When to tackle OPEN WATER

[BradMM]

I'm interested in participating in open water swims but I was wondering if I should just work on my swimming for a while first...? Looking at the times of one of the local events, I'm not even close. I ran a 10K once and was next to last in my age group. I think I have the "do it slowly" training thing down pat!

I think I know the answer to this one...

Also, how do you fuel yourself for an open water swim? I tend to not be able to eat a couple of hours before swimming very hard so I wondered if I should try eating something different.

[naj]

Originally Posted by BradMM

I'm interested in participating in open water swims but I was wondering if I should just work on my swimming for a while first...? Looking at the times of one of the local events, I'm not even close. I ran a 10K once and was next to last in my age group. I think I have the "do it slowly" training thing down pat!

I think I know the answer to this one...

Also, how do you fuel yourself for an open water swim? I tend to not be able to eat a couple of hours before swimming very hard so I wondered if I should try eating something different.

Brad you raise a great question and the only answer that I can give you is; when you want to try open water...try it

Don't concern yourself with the times of other swimmers, concentrate on what TI can do for you in open water (i.e. more efficient stroke, less fatigue, knifing through the water etc) I com in last or next to last all the time in the swims I do and I could care less. The joy of ow swimming is something that will have you addicted in no time. The world is two-thirds water and there is a lot out there to accomplish. So if your looking for a short race I would suggest a one mile and see how you feel. Hang back and let the "Type A" personality types go first and just concentrate on the fundamentals that TI has taught you. Then if you enjoy that experience go for more and see how you feel.

As for eating, eat a solid breakfast but don't gorge! Oats are good, carbohydrates, drink tea or an energy drink and get out there and go for it!!!!

keep Swimming!
Naji

[BradMM]

I guess my first interest was to qualify. I just want to swim and complete the course but, on some that I've seen, there are qualifying times to meet. Probably not the shorter ones, I suppose.

Thanks,

Brad

[naj]

Originally Posted by BradMM

I guess my first interest was to qualify. I just want to swim and complete the course but, on some that I've seen, there are qualifying times to meet. Probably not the shorter ones, I suppose.

Thanks,

Brad

I don't know of a one mile or two mile that would ask for a qualifier before the swim. Now if it's a 5k or above I could understand. Are there some one, 1.5 or two mile swims nearby that you can enter?

[Mike from NS]

Now I realize this is a bit of a stretch ...BUT... would swimming in an outdoor pool during the approach of a strong hurricane qualify as "valid" practice of the open water experience (in light of likely white caps & rough water) ? Yes, a silly question, but with some thought this may be a relatively safe environment for gaining some "open water conditions" experience.

Current predictions place Hurricane Bill brushing by Sunday afternoon and making landfall Sunday evening in Nova Scotia. The outdoor pool on the shores of Bedford Basin, which I've been enjoying all summer, is in the present target zone. If they remain open Sunday morning, the water should be rough! Could be fun! Like Brad, I'd like to try open water however I know I'm not ready yet. Being "contained" is a pool with nature's wave generator is as close as I will get for now. No tides with which to contend!