Distance swimming

[boyse7en]

Thinking of signing up for a 5k charity swim, which takes place in April.

I'm a regular, but not trained, swimmer.

Any advice, tips or general help regarding training?
Would i need to eat and/or drink during the swim?

[boyse7en]

I've been swimming for a while (had to give up running) and have built up to doing 2500m once a week. That takes me about 52-54 mins, so I estimate that 5k will take me about 2 hours if it goes well, probably closer to 2:15 in reality

It will be in the pool not open water, so on the plus side it won't be too choppy, on the negative side I'll have to turn 200 times!

I don't think my technique is that great to be honest. I can only do 1000m in just under 20 mins flat out. I'll have to look into a lesson/coach, the pool has loads of kids swimming lessons and runs a competitive club but I'm nowhere near good enough to join that.

[boyse7en]

Signed up to do the 5000m Swimathon this morning...

Time to get training properly I think! Been watching some you tube training videos to try and improve my stroke. Otherwise its just going to have to be sheer bloody-mindedness.