Cristi, OWS is less about fitness and more about comfort and sustained technique / strong finish.
I wouldn't swim more than 30' straight if possible...if there's not another side, then set watch to beep every 5', and on the 3rd beep, take a break for a bit to regroup.
The goal is to get mentally used to swimming that long, the benefits of OWS are increased comfort and (hopefully) improved sighting and consistency.
Thank you, Coach, that makes sense. I am pretty comfortable in the water but increased comfort is always good. I went yesterday up to Lake Michigan and the waves were awful plus the Chicago PD was there pulling a body of the water. I ran first and got to run right by the body bag laying on the side with the body in plain site. Then got in the water and was just thrown around by the lake. I did end up swimming for about 50 minutes but I almost thought it was a waste of a workout because I wasn't really able to work on my form. Hopefully other OWS will be more helpful to my training.
Hi, Coach Patrick, IM Wisc was not what I had hoped with a DNF but it was not a physical issue due to training and I am not hurt. I feel like I had an allergic reaction or something and don't want my training to go to waste. Thinking of signing up for another IM in the next few weeks -- Chattanooga, Maryland, or Florida. I can get a charity bid to Chattanooga or a regular signup for Florida. Need some advice on which race and also training and recommendations on how to proceed. Would really like to discuss with you or Coach Rich. Thank you, Cristi
Comments
I wouldn't swim more than 30' straight if possible...if there's not another side, then set watch to beep every 5', and on the 3rd beep, take a break for a bit to regroup.
The goal is to get mentally used to swimming that long, the benefits of OWS are increased comfort and (hopefully) improved sighting and consistency.
Let me know what you think!
~ Patrick
Also, I did post my race report here - http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/19222/Default.aspx
Any thoughts would be great.
Thanks,
Cristi
IM Wisc was not what I had hoped with a DNF but it was not a physical issue due to training and I am not hurt. I feel like I had an allergic reaction or something and don't want my training to go to waste. Thinking of signing up for another IM in the next few weeks -- Chattanooga, Maryland, or Florida. I can get a charity bid to Chattanooga or a regular signup for Florida. Need some advice on which race and also training and recommendations on how to proceed. Would really like to discuss with you or Coach Rich.
Thank you,
Cristi