The Great North Swim first took place in 2008 with a one-mile event in Windermere. Presently, the swim is the UK’s number one participation open water swimming event with a huge participation of more than 20,000 people with 5 events.
The Great North Swim in Windermere
The 2017 event will take place from 9-11 June.
Inspired by the world’s biggest marathon the Great North Run, Great Swim works on the lines of mass participation events. The inaugural Great North Swim was a huge success with the participation of 2200 swimmers of all ages and abilities. Later on, the series was expanded with 4 more events in 2009. The main aim of the series is to engage and challenge swimmers of all levels.
With the participation of more than 20,000 competitors and 40,000 spectators, The Great North Swim does not only encourage people to get active but also contributes thousands of pounds in philanthropy acts. Irrespective of age and abilities, people are encouraged to get fit and live healthier lives. To fare well in the Windermere Great North Swim, make sure you work on these parameters.
If you are planning to participate in the Great North Swim, why not book into a Windermere Spa Hotel and make the most of your stay.
Preparation is the key
To become confident for the Windermere Great North Swim, You need to prepare and plan. First of all, you need to acquire everything which will add to your strength and conditioning. Try out all the exercises such as lat pull downs, inclined rows, tricep extensions and dips to get the major swim muscles stronger. Taking rest is also one of the core things to keep the quality high. Swimming in a pool is not the same as swimming in open water. Different conditions require different techniques. You need to work on sighting, drafting, turning and paddling skills when you are competing in the Great North Swim. Get used to your swim suit and get a coached open water session to master the skill. Choosing a good wetsuit also requires great wisdom when it comes to an open water challenge.
Techniques and tips to try in Training
Efficiency goes a long way. If your technique and breathing is poor, even the strongest athletes can fatigue easily. It is hard to judge your abilities on your own, the best way is to book a session with an experienced coach who can give you drills to swim better and pinpoint where you are lacking. Many swimmers often forget to breathe out when their face is in water. And they end up feeling short of breath. When you are heading up for the open water swimming challenge, you need to be extra cautious about this parameter.
Work on your eating habits
Eating fruits and adding a great amount of veggies in your diet can never go wrong. Make your plate as colourful as it can be by including different vegetables and fruits. More colors mean more health benefits. Skipping meals is never a good idea. It will not only soak up the energy needed to tackle the intense training but also inhibit recovery from training. And when we are talking about the Windermere Great North Swim, your body demands a great blend of protein, carbs, fibre and fat to keep going. Watch out that you are eating foods that are easy to digest and low in fibre.
Why not make the most of the weekend of the Great North Swim and stay in a Windermere spa hotel with hot tub suites?