Prepare for race day with Flow State Swimming & Gaelforce Events

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or looking to take on your first event, there are a few key, often overlooked, aspects to open water racing that can be key to an enjoyable day out.  Outdoor events, and particularly water based activities, come with so many uncertainties and variables, it is important that you take time to control the controllables. 

Make sure you are happy with all the equipment you plan to use on race day. Is your hat in good condition, or could it tear? How many times have you worn those goggles? Do they mist up? Do you put on your wetsuit correctly, and is it comfortable?
Prior to race day, make time to train and practice in your equipment to avoid any malfunctions. Avoid using old gear that might fail or brand new kit that may not be comfortable. Ensuring you have all this ticked off can help alleviate any concerns over your gear being correct and gives you confidence in what you are wearing.

This can often get complicated as people are tempted to try things they never have, such as gels or electrolyte drinks in the lead up to the event. Your nutrition requires practice, like everything else, to find what works for you. That can be down to what you eat the night before a big session or what you enjoy consuming the morning of the swim. Be consistent, find what works and makes you feel good both before and during your swims and replicate this in the lead up to your event. Deviating from what works can lead to upset stomachs or underperformance, so stick to what you know…especially when it works!!

So many swimmers get caught in the mindset that they will just follow a pair of feet when they get started. While this may work, it also relies on that pair of feet knowing where they are going. Familiarity with the course not only allows you to navigate on your own terms but also to create a race plan to maximise your ability. Not knowing the course may lead to you wasting time heading off in the wrong direction or taking a wrong turn, which is particularly problematic if you’re pushing to win!

Tapering varies from person to person in line with the distance you are covering. Make sure you allow yourself a few days to rest and prepare for a race by reducing the volume, but maintaining some intensity so you keep sharp for the big day out.

You have been training for this for months, and it's now time to put all that training to the test. We are so lucky to have access to these fantastic events and to have the ability to take part. Enjoy the process, buzz and excitement in the lead up to the start, focus during the race and put yourself to the test so you can feel the satisfaction of completing a challenge you may not have thought possible before you started!

Use these pointers to help you be as prepared as possible for your event and allow you to perform to the best of your ability!

 

Many thanks to Damien Wildes from Flow State Swimming for writing this blog. You can contact him via Instagram (@flowstateswimming) or his website here.