Hello,
I am a new USMS member. I joined because I signed up for an upcoming 5 mile race in the open water in Maryland. Does anyone have tips for a newbie to open water races? My endurance is pretty good, but I hired a personal trainer to try and lose some pounds doing dryland workouts, as well as running, even though I hate running with a passion.
Thanks for any help/advice!
I am impressed. Five miles is quite a distance for a first open water swim. I agree with previous advice on a feeding plan. A five miler will at least require a couple of gels tucked in the suit if no kayak escort, and I understand that different people react very differently to different feeding substances.
In addition to the types of training recommended, I'd also suggest just getting in open water and swimming. Practice sighting on objects. Learn which goggles work best for you. No lane lines and no line on the bottom of the lake can be disorienting if you try it for the first time in an event.
The open water workouts on this forum are great especially in training for the longer swims. I mix them up with a couple of workouts from the other sets and make sure I'm swimming 4-5X per week at least.
I am impressed. Five miles is quite a distance for a first open water swim. I agree with previous advice on a feeding plan. A five miler will at least require a couple of gels tucked in the suit if no kayak escort, and I understand that different people react very differently to different feeding substances.
In addition to the types of training recommended, I'd also suggest just getting in open water and swimming. Practice sighting on objects. Learn which goggles work best for you. No lane lines and no line on the bottom of the lake can be disorienting if you try it for the first time in an event.
The open water workouts on this forum are great especially in training for the longer swims. I mix them up with a couple of workouts from the other sets and make sure I'm swimming 4-5X per week at least.
