if you can make a go of it close to where you live, you'll see if your ready for Big Shoulders conditions (though those can vary widely). And wetsuits: I've swum Big Shoulders five times since 2008 in conditions ranging from smooth water at 74F water temp to 2 1/2 to 3 foot waves and water at 62F. I've never needed a wetsuit. Prior to last year's canceled swim, we were notified that if the water persisted at below 60F, we would be required to wear a wetsuit. I used one of the on-line rental sites. I received my wetsuit rental and practiced in it the day before the swim was scheduled. Would have worked fine, though the water was near 70F and I was planning on not using it at all. Different people have different internal thermometers. I'm good to go in skin at less than 60F, but will tire out and get a headache in water above 78F. Others, I know can't take a tick below 75F but love 82F. I'd test yours before deciding whether or not you want a wetsuit.

It's nice to hear about open water swimming. My 3 year old niece is about to take admission in swimming class and is ready to take participate in tournaments also.