This is a week of calm and planning for the next goal, taking into account lessons learnt from the previous challenge.
The next goal on the list is the Great North Swim – this is a long course swim in an open air pool without anti-wave ropes or any other kind of ropes. I should not imagine that the pool staff will perform the same water quality tests that are performed in the local swimming pool, expect visibility may be a little impaired, doubt the water will be regulation competition temperature (25° – 28°), and do not know what to expect by way of changing rooms and warm showers at the end of the event.
This will be my first open water event, and yes, I am a little nervous. I’ll be the one shaking by the side of the lake!
Lessons learned:
1. Don’t get injured. Land training should be undertaken with care, as injuries can blight a good swim.
2. Practice in event conditions as much as possible. Being able to practice in a long course pool was invaluable
3. Try out new kit before the event. Nothing worse than buying new kit and realising it will take a month to get used to.
4. Plan the training – apart from injury, this was probably the biggest mistake for the Swimathon. It was really useful having the online training plan, an excellent plan that I have followed before, but this time started too soon.
The countdown widget in the sidebar calculates that there are two months between now and 15th June – by my calculations it is a mere 13 weeks until the swim, so, following recovery week, there will be 12weeks to plan for. That feels like a long time.
I’ve just reread the literature about the event. It should be a life affirming experience. The waters of Lake Windermere are clear. There is no doubt that the English Lake District is beautifully inspiring. I have my wetsuit (hired from the Great North Swim event) and now keep an eye on the temperature for Open Water practice, sometime in April. On a sunny spring morning, it’s going to be the place to be 🙂
just Trying to Swim...and Run... 