PnR Training Open Water Swim Tips

PnR Training Group Swim

With training getting in full swing there are swimmers of all abilities and levels showing up for the group swim. Below are some swim tips to keep in mind and help make training for the Plunge-n-Run a fun and positive experience for everyone!

• Wear a bright colored swim cap – both guys and gals. One, you’re more visible to boat traffic and two, you’ll need to wear one on race day so you may as well train with one.

• There are no lines at the bottom of the lake to guide you like in the pool so be sure to look forward and sideways for landmarks to aid navigation. You don’t want to slow yourself down by looking too often so find what’s comfortable for you – somewhere between every 10 to 20 strokes

• If not quite ready for the longer group swim, stay in the cove area, close to shore to practice and get comfortable with open water swimming.

• Drink plenty of fluids before you begin. Some swimmers experience a “dry mouth” ten minutes into the swim regardless of being surrounded by water. And since you can’t bring your water bottle with you it’s best to hydrate before hitting the lake.

• Base your swim on time spent in the water, not how far you think you’ve gone.

• Stay somewhat close to shore – Don’t go out to far!!

• Time your stroke so you can breath without getting splashed in the face.

• Teach yourself how to breath on either side, left or right. If waves come from the right, breathing to the left is much easier!

• Most importantly, relax, have fun and enjoy the freedom of swimming without walls!