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open water swim training

Joemotz1Joemotz1
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Coaches, I'm now in the 20 week plan toward IMOO. Looking ahead on swim workouts I don't see any open water sessions. Will you be recommending some open water training deeper in the plan? Thnx Joe

 

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Posted By Joe Motz on 24 May 2013 07:32 PM

    Coaches, I'm now in the 20 week plan toward IMOO. Looking ahead on swim workouts I don't see any open water sessions. Will you be recommending some open water training deeper in the plan? Thnx Joe

     

    No, we don't specifically prescribed OWS in the plans because everyone's access to OWS opportunities is all over the map. That said, if you have access, you can always do that as your logistics allow. 

  • Joemotz1Joemotz1
    Rich,
    So what specifficly do you recomend for me as I lead up to IMOO being I have limited acess (one hour away)? Do I do this in leu of weekend swim drill as shown on plan. If so when to start and on what frequency. I'm assuming length should be similar total yardage shown. Not trying to talk myself into OWS but know there is a difference as when I have in the past I have issues with sighting and maintaining a straight course.
    Thnx Joe
  • rboglerbogle

    Joe, dont know what your OWS experience is, but if you can make it happen a couple of times you'll be better off. Its not necessary, but just from a race day anxiety / feeling prepared perspective, its a bonus. Its a good opportunity to practice sighting and swimming with out a line on the bottom to follow. I'd pick a long swim workout or race rehearsal week if possible and do a steady race pace effort for 3200-4000 yds, but you can replace any ol swim workout with an OWS. 

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I've come full circle in my thinking on OWS. If you race frequently, or have a decent amount of open water experience then it's better to train in the pool and minimize OWS training because you will push harder in the pool with exact control and knowledge over the intervals and times. Certainly, OWS training is unlikely to replicate race feel with the crowding and start intensity. Given the admin time to get there, I would not bother unless you have minimal experience. Then I would just go for one of the Race Rehearsals as Rian recommends.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Paul and Rian have given you some good points. If it's a confidence thing then scheduling a couple open water swims would be a good idea. Is it possible to combine it with a ride or other training? Ride to lake (?), swim, ride home? Bring bike to lake, swim, ride, run, drive home? Something like that. 

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