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 2012-05-04 5:04 PM |
New user 19 |  Subject: First swim race: advice pleaseHello all. I am looking at participating in my first race (swim only). I have always wanted to do the Escape from Alcatraz, which is the one I am planning on signing up for. My issue is I have not been actively swimming this year, just running and minimal biking. Is there atip good program to get me up to speed by race day? I understand the timeframe is short, but I would love to participate in this event. Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! |
| 2012-05-04 6:21 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
Master 2345    Westlake Village , Ca. | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Isn't that race in like 3 weeks? Here is the best advice I can give you: Swim everyday between now and then. |
| 2012-05-04 6:47 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
| New user 19 | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Yup, May 28th. I was contemplating on swimming 6 days a week up to the day to be honest. |
| 2012-05-05 4:19 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
| Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Ummmm. OK. Honesty time. The Alcatraz swim (done it 3X, including the Challenge) isn't exactly a good place for someone who does not have some open water experience in cold water, much less someone who only trains 3 weeks for it Granted, I don't know your swimming background, but since you asked the question I am assuming you are not a strong swimmer. Get up to 1.25-1.5 mile swim in the bay in 3 weeks? No Just my .02 Edited by ChrisM 2012-05-05 4:22 PM |
| 2012-05-05 8:01 PM in reply to: #4192511 |
| Alpharetta, GA | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please ChrisM - 2012-05-05 5:19 PM Ummmm. OK. Honesty time. The Alcatraz swim (done it 3X, including the Challenge) isn't exactly a good place for someone who does not have some open water experience in cold water, much less someone who only trains 3 weeks for it Granted, I don't know your swimming background, but since you asked the question I am assuming you are not a strong swimmer. Get up to 1.25-1.5 mile swim in the bay in 3 weeks? No Just my .02 X1000. |
| 2012-05-06 2:54 PM in reply to: #4192511 |
| Member 124 | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please ChrisM - 2012-05-05 2:19 PM This. Why not sign up for san Francisco triathlon at alcatraz is you have a running and biking background. That way you have at least two months til the race to train for the swim portion?Ummmm. OK. Honesty time. The Alcatraz swim (done it 3X, including the Challenge) isn't exactly a good place for someone who does not have some open water experience in cold water, much less someone who only trains 3 weeks for it Granted, I don't know your swimming background, but since you asked the question I am assuming you are not a strong swimmer. Get up to 1.25-1.5 mile swim in the bay in 3 weeks? No Just my .02 |
| 2012-05-06 6:17 PM in reply to: #4192760 |
Master 1787  Los Angeles, CA | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Anditrigirl - 2012-05-05 6:01 PM ChrisM - 2012-05-05 5:19 PM Ummmm. OK. Honesty time. The Alcatraz swim (done it 3X, including the Challenge) isn't exactly a good place for someone who does not have some open water experience in cold water, much less someone who only trains 3 weeks for it Granted, I don't know your swimming background, but since you asked the question I am assuming you are not a strong swimmer. Get up to 1.25-1.5 mile swim in the bay in 3 weeks? No Just my .02 X1000. X another 1000. I don't recommend it either and I don't like saying that either to anyone here in BT. You really need more time to train and to me, 3 weeks swimming every day will not be enough to get you ready for that race. |
| 2012-05-07 11:40 AM in reply to: #4191531 |
| Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please BTW, to the OP, so as not to be too discouraging, they have alcatraz swims all year long. There's one on 9/9 with the South End Rowing Club (google SERC). That would give even more time to prepare |
| 2012-05-10 4:02 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
| New user 19 | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Discouragement is a non factor. I do appreciate everyone's feedback. I seen a swim/run at the end of July. Would that be realistic? Better yet, how long in advance should I have to train for a swim at about 1.5 miles? I was swimming anywhere from 1500 - 2500m, but in a lap pool. I have minimal open water experience as I live in the Oakley area. Working full time leaves me little time to get to open water, maybe once a week. Thanks for the advice. |
| 2012-05-11 2:06 PM in reply to: #4203249 |
| Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Medic85 - 2012-05-10 2:02 PM Discouragement is a non factor. I do appreciate everyone's feedback. I seen a swim/run at the end of July. Would that be realistic? Better yet, how long in advance should I have to train for a swim at about 1.5 miles? I was swimming anywhere from 1500 - 2500m, but in a lap pool. I have minimal open water experience as I live in the Oakley area. Working full time leaves me little time to get to open water, maybe once a week. Thanks for the advice. It would be better than 3 weeks. That July swim/run (Alcatraz challenge July 21?) is a great race, I did it last year. Well supported, lots of kayaks and good sighting advice given |
Drive to Aqautic Park, get in the ocean and get some experience. Once a week is fine. See if you can hook up wth Pedro's Water World swimmers in SF for more vaired OW swims. I didn't see it on tri cal's website, but usually the advice is you should have open water experience, and be able to swim a mile (1750 yards-ish) comfortably in the pool in 40 minutes. | 2012-05-11 2:17 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
| New user 19 | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please I will definitely look up the club you mentioned. Thanks for letting me know about other Alcatraz races, as I thought this was the only one. I appreciate the advice everyone. I don't feel so "lost" regarding this topic now that I have somewhere to start. Thanks again, stay safe! |
| 2012-05-11 8:20 PM in reply to: #4205101 |
| Alpharetta, GA | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Medic85 - 2012-05-11 3:17 PM I will definitely look up the club you mentioned. Thanks for letting me know about other Alcatraz races, as I thought this was the only one. I appreciate the advice everyone. I don't feel so "lost" regarding this topic now that I have somewhere to start. Thanks again, stay safe! Good luck! Not sure if this was mentioned, but water world swim (I think waterworldswim.com) offers Alcatraz training sessions and crossings.
Andi |
| 2012-05-22 1:34 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
| 1 | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Since you're in Oakley, come join the ORCA's open water club in Pleasanton. We do 1 mile swims several times a week and the water temp is a lovely 70 degrees right now. Good place to get comfy in open water before braving the bay! I'd like to do the Alcatraz swim too, but the cold is too cold and I don't want to be a wet suit weenie Check it out http://shadowcliffsorcas.wordpress.com/
Lorri |
| 2012-05-31 2:03 PM in reply to: #4191531 |
| New user 19 | Subject: RE: First swim race: advice please Thank you, I will check that out! Not too bad of a drive either. |
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