General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Open swim practice the evening before the race Rss Feed  
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2015-04-22 5:15 PM

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Subject: Open swim practice the evening before the race
Hey, all quick question. I am doing an oly (my 2nd) on May 2nd. They event organizers are having swim practice from 5:00-7:00 the evening before. I would really like to be home relaxing at that point. My preference would be to do my last easy workout first thing in the morning. I am comfortable in open water and with my wetsuit. Would I be stupid to miss this opportunity to swim at least part of the course? The lake that the event is at is not normally open for swimming so I have never swam there. Also, is hard to get a wet wetsuit on? It would not be all the way dry the next morning. Thanks for your thoughts!


2015-04-22 5:49 PM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race

If it were me, I'd bail and stay home relaxing.

2015-04-22 5:51 PM
in reply to: trijamie

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
Yup. Kinda the way I am leaning right now.
2015-04-22 5:56 PM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
My first OWS of the season will be during the race. I'm comfortable in the water and in my wetsuit so I don't do any practice OWS. Doesn't work for everyone but it works for me.
2015-04-22 10:09 PM
in reply to: desertchica


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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
I wouldn't bother with it. Hauling around a soaked wetsuit and then putting it on the next day doesn't sound like fun and you're not going to get anything out of it if your already comfortable in open water.



2015-04-23 8:30 AM
in reply to: desertchica


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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
I'd skip that workout and kick my legs up at home. NO WAY am I going to be doing that the evening before a race! Just plan on the fact that you are swimming in a murky lake. Better surf conditions, poorer visibility, heavier water -- but you don't need to practice that the night before! Get some rest and good luck!


2015-04-23 8:46 AM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
I guess it depends on your goals. I would definitely do the swim. It provides an opportunity to find landmarks for sighting, figure out the best route to swim(depends on the course layout), any current(if applicable), find out about entry/exit, water depth-how far out can you dolphin dive & lots of other factors. No one says you have to do a workout while you are at the swim venue & you don't have to wear the wetsuit either. I always take the opportunity to learn as much about the course as possible prior to race time, especially if it is a new venue. 45-60 mintues in the water is not going to impact my fatigue for race day. Most of the time I need something to do anyway, otherwise I drive the family up a wall since I am not used to sitting around being bored. Right or wrong that is just how I approach these things.
2015-04-23 9:19 AM
in reply to: 5stones

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race

Originally posted by 5stones I guess it depends on your goals. I would definitely do the swim. It provides an opportunity to find landmarks for sighting, figure out the best route to swim(depends on the course layout), any current(if applicable), find out about entry/exit, water depth-how far out can you dolphin dive & lots of other factors. No one says you have to do a workout while you are at the swim venue & you don't have to wear the wetsuit either. I always take the opportunity to learn as much about the course as possible prior to race time, especially if it is a new venue. 45-60 mintues in the water is not going to impact my fatigue for race day. Most of the time I need something to do anyway, otherwise I drive the family up a wall since I am not used to sitting around being bored. Right or wrong that is just how I approach these things.

x2

I'd look at it as more of an opportunity to recon the course than as a full swim workout.  Also an oppotunity to take the edge off any pre-race nervousness. 

My wetsuit drys out pretty fast.  I wouldn't worry too much about getting it on the next morning. 

Mark

 

2015-04-23 12:31 PM
in reply to: RedCorvette

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race

Originally posted by RedCorvette

Originally posted by 5stones I guess it depends on your goals. I would definitely do the swim. It provides an opportunity to find landmarks for sighting, figure out the best route to swim(depends on the course layout), any current(if applicable), find out about entry/exit, water depth-how far out can you dolphin dive & lots of other factors. No one says you have to do a workout while you are at the swim venue & you don't have to wear the wetsuit either. I always take the opportunity to learn as much about the course as possible prior to race time, especially if it is a new venue. 45-60 mintues in the water is not going to impact my fatigue for race day. Most of the time I need something to do anyway, otherwise I drive the family up a wall since I am not used to sitting around being bored. Right or wrong that is just how I approach these things.

x2

I'd look at it as more of an opportunity to recon the course than as a full swim workout.  Also an oppotunity to take the edge off any pre-race nervousness. 

My wetsuit drys out pretty fast.  I wouldn't worry too much about getting it on the next morning. 

Mark

 

I guess I fall into this camp though I don't think it is a huge deal either way.  I've been to a number of "out of town, never swam there" events and it has been helpful to me to gain some familiarity of the course.  See how the markers are set, pick up sighting landmarks, etc.  I do these swims very casually and take breaks to survey from in the water.  I like getting a feel for the water and just doing something active to stay loose.

2015-04-23 5:30 PM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
I'd say it's probably not worth it if you are looking to eat dinner early and get in bed. That's a pretty late attempt at scoping out the course.

However, if you do go, just cruise it just to get familiar with the layout. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it much. I've done many races without swimming the course and it worked out fine. Also conditions can be significantly different at race start.

I do think it's a good idea to know the layout, and count the buoys so you know where you are during the race.
2015-04-23 10:18 PM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
Thanks for all the feedback. One other thought I had is that I just go and take a look. It is actually only a mile from my house. I am quite familiar with the area but going and seeing how everything laid out could be helpful. I really want to do well at this race. Just depends on who shows up!


2015-04-24 8:16 AM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
IMO, you have to determine which has the greater pay out.

If you go and swim, will the better knowledge of the course cut enough time off of your swim on race morning to offset any fatigue that you might incur? I think going to see the layout (from land), would probably have the best benefit with the least amount of risk to your race performance.
2015-05-03 6:32 PM
in reply to: desertchica

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Subject: RE: Open swim practice the evening before the race
Well, I ended up going to the lake to take a look at how they set up the course durning the scheduled swim practice. They only had one buoy out there. I am glad I didn't drive far to see the one buoy. On the positive side I got a chance to ask the rd a few questions. It was an awesome race. I exceeded all my time goals and got 2nd in my age group!
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