After one year of training, I am reaching the last step of my project, "Swim from 1 mile to 10km in 1 year", with my first 10km swim tomorrow.
I have been training since last September, quite consistently, building up my technique, strength and my speed.
Logging all my training have been definitely a source of motivation, as I've been able to monitor my progress and where I needed to improve and keep in mind the big picture. I also got an amazing support from a "Like minded community" with Dailymile and I can only recommend for anyone who want to take it seriously with training.
In and out, I have been logging 365km of swimming in 1 year, which is a quite funny accidental record. Most of the swim have been made in swimming pool during my lunch breaks and I have been swimming in open water from March to Sept twice a week, to build up the distance, and get some experience in sighting, and other technique.
I have been doing few Ironman swim to get used to the washing machine and various environment and also few long swims (6 to 8km) to get used to include the nutrition in my swim.
Overall I think I have been covering most of the aspect of the OW swimming.
So, tomorrow, I will be swimming "The Dart 10k" from Totnes to Dittisham. This event is organised by the Outdoor Swimming Society. I didn't choose to enter the race wave, and will swim it at an easy pace with other swimmers. There's not point in being timed in a tided assisted swim.
Now here's a little review of my swim preparation.
- I will be aiming at an average speed of 3km/h, pace is practiced,
- Packed the wetsuit, swimsuit, googles, hat, extra mask, lube, flip-flops, and watch.
- Map has been checked and markpoints are identified, so I know where I should every 1h.
Nutrition
- Carbs loading is pretty much done now, being eating a lot of pasta in the last few days.
- Nutrition plan is going to be simple : 3 gels. 1 every 3km or 1h.
- 2 stops planned at the stations (4km and 8km) for electrolyte and water refuel, eventually a banana/flapjack on the 2nd stop.
- 1 breakfast oats&banana at 6am and an extra breakfast at 10am
Post swim
- I've got my warm jacket, my wool hat and my merino top waiting for me at the finish.
Tell me if I missed anything, but to me, my kit it is ready and wish me luck, 3h the face in the water can be loooong :)
