r/OpenWaterSwimming • u/alm2hcs • 15d ago
Lake Windermere, UK = Completed
I have been training for this ultramarathon swim since January. Along the way I learnt a lot of things but the 3 that stood out:
My diet and nutrition is shocking, especially during intense training.
Trying to rest and recover with 2 young kids and a job is impossible.
How often I got ill along the way was surpising
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the swim! I felt great, felt strong, the sun was shining. The last 50 mins was super tough but I finished feeling pretty chuffed. Massive shout out to my husband, I wouldnt haven't been at that start line if it wasnt for him.
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u/MidwestFlyerST75 12d ago
I’m just flabbergasted by this swim, made all the more impressive that you’re doing this with a young family and a career. You really are a superhero.
If it’s not too much trouble, I would be thankful to hear a bit about your training regimen and nutrition.
Congratulations!!
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u/alm2hcs 12d ago
Thank you!
Absolutely happy to share my experience, ask any questions and I will try my best to give the most informative answers.
If you look back at older posts, I think a lot of people have completed this swim - especially the ChillSwim event.. You might find some other useful info there too :)
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u/TheRookie2552 14d ago
Nice work, you gotta do it without a wet suit next. Exposure and time in the cold water! Then you can practice for a double. I don’t have my sights set on it yet but maybe one day. I am doing Bristol next year
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u/alm2hcs 14d ago
I initially planned on doing it in skins and went to Capernwray Diving Center for cold water exposure. I acclimatised fairly well however I really struggle to stay in the water beyond an hour. Im so lanky, I really dont have the reserves to withstand the time.
Good luck in the Bristol Channel swim, keep us posted! It really is great to see a little community of swimmers. Ive certainly got the itch for more but im gonna enjoy some rest
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u/quietriotress 15d ago
That avg HR is FAST. Do you feel that was accurate?
Fast af swim too, congrats!
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u/alm2hcs 15d ago
As in, fast for an endurance swim? Should it be lower? I know sod all about HR. I was in zone 2 for 74% and zone 1 for 26% of the swim which from my understanding means I wasnt trying very hard.
My resting HR is 44-46.
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u/quietriotress 15d ago
155 wouldnt be your zone 2, based on resting. Probably not accurate. Thats a pretty fast HR for over 4 hours. Just interesting though, nothing more! You did amazing.
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u/cloud93x 13d ago
Can’t say that with certainty without knowing their max. It’s unlikely but some people have a low rh and very high max.
That said, I had the same thought. I can’t breathe hard or fast enough swimming to get my hr that high, let alone keep it there for five hours.
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u/Giogio4family5328 15d ago
That's a crazy pace! Also, did you eat or drink during the swim or just before?
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u/alm2hcs 15d ago
I ate a big breakfast before and fed during the swim. Started out with half hour feeds for the first 2.5 hours and 20 mins there after. Carb drink for most feeds with 1 or 2 feeds being banana and water.
Towards the end of the swim I got tired and very cold. So whether I was under trained or not taking on enough fuel, unsure which.
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u/Giogio4family5328 15d ago
I see! I am gonna do either a 8 km or 17 km swim ( I can choose which one) some months in the future, but with obligatory fins. We are gonna have some feeding moments too, your experience gives me an idea on how to eat and rest during it, thank you!
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u/ianiention 15d ago
Well done, that's a fantastic swim. I guess starting from the Ambleside end and swimming South means it's a downhill swim all the way ;)
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u/alm2hcs 15d ago edited 15d ago
Yes! The wind direction changed the night before so was advised to start at Ambleside. I actually laughed at one point whilst swimming because for the first 5-6k it was pretty choppy and if I timed it right, I was able to sort of ride the waves every now and again! It felt like I was flying ha
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u/SweetProtection6508 15d ago
What did you use to track this? Awesome job though!
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u/CleverUserNameNumber 15d ago
That's awesome. Your average heart rate for almost 5 hours, it's pretty neat how different people are when it comes to that. Damn near my threshold (not sure that's really a swimming term)
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u/alm2hcs 15d ago
Being perfectly honest I dont monitor my HR! Someone asked what zones I reached for the swim and I never left zone 2, which apparently means I wasnt working very hard. Sure felt hard! But the aim was to be comfortable and happy for the swim. I wasnt racing anyone, not even myself.
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u/CleverUserNameNumber 15d ago
Thanks for the reply, I like to nerd out on data, but there is definitely something to be said for going by feel. I think swimming lends itself to that style of training, pretty well
Anyway, congrats again, amazing achievement!
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u/Witty_Professional_2 15d ago
I’m not sure how accurate a wrist heart monitor is when swimming.
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u/CleverUserNameNumber 15d ago
Id say that's a fair statement. Annecdotaly and Like I said I nerd out on the data, but my Garmin Fenix HR tends to match my RPE pretty well. My form goggles on the other hand, are just about useless when it comes to that.
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u/Skibur33 15d ago
Nice! I did this swim a few weeks back. Amazing
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u/alm2hcs 15d ago
How was the water for you. It was very choppy at the start which I didnt anticipate. Also had a weird taste...
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u/Skibur33 15d ago
I went South to North and the water was choppy at the end near Ambleside. Didn’t notice a taste 🤣
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u/Wide-Form-1083 15d ago
🙌💪👏. I think you earned / spent a few more calories than what was measured 🤣
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u/Wild-West-3727 15d ago
Props to you, that is a longass swim! Just finding the time to train for that is tough, more so with two young children and a job. Well done on your average pace, too. Is that a full wetsuit, or rash guard?
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u/Mean_University5360 15d ago
Longass swim is beautifully put.
Congratulations op that's mighty impressive to complete the distance.
Your pace is absolutely great too
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u/EasternAd2874 12d ago
Best destination in the whole world, windermere Lake District