Recommended Reading

As I searched for training guides for my upcoming Bay Swim, I remembered that someone recommended Lynne Cox's autobiography. In Swimming to Antarctica, she writes about her myriad cold water and long distance swims around the world. Knowing that this woman swam for eight hours across the English Channel and in 35 degree water in the Arctic reassures me that I can certainly swim for two hours across the Bay in probably 60 degree water. 

Recent Workout

Including below a recent workout I wrote that I think is good prep for the Bay Swim. 

600 swim

6 x 100 – 50 kick/50 finger-tip drag free

6 x 50 – 25 three strokes-six kicks on side/ 25 back swim

Main Set - Twice through

3 x 300 @4:15/4:30/4:45 free - pull or swim – descend 1 to 3

50 EZ

4 x 100 IM @1:45/2:00/10 sec. rest

50 EZ

4 x 50 @1:00 25 underwater/25 swim

=4500 yards

Unpleasant

At practice last night Barb provided some additional info about the Bay Swim, specifically the finish. You can smell diesel and hear the traffic on the bridge. The water is mucky. You're TIRED. She recommends mentally preparing for this aspect of the swim, but quickly added that by the time you're there, you're almost done.

Barb also talked about being mentally prepared for how to navigate/attack the currents. Beyond being physically in shape, this race requires mental preparation as well.

JMLS 2015

The start of the 2-mile race

With DCRP teammates Bob and Allison

It was a beautiful day for the JMLS. The water was a bit chilly at 69 degrees, so I happily tried out my wet suit. The Bag Balm worked really well, I just needed more around the zipper at the top of the neck. My time was three minutes faster than last year and I would like to chalk that up to being in better shape, and not just the wet suit. I was chatting with the swimmer next to me right before the race started, talking about wet suits, and I admitted I'd never used one before. He told me I would love it. And I did! Results from the swim are here.

My tip for a first-timer friend was to wear an older suit that you won't mind getting lake gunk on and having it generally not smell that great after the race.

To Wetsuit, or Not to Wetsuit

Jim McDonnell Lake Swim

In preparation for the Bay Swim I am swimming the Jim McDonnell Lake Swim this Sunday in Reston. I swam it last year and it was (and still is) my only open water experience besides lake swims at Camp. My plan has been to wear my wet suit this weekend to get comfortable in it before the Bay. However, meet officials don't allow wet suits if water temps climb above 78 degrees. We're currently at 76.

Last night at practice I was talking to a couple teammates who have both done the Bay without a wet suit. So it can be done, but do I want to?

USMS's monthly newsletter posted an article about "the wet suit factor". They definitely have benefits. And I want a boost.

Training Plan: To-date

Wilson Aquatic Center, NW DC

Starting in May I increased my pool workouts to twice a week, about 4,300 yards (or 4,000 meters depending on pool configuration) on average. The plan is to increase to three times a week in June. The Bay Swim is Sunday, June 14.

This is in addition to three times at week at the Bar Method. Adding barre classes to has certainly helped me get stronger and feel more confident. My flip turns feel especially fast from all the core work. Of course, there aren't any flip turns in the Bay.

Bay Swim tips

Another tip (#4) to add to my collection comes from Fran. To prevent chafing with your wet suit, use Bag Balm. Apply more than you think you'll need.