PLANNING FOR ADVENTURE

Gathering Intel

Author

Bradley Abbott
March 28, 2024

When I started planning my training Macrocycle in detail, I couldn’t comprehend the level knowledge I would have to acquire to do my swims safely, you see, for the events following the Great North Swim: Arla Great North Swim (greatswim.org), I would have to familiarise myself with geography (actually a weakness of mine), rivers, oceans, times and tides, and sailing clubs and their restrictions.

Because for the next event I want to do a much longer lake swim - 10km!

It’s ambitious, and I am giving myself another year to prepare. Is it possible? Yes, but I have to stick to my training and become familiar with the open water. Researching water and air temperatures, is a given!

There is something called ‘the ‘after drop’ in swimming; and it’s where your body temperature will drop rapidly if you don’t warm up from the inside-out - this is where you can do exercise like light jogging to counteract this effect.

As for the locations here in the North East, especially County Durham area, there aren’t many Open-Water Swimming that’s regulated. There are two however, and one of them is dangerous if you’re unaware of the tides and times:

Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club: Home : Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club (bing.com)

These two locations are the cleanest and most looked after Open-Water destinations or clubs. They are well preserved, so it’s a ‘no-brainer’ for me!

This was a bit of fun for me guys. I’m incredibly passionate about open-water swimming and there are still lessons for your training within this article:

  1. Research your facilities

  2. Plan your sessions in times that you can fit around your working schedule

  3. If you are doing your sessions outdoors - even if it’s things like long distance runs or cycles - research weather and temperature

  4. Be aware of your energy! Can you workout today, or do you have to bring your recovery forward?

I hope this has helped or entertained you in some way. Thanks again for reading!

Brad

Tel: 07376941640

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