Dear fellow swimmers
How to get event ready
The Great North Swim takes place this weekend. It's a fabulous event and I'm disappointed I can't be there
this year. It clashes with another event at the other end of the country as well as a university reunion. I've made the 6-hour plus journey to Windermere many times and it's always been worth it.
It isn't quite the first event of the UK open water season, but it almost is. For me, it signals that summer has arrived. From here on, we only have around 16
weekends where the water temperature is warm enough for mass participation events. I recommend you make the most of them.
Open water events combine challenge with fun, adventure and, if you want it, a dose of competition. They encourage you to get out and about to explore the country and they create lasting memories.
The current issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine is packed full of advice for getting the most from open water events. If you haven't got your copy yet, grab one here before it's sold out.
Meanwhile, here are a few quick tips if you're taking on a challenge soon.
- Try not to worry if you haven't done enough training. I'm yet to meet anyone who says they've done the perfect amount of training and they're in peak condition. For recreational swimmers, that is almost an impossibility.
- You are most likely much more capable than you think. I've met people who signed up for 250 or 500m swims and then said: "I wished I'd signed up for
something longer." I've met far fewer who said, "I should have done the shorter option."
- It's your swim. There's no rule that says you have to do it as fast as you can. If you want to look around and admire the views or swim along while chatting with a friend, that is usually fine (but note, some events do have cut-off times for safety reasons).
- Be prepared. Make a list of everything you need a few days in advance and check all your kit - especially your wetsuit if you haven't worn it for a while. Get to the venue in good time to minimise stress. Read or listen to the briefing.
- If you're competitive and want to race, reduce your training in the lead up to the race so you're rested. Make a race plan. How fast
will you start? Do you need to carry nutrition? How will you manage your energy?
I hope I meet some of you at events this summer. If you see me - or anyone else from the Outdoor Swimmer team - please come and say hello. We love meeting our readers and fellow swimmers.
