April 27, 2021
Race season will be interesting this year. Many athletes have been able to get back to the pool and have a strong swim base going into 2021.
But many, like myself, have not been to the pool. If it is because you don’t have an available pool or simply weren’t ready yet, you are not alone. And like me, may find yourself anxious to get back to work. My first 70.3 of the year is in eight weeks…but who’s counting?
We have been lucky in CT to have had a beautiful April. Lots of warm days and everything is in bloom.
So I found myself texting one of my athletes and favorite swim buddies.
“Lots of sun next week! Let me know what your schedule looks like…I think it’s time to get in the water.”
“Yessssss!! I’m ready!”
So that’s how we found ourselves standing on the beach at our favorite lake on April 19th.
By April 20th, we were joined by 3 more merpeople turned polar bears.
Here are Coach Kopcha’s Tips for Cold Water Swimming!
1. Thermal gear is your friend. Booties, gloves, and cap under your normal swim cap. You want to keep your hands, feet, and head as warm as possible. I used Blue Seventy and have found they make a huge difference when getting in the cold water.
2. Go slow. It’s ok if you just get in and get wet the first time…and maybe just for 5 minutes or so. Wade in little by little as your body adjusts to the temperature. Let a little water in your wet suit. Splash some water on your face. Float on your back and feel the cold water around your neck. Pay attention to your body and recognize what is happening to your body.
3. If you feel ok, take a couple of strokes. You may or may not want to put your face in the water…but give it a try and see how it feels. Pay attention to your breathing…no hyperventilating!
4. Once you get out of the water, dry off and get into warm clothes right away. Your body temperature will continue to drop after you get out of the water, so it is important that you have a plan to warm up. Heat escapes through your skin, so bundle up starting with your head, hands, and feet! Make sure you and your swim buddy know the signs of hypothermia: shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination.
5. Once you are all bundled up, have a hot beverage ready to go! My Yeti is always in the car with my favorite Celestial Seasoning Bengal Spice Tea ready to go! Continue to move–walking around will get the blood moving faster!
6. Crank the heat in your car and get home to a nice toasty shower…then bundle back up in your favorite comfy sweats and hoodie! Don’t forget to dry your hair! Like everything, it’s paying attention to the smallest details!
The human body is able to adapt to tolerate cold water very well. The first time may feel HORRIBLE, but the second time you may be surprised that it actually feels tolerable. The more time you put in, the longer you be able to tolerate the cold water.
While I waited until mid-April, I discovered we have a CT shoreline group that swims outside all winter long. I had to do some Strava-stalking because I could hardly believe it!
When do YOU start swimming outside?
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