Looking for refreshment? Then jump in a cold lake. Sub 15 degrees C or sub 60 degrees F and you have a cold swim! Our local triathlon scene just kicked off with the Wine Capital of Canada Spring and Olympic Triathlons last weekend. And, like most of the Northwest, we have had cooler than usual temperatures which has resulted in cold open water swims.
Last week was our first team open water practice. And, it was refreshing. After a couple minutes of pain, my feet finally went numb and I could focus better on coaching. I know, what crazy coach is dumb enough to get in the water with his athletes when it is that cold? But, that is how serious I take cold water swimming.
It is probably the most dangerous thing we do in triathlons. Yes, swimming in the open water with a few hundred of your closest friends is not exactly safe but I have yet to hear of someone being punched or kicked to death. However, there have been heart attacks triggered by cold water that have led to hospitalization and in tragic circumstances, death.
The key is to acclimate right away before you do much swimming. Get in and get cold. Stand for a bit, then bob up and down. Do a couple of dives. Then do a few strokes. Each time getting more and more used to the cold. If you are having trouble breathing then don't force yourself to swim. That is a bad sign. Instead, continue till you get used to the cold and get relaxed enough to breathe properly. And, with any warm-up, start slow! Then gradually pick up the pace every 5 minutes or so.
My final point is, this is a must-do for racing in cold water. I was very happy to see all our athletes in the lake warming up and getting used to the water before the start. None of them reported having issues with the cold water. Sure it was cold, but, I didn't see them shivering. The ones I saw shivering were the athletes standing on shore and not doing a warm-up let alone a warm-up in the water. You will race so much better if you get in and get acclimated. You may even prevent an unfortunate incident.
