5k Swimming Challenge

Hej LeiLaura! I love swimming and going regularly, 2 to 3 times a week. And do a 1km swim mostly that takes me almoste a hour. Changing from back stroke to breast stroke and crawl to not get bored . I know your pain when the pool is closed of for others. For example i used to go to a pool, and then it was mostly reserved for other classes and people on regular opening times. so basicly the only thing you could use was the kids pool.. This was frustrating a lot. Now me and my bf (he started swimming to), going to a pool close by, its small but they have often opening times for only adults and then there are more lanes to go swim laps in. And we found out they have a small gym aswell. So now we pay a montly sub, to go both gym and pool. And absolutly love it! I think 5k is way to much for me right now. But maybe i can join in to your 2k practice? how are you doing it now? you just go to the pool and stay till you finish the 2k?

IM IN! I’ve been looking for something to really push me and I think this is it. I love swimming and am starting coaching a team next month so this would be perfect for me to have my own personal swimming goal. Anyone else up for it add me on here and let’s motivate each other. Ps it would be 100 laps for me. I’m lucky to have access to a 50m pool. I swim about 40 plus laps now only with sets so not continuously. I’ll have to get there first which if I start swimming 4-5 times a week I’ll give myself a month to get there.

I'm still swimming leisurely 2km in ocean, no fins and some chop... almost continuously. I like that we are all challenging ourselves to go a little further - whatever that means for each of us. I think the next challenge for myself would just to do 3km then... or maybe start with 2.5km as my incremental goal, and if I can get to 3km easily then I'll just keep going!

A friend of mine who did competitive ocean swimming said he used to use gel packs to go long distances, but got sick of them (the taste I think). So, he carried a small container of black coffee in his pocket instead, for the energy boost.

Anyone use any particular energizers for long-distance swimming?

Or, if you are at the pool, what do you do to sustain yourself over long workouts (before or during)?

LeiLaura, your enthusiasm is certainly infectious. I'm an occasional long course triathlete so I'm usually putting in 3000 yards per workout 3x/week. Each workout takes me about 75 minutes.

I'd recommend breaking your workout into sets focused on improving specific areas (technique, fitness, endurance, different strokes), instead of just a single long swim. Not only will it make it more interesting but will be better for you in terms of improving faster and keeping your focus while you are swimming. I also have fins and paddles with a pull buoy to incorporate kick only sets and pull only sets. Working out becomes much more interesting and you will see faster improvement in your times, verses just slogging out the laps with no purpose. I would also highly recommend checking to see if there are any Masters swim clubs in your area. Getting feedback from a coach on technique is invaluable (and providing workout plans) plus having camaraderie of other swimmers is more fun.

For a swim goggle recommendation, I have had good success with Aquasphere brand and their Kaiman and Kayenne lines. They are quite comfortable, don't leak, last a long time and have a very good line of sight. They also come in women-specific models so they will fit a smaller face well. Not particularly cheap (~$20 USD) but very worthwhile.

https://www.swimoutlet.com/swim-goggles-c9619/

Best of luck!

beerfoamy wrote: »

bump - how is it going @LeiLaura ? sorted the 2km?

Wondering the same. I swim with Masters and the fast lanes get in roughly 5k during our longer 1.5 hour practices. Us kids in the slow lanes hit about 75% of that. It does get mundane in a 25yd pool.

Speaking of long swims, our local tri club president sent out an invitation to our club's annual New Year's Day swim. As usual, the event is a 100x100 format. The event starts at 12 noon and goes until completion of the10,000 yard distance or whenever the pool closes. Last year, 9 people completed the swim. I was not one of them, but I was reminded of this thread.

deannalfisher wrote: »

Djproulx wrote: »

Speaking of long swims, our local tri club president sent out an invitation to our club's annual New Year's Day swim. As usual, the event is a 100x100 format. The event starts at 12 noon and goes until completion of the10,000 yard distance or whenever the pool closes. Last year, 9 people completed the swim. I was not one of them, but I was reminded of this thread.

yeah my shoulder won't let me do that! as much as i'd like to

You need to rehab that shoulder for more IM racing. I'm counting on you to join me in Coeur D"Alene, if not before!!

1 hour 52 minutes. The sets were planned and times in intervals chosen by the coach. I think I could have gone faster if I was able to swim it in longer sets.

I do a 5km every Sunday, 4km on mon and fri and 3.25km on Wednesday. I’m doing the 15km Swimathon challenge in March

Djproulx wrote: »

deannalfisher wrote: »

Djproulx wrote: »

Speaking of long swims, our local tri club president sent out an invitation to our club's annual New Year's Day swim. As usual, the event is a 100x100 format. The event starts at 12 noon and goes until completion of the10,000 yard distance or whenever the pool closes. Last year, 9 people completed the swim. I was not one of them, but I was reminded of this thread.

yeah my shoulder won't let me do that! as much as i'd like to

You need to rehab that shoulder for more IM racing. I'm counting on you to join me in Coeur D"Alene, if not before!!

i know i do...but i haven't actually gotten a Dx...aside from arthritis...