some advice on long distance swimming please!

banjobongo

hi all,
Im an experienced/competive swimmer, the longest swim Ive done so far was a 5K (skins) last year, that was fine. I do a traithlon every year and am reasonaly fit. I have signed up for a 10K swim (Lough Gill in Sligo - next week!).
I did a 3 hr swim in the pool today as part of my training and after about 2.20 I started to feel cramps coming on in my calves. I kept going as I wanted to do the 3 hrs but if I felt this in the middle of a lake could be scary!
I did NOT take any gels etc. I have never bothered with any of these gels/bars when doing triathlons, a humble banana and a bottle of plain water was fine for me, but now I think I need to change my plan - quick!
I do not want to feel these cramps in the lake next week.
Im surprised, my arms were fine, Im not really a swimmer that uses my legs a lot, but it was my legs were tired after the swim, not my arms (probably didnt help that I did a 6K run 2 days ago...)
First question - in terms of buying a gel, should I go to a chemist or a sports shop (I live in Limerick).
Next question - any recommendations on a gel?
thanks!
(off for a banana now! )

2old4dacold

if you're not used to that kind of distance in a pool it could actually be pushing off the wall that gave you the cramps. this obviously won't be an issue in the open water.

i've never used gels myself so i haven't any advice there but i'd say the middle of a 10k is probably not the best place to try one for the first time.

are you planning to do the 10k as a skins swim, and what's your longest open water swim this year?

banjobongo

thanks. Yes I am planning on doing the 10K as skins. I have done a number of sea swims this year, longest probably 4 - 5K last Sunday in Kerry, with a 3K the day before (was supposed to swim around Skelligs but the swim was cancalled due to the swell so we swam around Horse ISland instead....).
You might be right about all the pushing off the wall causing the cramp, I think you have a point there...re the gell, I hope to for a few more swims in a lake and I might try a gel then to see how it goes....

okane1

Like what was said by 2old4dacold, I reckon cramps could have been caused by pushing off the wall. I get them during long sets and I certainly do not get them in open water, longest swim to date is 8km.

Cramps could also be caused by hydration or lack of electrodes. Certainly on a 10km swim, you will need to take something during the swim. Water been key and maybe a sport drink that you are used to taking. It can be hard to eat solid food during a swim, you could feel sea sick or your stomach will simply not want it.

I take gels, normally on the bike or during long runs. I used to take them before water polo games. I myself would have no problems taking one during a swim but that is because I am used to them. They can be harsh on the stomach, so if you’re planning on using one, make sure you try them beforehand. Do not use them for the first time during an OW race. It could end badly!

FYI, I use high5 gels and get them online. Most bike shops have a selection

2old4dacold

10k skins is a big swim . . . . best of luck

the promotion video that was on here a while back made that swim look very appealing

banjobongo

hi all,
just reporting back after having done the 10K swim, gald to say it went off perfectly, weather was fine on the day, water was warm (14 degree I think), no problems with cramps or anytghing else, I had a bottle of water mixed up with some gel and a bananna and this was fine, swam it in skins, time was 2,41 which I was happy with, I really enjoyed the swim!
Im now 99% sure that the reason I was feeling cramps was all the pushing off the wall, probably around 200 pushes in all during a 3 hr pool swim, on top of all the swimming, so I guess should not have been a surprise....next time I do some long distance pool training I think I will try it with no pushing off walls....
thanks all!
cheers

okane1

Well done on your swim. Regarding distance swimming, you cannot beat OW.
It's so much nice than swimming up and down the pool.