The answer is: YES, but it is easier for some swimmers. Some people have a metabolism that naturally has adapted them to cooler temperatures. I believe I am one of them. I have a mellow personality, which I think has made me easier to accept cold temperatures.
I never was a sprinter, I can swim at a good pace, but my Fast Twitch muscles are relatively lazier, BUT my SLOWER twitch muscles are mastered, they go and go.
Now, can we change our bodies that we were born with, I think gradually we can teach and confuse the muscles to switch over. We can teach our bodies to adapt to temperatures, the body will burn more calories in cooler temps, to keep the energy going.
I do not like the extreme cold temperatures, such as New Year plunges into high 30's, 40 degree waters. I gradually get my body used to cold water, especially if I have long swim in the channel.
This year, I'm planning an early season (late June), loop around Jersey, one of the E. Channel islands and I know it will be in the high 50's, or hovering around 60 degrees. I will be starting my preparation to the cold, next weekend in Columbia Lake, CT. Starting with 15-20 minutes will be fine, gradually adding time.
...but my main focus is adding yardage to my weekly totals.
45,000 yds this week, pushing for 48,000 next.
Yesterday, Saturday, was a nice long day, thinking about good stroke technique and wrapping my head around longer time swimming with less rest. By the time I got to 8000, my core muscles were firing and helping me get on with task.
Today, Sunday, will be a day off, maybe some abdominal work, but mostly house work.
Saturday, April 10.
5 x 2000
1,3 & 5: straight swims, #1 was a warm-up, #3, felt good and pushed, #5 long and strong.
#2 & 4: I wore my drag skirt and added some drill work: alternating 25 Modified Catch-up drill with 100 full stroke.
Have fun, only take about 15-30 seconds rest between each 2000.
Drem, Prepare, Succeed.
http://give.stvincents.org/ChannelingCAREmarcy
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