The juniors racing over 100m
Finally a return to winter conditions in mid February and thus no disappointment and no place to hide as it was once again time for the Czech winter swimming championship. Held once again in Brno after huge amounts of ice caused the venue to be moved last year the water was 1.8c and still, whereas the air was 4c with a biting wind to remind everyone that it was only the second week of February. For the first time in weeks conditions allowed for a genuine, fair and somewhat difficult test of the winter swimmer, surely just what is needed when a championship is to be contested. The course was simple, just a line of buoys, swim to the end, turn and swim back to complete the 250m circuit. Swimming it 3 times in row was anything but simple. Just ask the swimmer who retired just after halfway, apparently exhausted having made nutritional mistakes pre race. It is worth mentioning that it is estimated thatswimming in winter water 4c and below takes energy from the body around 5 times faster than swimming in the average 27c pool. The amount of energy required is one thing and the speed with which it s used by the body is another, making winter swimming a unique experience. Eating carbohydrates 3 – 4 hours before swimming and something easier 1 hour before is recommended. While each individual knows their own body it certainly isn’t a good idea to attempt a difficult cold water swim on an empty stomach or if feeling tired or unwell.
As for the races themselves, most went to form and the best time of the day was predictably posted by Milan Stencl of PK Zabreh who became the new champion in the mens 18-39 category, covering the 750m in 11mins 51secs. But spare a thought for Matej Cerveny of 1.PKO in the same race who just covered the 750m inside the 22 minute time limit, almost giving in on the final circuit only to find reserves from somewhere to get to the finish line. It might have been a day of championship races but simply completing the course is the number one which is what makes winter swimming such an involving and enthralling sport.
Not far now, keep going, I can see the finish buoy
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