Re: Another Question about the swim

hydration does not begin the day before.  I was just reading another posting on here about nutrition and hydration which offers some other good advice.

When I am getting ready for a swim I like to drink water or juices.  I think its important to always eat healthy but as you approach a big event you want to eat foods that you are:
1. Used to eating
2. Like eating
3. Won't make you sick/lazy/or feel heavy
4. Have good amounts of carbs and energy
The day before I swam the channel my big dinner was a bowl of tuna fish and noodles with some celarly and carrots.  That is what I wanted, but its not a guaranteed meal for success.  It really is up to you and what you like.

A great thing to do on race day is to wake up to water. (or any day) but start your morning with a big glass of water.  Also have a good breakfast, again I think light and energy.  I ate a recovery power bar and cliff shot blocks before the channel.  

During the swim you should consider drinking.  I drank energy drinks every 20-30min during my channel swim.  I once raced a 10k in Australia and made the mistake of swimming the race without any liquids.  After the first 5k I was dehydrated and burned out.

All Kayakers have water and drinks on their boats.  You can ask any of them for a drink.  If you have your own kayaker (I recommend signing up a friend!) have them carrying your drinks and alert them to your desired feeding schedule.

If you want to eat during the swim, think of something easy to chew and that won't get soggy.  I like swiss rolls.  The hard choclate shell protects them from the water and they are quick rush of sugar and solid tastiness.

Hope this helps!  See you in the river.