As I edge closer to the historic Lake Ontario crossing this August, my training regimen is intensifying. Here’s a glimpse into my preparation this month.
Building Endurance, One Stroke at a Time
The next 2 months mark a critical phase in my training journey. I’m steadily building up to a milestone 10-hour pool swim scheduled for May 28th. Right now I am swimming an accumulative 8 hours this week and 8 hours next week, broken up into shorter swim sessions.
Today’s swim was 1 hour and 45 minutes in a 50-meter pool. The pool was pretty crowded, but I managed to get through it. I didn’t eat during this session, but didn’t get hungry because I loaded up before hitting the water.
The Art of Fueling During Marathon Swims
One of the most critical aspects of preparing for a 51km open-water swim isn’t just the physical endurance—it’s figuring out how to stay fed. In addition to building up endurance, a critical purpose of these long training sessions is to test eating methods and foods.
Unlike folks who might rely on energy gels, I’m exploring alternatives that work better for me during extended time in the water. I don’t like gels very much. Among the options I’m considering is carb-rich sushi—an unconventional but potentially effective fuel source. But how will my crew deliver the sushi to me on the lake? My sister suggested floating it out in a mini boat.
The feeding technique is another aspect I’m working to perfect. Some people feed with a “claw,” but what does that actually look like in practice? It’s these practical details that can make all the difference during a 24+ hour crossing.
Cross-Training: From Water to Land
I’m not limiting my training to the pool. Just last weekend, I participated in the High Park 8k Spring Run Off, following the Around the Bay race the weekend before.
The weather was much nicer than the run around the bay! 8k is not a stretch for me. I can’t wait to do it again next year.
Mental Preparation: Swimming in Silence
My dad was wondering what I will listen to during the 24-hour swim, but here’s a surprise for many: you’re not allowed to listen to anything during the swim, for safety reasons!
Instead, I’ve been memorizing songs to play in my head during the crossing. That, and thinking about my next feeding opportunity—which will come every 30 minutes during the actual swim.
One song that’s made it onto my mental playlist? “Cherish” by Madonna. I realized that the mix on Spotify is different from the cassette tape. The tape is ultra authentic! I love it. That song is so sweet. When I first got my radio, that’s one of the first songs I heard.
As I continue my training journey toward becoming the first transgender person to swim across Lake Ontario, I’ll keep sharing these glimpses into my preparation. Follow along on Instagram @Lev.Swims.Lakes for updates, and consider supporting this historic endeavor through our GoFundMe campaign.
Next update: Results from the 10-hour swim test and new nutrition strategies!
– Lev