Going long distance in the swim
Bman
Posts: 442
in General Chat
Hey, I was wondering if anyone had any tips for me on being able to get through a long distance open water swim. Im doing fine at sprint distance, completed one olympic distance and that was ok.
But now, ive gone and signed up for one of those 3.8km long distance swims in Sept, thinking it would give me a goal for this year and force me to work on the swimming. So Im working with a coach weekly and having 2/3 sessions a week, so hopefully the technique will be solid. Also got a season of races to build up the stamina.
However, any handy things I should know about and what to expect in the later parts of the swim?
Thanks!
But now, ive gone and signed up for one of those 3.8km long distance swims in Sept, thinking it would give me a goal for this year and force me to work on the swimming. So Im working with a coach weekly and having 2/3 sessions a week, so hopefully the technique will be solid. Also got a season of races to build up the stamina.
However, any handy things I should know about and what to expect in the later parts of the swim?
Thanks!
0
Comments
Not really any experience in going long in open water but certainly have done my fair share of long distance in the pool.
The one thing I always found was that I would lose concentration easily. This may not affect you as open water may mean that you have to be continually sighting. Just stay relaxed and try not to use your legs too much in the early stages. Let them come in to play when the arms start getting tired. Unlike the bike leg in Triathlon, you can usually sit on the feet of someone else in front. This will make your swim easier and although its cheeky, its well worth doing. Just make sure that they are swimming in the right direction.
Can I ask what swim you have signed up for.
Im doing one of the aquaspehere long swim series races (the one at Dorney lake in Sept). I think its organised by votwo events. Quite a scary thought having to swim the length of the lake almost twice, considering how long it takes me to cycle it. Nothing like a push in the deep end to motivate you, I guess.