Training/Race Preparations

mad m

Just wondering what other swimmers have/do when a sea race is coming up. Do you have a routine during the week as to what you eat or is it just on race day?

I usually eat healthly during the week ( well I hope I am) and on race day/morning I have few poached eggs, then an hour before race I have peanut butter and bananna on pumpkin bread....Loads of water...

So what routines do you do? Or what is recommended to do? What should swimmers be eating to keep up the energy levels? I'm currently swimming 10/12k a week and fridays is rest day then its the sea swims at weekend, some days I'm full of beans then the odd day I'm like a sack of spuds in water.

okane1

I do about 12-14km a week. Currently planning on increasing this with some morning swims. I train normally after work. Maybe an hour before training, while still in work, I drink a strong cup of coffee and an energy bar and some fruit. After training, i get the spuds/pasta and some meat and veg into me asap.

On race week, distances upto 2.5km, I dont carb load the week before the race, just my normal diet. However on race morning, get a load of porridge, white toast and some fruit and strong coffee into me. Also take an energy drink, high5, drinking as much as i can upto 10mins before the race. Also take a good bit of water on board, starting two days before the race.

On distances over this 2.5km mark, the week before the race I would up my carb and meat intake. Nearly eat double the normal pasta, spuds requirement. Increase water intake from 5 days before the race and on race morning, follow the same guide as above but i might take a gel if the water is cold or its a tough swim (note, most swims of the kerry/cork coast have big water and are tough as nails!).

After the race, drink water water and then some more. I try to get a good fed of anything into asap. Doesnt matter once your getting some carbs and protein into you.

My gf is a dietitian, she always has a wee say in the diet!!

swimmer_hoop

I tend to just arrive and go, maybe a can of Monster beforehand but nothing special at all. When I race in the pool I'd be a bit more precise but still fairly relaxed about it all!