Page 25 - June_2014

On Open Water

SIX STEPS TOWARDS YOUR FIRST OPEN

WATER SWIM FROM VERMONT SWIMMERS

By Evan Johnson
ming pool will be useful for maintaining
your form as well as for higher intensity
For most, the thought of swimming workouts. Swimming with others can

miles in some of Vermont’s largest make the experience more enjoyable and
lakes is a daunting challenge, but the can even push you to train a little harder.
fact is all levels can enjoy open water with Masters classes are available at gyms
the right planning, preparation and sup- around the state and offer coaches and
port. To help you get your feet wet, Ver- swim meets.

mont Sports sought the advice from several “You want to be swimming with
world-class swimmers and coaches, each people that can push you,” Spinney says.
with words of wisdom and encouragement:
“Swimming with people that are a little bit
faster than you can be a huge motivator.”
John Spinney, of Waterbury, is a coach for
STEP 2.
QT2 Systems, where he trains triathletes.
Spinney has completed over 200 triath- BUILD UP A BASE
lons, starting when he was 14. In his earli-
est races, he says the opening swim was the Out on the water, the varying temperatures
toughest obstacle.
and water conditions (choppy versus calm)
will be more taxing.
“For most triathletes and long dis- “It’s tougher swimming when you
tance swimmers, that opening swim is the add in the elements,” says Charlotte
most anxiety-provoking,” he says, due to
the intensity and somewhat chaotic atmo- Brynn. “The cold saps your energy stores
sphere of the starting line. This summer, he and you’ll fatigue a lot faster.”
So before you head to the lake, it’s
also helps direct weekly swims at the Wa- important to gain confidence and strength
terbury Reservoir, open to all swimmers.
in the water, which can be done by having

Charlotte Brynn, from Stowe, is the Ex- a solid base level of fitness. Brynn recom-
ecutive Director of the Swimming Hole in mends finding a pace that you can hold for
100 to 200 meters before practicing tread-
Stowe and a veteran of open water swim- ing water.
ming. Her resume includes double-crossings Charlotte Brynn prepares before setting out on another distance swim. Photo submitted by Training out of the water can also
of Lake Champlain (16 miles total) in 2011
and 2012; a 25.2-mile swim of Lake Mem- Charlotte Brynn
help build that level of fitness. Brynn says
phremagog from Vermont to Canada in yoga can strengthen the core and increase STEP 1.
flexibility.
Bethany Bosch, from Wallingford, swam FIND WATER AND PEOPLE
2012 and a 28.2-mile swim around Man- on a recreation department swim team but
hattan Island. In 2013, she swam across the STEP 3.
didn’t swim her first long distance event For a landlocked state, Vermont has plen-
Catalina Channel in California and com- until 2010, when she swam eight miles. ty of resources for a long swim. Areas to
pleted 19 of the 20.1 miles; swimming 11 GET A FEEL FOR THE WATER
“I came into swimming backwards,” she
hours after a shark left a tooth in her hip. AND STAY CONSISTENT.
swim include Vermont States Parks and
says. Since then, she’s has participated in miles of shoreline in Vermont’s pristine
She was a nominee for the Open Water When you’ve found a pace and a schedule the 25-mile In Search of Memphre swim lakes and reservoirs. Find a place where
Swimming Woman of the Year in 2013. that works for you, Spinney advises keep- in the Northeast Kingdom every year and you can swim close to shore and even touch
What’s on her mind while she’s in the wa- ing a consistent schedule of your swim is currently training for her first attempt to the bottom if you need.
ter? “How much fun I’m having,” she says.
workouts.
swim the English Channel later this year.
In the colder months, a local swim-
Continued on next page

Come home to Gifford

A Tenex procedure returned
Dawn Blodgett to farming and
riding horses.

“As soon as the procedure was
done, there was an immediate
difference,” says Dawn.

Tenex is a new treatment in
Vermont for tendon pain. Call today
to find out if it could help you!

Podiatry is available in:
• Berlin
• Randolph
• Sharon

Gifford Podiatry

Schedule your appointment call 728-2777
www.giffordmed.org

JUNE 2014
VTSPORTS.COM 25