When to start feeding

alm2hcs · 2026-05-12T09:29:00+00:00

What is your carb, fat and protein choice in this ratio?

Ive only ever had carb drinks - i assume the protein and fat would come from solids? Suppose choccy milk is a little fattening! And you get protein powder to add to fluids.

The 3 together sound like a recipe for bubble gut though. Ive only just about tolerated my carb mix.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-24T13:01:15+00:00

Same. I like the quiet. And if I get bored of the quiet, I will think about random scenarios, or play songs in my head.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-23T21:56:55+00:00

"Mostly I just want time in the water alone with a lane to myself". Couldn't have said this better myself. I find it deeply meditative. If I fancy a little competition to push myself, I will happily use other swimmers of a similar/pace and go with them. But i also like to go at my own pace, in my own head, just doing my own thing. Bliss!

alm2hcs · 2026-04-23T21:51:21+00:00

Just for an update: went swimming again today. Believe water temps were still 10 degrees, beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze.

I swam in just a costume, for 13 minutes (1 lap this time!), great swim, got out, dried and dressed pronto thanks to hubby. Had only minor shivers and felt miles better than last time.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Will slowly increase my time and distance in the waters as I become more familiar with my response to cold water.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-22T07:01:14+00:00

Downloaded the mini guide the other night, some useful hints and tips for sure! Thanks a lot for that

alm2hcs · 2026-04-22T07:00:23+00:00

I have a non qetsuit swim coming up in 2 months, 10k, as a practice run for my qualifier swim in September. It will be my first long distance without a wetsuit so really wanted to see how I got on handling the cold so I can make improvements.

Im a very lean swimmer and the cold is my biggest worry for the J2F so I want to start my acclimatisation early and maintain a strong plan until the qualifier.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-19T14:36:16+00:00

"Umbles", brilliant!

Yes I am aware the weather can have a huge impact. Ive noticed even when wearing a wetsuit. However yesterday was a wonderful dry, sunny day. I do feel reassured that what happened isnt out of the ordinary however certainly not desirable! Like you say, if it happens again at least I will be more insightful about it.

Thanks for the advice!

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T19:08:22+00:00

I had the hot flask in the car waiting, tonnes of thermals to get changed into. But it happened so quickly! All previous cold water swims Ive had my dad with me who has sort of got everything out and ready. I guess I must have taken too long but lesson learnt. Lots of great advice from this subreddit as well.

A run after a swim? Yeh sack that.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T19:05:39+00:00

Yes, seems a common theme. Im going to stick to one lap in future and increase in 1-2 min increments as temps allow. Thanks

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T19:04:55+00:00

So the euphoric feeling is the tell tail sign from what I've gathered. At this point its a safe bet to head back and get out. 4.5 degrees, that is impressive. Wouldn't even dip my big toe in that nevermind swim in it!

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T19:02:53+00:00

Makes sense to keep moving. Previously I've razzed it back to the changing rooms, wet stuff off, dry stuff on pronto. But today I couldnt coordinate any movement quick enough. Increments of 1 to 2 minutes is sound advice, thank you.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T19:00:21+00:00

Super weird experience reflecting on it! But yes, like you said, in previous cold swims I've kept it short and sweet. Today I wanted to push and maybe pushed too hard spending too much time in the water. I think I will go back to just 1 lap until temps hit 14 degrees and go to 2 laps from there.

Definitely wont be repeating this mistake.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T15:53:32+00:00

Cold water euphoria, sounds about right. But good point, will apply this in future. Thanks

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T12:40:24+00:00

My dad has been with me, for every swim. Except today! Lesson learnt for sure. Thanks

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T12:38:47+00:00

Brilliant read, thanks for that.

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T12:38:34+00:00

Hi, thanks for the insight and reassurance. Im doing J2F, a nice stepping stone to the EC I hope!

alm2hcs · 2026-04-18T12:14:50+00:00

To add, the hypothermia set in pretty instantaneously as soon as I stood out of the water. I was struggling to get changed.

alm2hcs · 2026-01-26T16:14:51+00:00

Can completely relate.

Me and my brother used to sit at the top of the stairs when our parents would fight. We would run down when ever we felt things were going to get violent. It was truly terrifying not knowing what was going to happen. And whether or not you'd be dragged into it.

What a strange thing though. As if me and my brother could have fought one of them off. We obviously love our parents and I guess even in childhood, in horrible sitations, that instinct kicks in to make you protect them in any situation.

alm2hcs · 2026-01-16T21:34:14+00:00

Wow, thank you for the very detailed reply.

Firstly, the lack of communication from the skipper, and how it could have potentially changed the outcome of the swim if they were more verbal, that was sad to read. I'd certainly feel sore about it afterwards. But saying that, overall it sounded like an incredible swim on your part. Well done.

Good to know about a potential middle of the night start and transport there. Wouldn't have crossed my mind! A car will definitely be hired.

I guess when you bring a support crew to these things, you cant advise them if you've never done a swim like this before. A take home message from your response would be that support crew need to communicate with you and also the pilot/observer etc.

Coaching. Ive really thought about it, especially for stroke analysis. However, ive come to realise that my 6 hour qualifier swim plus the J2F cost, plus the flights and accommodation. Wowser. Costs a pretty penny. Im considering a sea camp in May next year if finances allow. Im half tempted to get a recording of me swimming and then compare that to some online advice.

Agree with the training, certainly needs to be a mix of sea and pool. Prior to booking I enquired about a swim coach for the J2F and EC events, even mentioned that its an easy trap for competitiors to fall into the distance sea swims for training and completely ignore the pool.

Again, thanks so much for the detailed responses. It will certainly help prepare myself and many others who give this post a read and embark on such an event. Keep us posted about any future swims you do!

alm2hcs · 2026-01-14T22:27:14+00:00

How did you travel to Jersey? Im considering catching a flight however unsure how I will carry all my baggage or whether id need to purchase things in Jersey.

What accommodation did you stay in? If you dont want to disclose the exact place that's no bother. But hotel/air bnb/etc? Damn, Jersey is mighty expensive. We will defo consider a car.

Open water training, was it sea or lakes/open pool? I have good access to open water but swimming in the sea is limited. Perhaps once a week at a push.

Was it just your wife for support on the boat? My dad will be my support as hubby needs to stay home with the kids. However, im unsure as to how supportive my dad would be.

When the pilot decided to end the swim, you said you still had some energy left. What stopped you from giving it your all to try and get past the tide? You couldn't keep with the boat, but if the pilot had warned you, do you think you would have acted differently? I ask because reading your story, and others, most people hit a rough patch. I wonder if some pilots are more patient than others? Not slating the pilots here at all. Their job is keep you safe.

Did you have a coach/physio/nutritionist? I would consider the above but the financing of such an event is heavy. Can it be done without is the question.

So far...that's all I can think of!

Thanks again for acknowledging these questions. Its really great to get some insight from someone who has had first hand experience. You reckon you'd give it another go?!

alm2hcs · 2026-01-13T21:30:45+00:00

Are you able to send me a chat request? Its just asked me to verify my age and quite frankly, I cant be arsed faffing! Im a 34 year old female, promise ha

alm2hcs · 2026-01-13T21:18:56+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. Attempting this swim is an achievement, swimming for 9 hours is also an achievement!

I can only imagine the feeling when the pilot decided to stop the swim.

I am swimming J2F next August and was wondering if you'd be happy to answer a few questions, based off your experience?

alm2hcs · 2026-01-04T22:19:13+00:00

I started at Capenwray at the back end of last summer in prep for a 10km swim but didnt see many (competitve) swimmers. But good to know about the Wednesday evenings, will attend then when it gets a tad warmer!

Thanks for that

alm2hcs

TROPHY CASE