any adjustments have to be made by marathon swimmers during their preparations for conquering large bodies of water with training practices reaching
peak levels of up to 70 km per week before long swims. After the endurance levels are attained, there are other adjustments to think about such as water temperature, marine life, water conditions and darkness.
On August 15, Marty Filipowski completed the third jewel of the Triple Crown of open water swimming in New York City by having an authenticated completion of three famous marathon swims: the English Channel between England and France, the Catalina Channel in Southern California and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (20 Bridges).
With the water temperatures at 31 degrees Celsius that day in New York City, Filipowski made adjustments to his routine to complete the 46 km trek.
“I always look at the history of swims and conditions along with having a discussion with the pilot of the escort boat,” says Filipowski. “In New York City, we concentrated on my hydration and feeding regime which includes water and supplements such as Ovaltine and maltodextrin. My last training was in much cooler water and when I turned into the Hudson River, it was like a hot tub.”
Each of his marathon swims have presented a different situation which leads to adjustments in training. He was facing 15 degrees Celsius water in his English Channel crossing so his training in cold water was increased. His Catalina Channel swim was completed mostly in darkness, so nighttime training was added to his schedule.
Any swim over four hours is completed with the accompaniment of a shark shield in the escort kayak which emits a small electrical current into the water.
“I have never been bothered by sharks, but I have been stung by bluebottles and jellyfish,” Filipowski says. “You learn that you can get stung and keep swimming.”
Born in Valparaiso, IN, Filipowski has been living and training in Sydney, Australia since 2006. His work at Dell as a corporate director of communications for Asia Pacific and Japan has afforded Filipowski with the opportunity to train all over the world.
His training base in Sydney includes spots such as Shelly Beach and they can also be affected by weather conditions.
SEVENSEAS - 113
M