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training for a distance

Scott Seibert

So, I know for marathons and some other long distance events you don't actually run the distance during training. At least if your goal is just to finish. So what is it for swimming? I'm doing a 5 mile swim in August. Do I need to do several 5 mile swims prior to this event? I have no illusions of finishing top half or even top of my age group or anything. I'd like to not be the last finisher though. So, I'll repeat myself, during training do I need to have swum 5 miles prior to the actual event? 

  • I concur with you on the distances of training runs for a ‘foot race’ marathon. When in a training cycle for a full marathon I would generally build up to a distance of about 22-24 miles a few weeks before the actual race, and then begin to taper. But, with regard to marathon swims (10k or more), I tend to do more long swims during my build-up, and actually like to do the full race distance at least once…at least ‘weeks’ prior to the actual race. But I’d do pretty much the same with a shorter swim (like your 5-miler).
    One of the things that is of more importance to me is doing a long swim (not necessarily actual race distance) in conditions similar to what race conditions will be in the actual event. If the event is in a lake with calm waters, no currents/tides, mostly protected from the wind, etc…then you don’t have much to worry about. But if it will be choppy, wavy, large swells, headwind, tides or currents…then I like to have experienced that going into the event.
    Dan

  • I would need to know a more about your 5 mile swim and regular training to best answer your question.  Do you swim with a coached group of masters swimmers?  If so, then I would defer to your coach for his/her advice.  Where is your 5 mile swim going to be?  Ocean, Gulf, Lake, River, etc.  What types of conditions will your swim encounter?  Water temperature, waves, swells, current, marine life, etc.  How long are you planning for your 5 mile swim to take you to complete?  This will effect when or whether you will need to hydrate and/or feed during the swim.  Will you have a kayaker or other support team with you during your swim?  Is there an opportunity for you to practice together if you plan on having a support person?  Will you be wearing a wetsuit?  Have you practiced in the same wetsuit?  An open water swim is not the place to try new equipment out.  Practice with whatever equipment you will need for the swim (wetsuit, rash guard, open water buoy, etc).  There are a lot of aspects that should be looked at beyond just the distance.  As far as whether you need to swim the same distance prior to the swim, I would recommend that you do it at least a once, so you know what to expect from an overall fatigue standpoint.  More importantly, I would also recommend that you train in some of the same conditions prior to your swim if they are going to be difficult (waves, cold/hot water, currents, etc).  This is likely more important than the distance itself.  There is nothing worse than being in great shape for a swim and then finding out that the distance is not the issue, but the conditions are and that you are not prepared for 4' + waves, jellyfish stings, and 60 degree water (or whatever other challenges are created by the conditions).