First open water swim

Time to put on the budgie smugglers, find some water and go for a leisurely dip. If only open water swimming were that simple.

Before I got anywhere near the water I needed the right equipment. For open water swimming it’s all about the wetsuit. As with any sport the range is huge, covering basic to those with some many technological terms they sound like a shampoo advert. I had looked into hiring but weighing up the reviews on size charts vs actual sizes opted to go to a shop and get fitted. I’d also considered eBay but had the same advice from some honest sellers.

The trying on of the various suits was an event in itself. It was a scorching day and even hotter in the tiny changing room. Every time I put a suit on I started too pour with sweat. I could only stay in the zipped up suit for a few seconds before I felt faint.

I found the 2XU and Blue Seventy suits unsuitable. Some of them were in sizes I’d contemplated hiring, which would have resulted in some serious discomfort. In the end the Orca Sonar was the best fit. I’d not considered Orca before.

The following day was an early start for an opportunity to put the new suit to the test. Market Bosworth Water Trust was the venue and a 2k swim the challenge. My first view of the water was greeted by some big fish looking back at me from beneath the murk.

Tip – take a spare pair of goggles, found a crack in mine just before the start.

After a bit of faff around 25 people took the plunge and got ready for the start.  I was shocked at how little I could see. I hung back for the start, not knowing what to expect I didn’t fancy a foot in the face.

The first 200 meters were all a little hectic. Not being able to see, being in contact with other swimmers and having to sight my course left me feeling considerably panicked. I did debate getting out after the first lap but sortly into the second I found my space and started to relax. I remembered what my friend Scott, from masters, had said about focusing on technique.

To break up the 4 laps I did different drills on each of the long straights. I found this passed the time and gave me something other than the surroundings to concentrate on. For the most I kept the pace to what I thought I could do for the Ironman. Coming into the last straight I brought the legs in and crossed the finish in around 37 minutes.

I learnt a lot from this experience and would go as far as saying I enjoyed it. The Orca Sonar was perfect, like a second skin.

Making the most of the day Mark and I left the water and assembled our bikes for the ride back. This had been the first opportunity for a water > bike brick training session.

In total I covered about 50 miles back home and felt no ill effect from the swim. The beating sun upped my water intake and I lacked energy at some points. I’m finding it hard to maintain speed, particularity when being bullied by the wind. Hopefully I’m just a little tired.