Safety in cold water swims

Today, I started my open water training at Pine Point Beach. It was an absolutely gorgeous day--- mild breeze with air temp of 60 degrees and water temp of 46. I swam for a short time as planned. This early stage of transitioning from pool to ocean is gradual. When swimming in very cold water, safety is the main concern. One of my crew members will "spot" me while I swim in waist depth water parallel to the beach. I did not exhibit any symptoms of hypothermia. Each of us know the sign and symptoms of hypothermia---decreased stroke rate, spreading of fingers, and cramping of fingers. The swimmer must be alert to these early signs. Also, the swimmer must monitor their own thought process (hypothermia will cause slow thought process). If one hesitates in simple self-questioning of "date" "middle names of family members" etc., it's time to get out of the water immediately. Also, when the swimmer walks out of the water--- unsteady gait, slow garbled speech, and difficulty answering questions are signs of hypothermia. Before the swim, crew member and swimmer will have a plan of action if hypothermia develops.... blankets, warm clothing, warm liquids and an emergency plan. There is various degrees of hypothermia and each level needs to be taken seriously. The goal of cold water training for marathon swimmers is to have a safe swim without developing hypothermia. Remember be safe and have a fun swim.

SWIMMING IN SHARK INFESTED WATERS

The chance of being attacked by a shark in the English Channel or off the coast of Maine (my home State) is nil. However, swimming in warmer waters there is a greater chance of having an encounter. Marathon swimming has become very popular with destination swims of Catalina Channel in California, Tampa Bay in Florida, Maui Channel in the Hawaiian Islands, Strait of Gibraltar in Spain, are a few of the top swims---all known as shark infested areas. Since I will be swimming the Strait of Gibraltar in June, I wanted to share some of the safety tips that I have learned. Remove all jewelry-- anything that sparkles may attract sharks. Don't wear shiny tinted goggles. Don't wear black, brown, tan, white, or yellow bathing suits--- sharks may interpret that your a seal or a fish. Australian Penny Palfrey, world queen of marathon swimming and International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inductee, emailed me this morning and she recommended wearing "blend of blues" it looks like camouflage. She wore this type of bathing suit when she swam Santa Barbara Channel in California. I plan to follow these safety guidelines and have a safe fun swim.

Preventing motion sickness during a marathon swim

Several years ago when I started training for a marathon swim in the ocean, I experienced motion sickness (dizziness, nausea) from the swells. I was surprised because I thought that would happen to the boat crew not a swimmer. I was ill-prepared so I stopped my swim. Determined, I returned the following day with some over-the-counter medication (Dramamine). And I was stunned to experience the same ill effect after swimming in swells for a couple of hours. But I soon discovered some helpful remedies from other marathon swimmers. While swimming, look at land. If land is not visible, look at a cloud. Try to avoid looking at a rocking boat. If your boat is guiding you, than briefly glance at it every 15 to 20 strokes. Wear ear plugs--- this prevent water from moving back and forth on your eardrum (it works). Practice dry land exercises for balance--- close your eyes during these drills. Also, train in rough water conditions --you will become acclimated to swells. Just like your body becomes acclimated to cold water temperatures, it will acclimate to swells.

Endurance training

Twelve years ago when I decided to start training for a 2.4 mile ocean swim, I didn't know if I could swim two laps of the pool. I knew how to swim. But after several years of NOT swimming, I was filled with self-doubt about my ability to swim that distance. However, I was determined to train for the Peaks to Portland as a tribute to my brother Robbie. As the months passed, I gradually added ten minutes to my workout then twenty minutes, etc. I remember the first time I swam one hour freestyle without stopping--- I felt like I had won an Olympic Gold Medal. The following year I continued to gradually extend my swim workouts to two hours per day. However, with work and family life, I had to create a training program that would work with my busy schedule. I planned on training 2-3 days a week with 3+ hours each day and on the other days I would have a shorter swim of one hour or I would incorporate cross training. As the years passed, I continued to add extra time to my "long day" workouts. After I swam the 2.4 mile swim, I never imagined that I would be a marathon swimmer several years later. I continued to add "time" to my workouts. Training for a marathon swim is very similar to training for a marathon run. You don't have to run or swim a marathon everyday but you need to have a "long training" day each week. And similar to running, an athlete should gradually build up their endurance. Depending on your level as a swimmer, it make take several years of training before you can swim a marathon distance. In my case, I realized I had the ability to swim a marathon distance after my ninth year of training. Last year I swam 32 miles in sixteen hours at the age of 57. However, everyone is different---a strong, young competitive swimmer may need only a year of endurance training to swim a marathon. You won't know what you are capable of doing, unless you try. So, go for it!

***** New crew for 2011 *****

In the past two trips to England, I have been fortunate to have my son Tom, brothers Bill, Paul, Tom and nephew Joe as my boat crew. I want to thank each of them for their time and effort. They were so positive and uplifting during our stay in Dover. I will always treasure the moments we spent together. As a team, we discussed having a new crew. I am very proud to announce my crew for August 2011...... my brother Robbies' son Christopher (who will be 16 in 2011), nephew Kyle(same age and a wonderful swimmer), brother David and sister-in-law Jeannie.
Training of my new crew has already started as we prepare for 2011.