Race report – SwimRun
Brad Phillips 27 April 2019
It could have been any other delightful April morning from the previous 10 but instead it was cool and overcast, making me question my strategy to race in swim trunks.
When rego opened at 6.30am the organisers were putting the finishing touches on the finish chute and participants were leisurely strolling in, coffee in one hand, kit bag in the other. It was all pretty relaxed and with a field of 300, not too hectic.
Gear
The greatest uncertainty for a first time SwimRunner is the best gear to race in. As we watched people get ready the most common ensemble included:
- Swim trunks or a tri suit, there was a handful of SwimRun style wetsuits and plenty of neoprene swim trunks
- Shoes were mandatory and most people had regular running shoes or trail shoes
- Hand paddles were far more common than I expected. I’d say at least half the field had them, including the teams who finished at the top
- Pull buoys were ubiquitous, generally strapped to thighs and came in all different sizes. Not everyone used them though, including the winners. Some went without any flotation, while others had floaties on their shins like chunky football shin pads in lieu of a pull buoy between the legs.
- They say don’t wear new gear on race day but the event race vest is mandatory so this was a snug singlet over layer or the only top layer for some. Sticks of glide and tubs of other lotions and potions were applied vigorously to all potential chafing hotspots
- Goggles and a mandatory race cap completed the outfit.
The course
- A great pro tip from coach Joe inspired us to record the distances of the 27 legs of the course on our forearm so we knew the length of each swim and run leg ahead of us. This removed a bit of anxiety in our team and kept us focusing on the next segment
- As an out and back course once you made the lighthouse at South Head it was the same segments just in reverse to get back to the finish
- A single nutrition station on course at the 5km (~1hr in) & 12km(~2hrs in) on the way back in was adequate for me. Half a banana and a cup of water at each visit kept me going and I didn’t carry any other nutrition for the race. Most teams complete the course within 2.5 – 3 hours
- Some of the swim entry and exits are quite technical and slipper and can create a bottleneck. It would be worth practicing on a mix of sand, rocks, seaweedy shoreline, boat ramps, and metal stairs. Bee sliced her hand on a barnacle entering the second swim which left a nice trail of blood for the sharks until we found the first aid crew around the 7km mark.
What I’d do differently next time
- My gear was pretty right. The water was warm enough not to need a wetsuit but I would consider neoprene shorts for extra buoyancy and using hand paddles
- I probably wouldn’t carry a kilo of carrots strapped to my waist (Note: this was a wacky idea to incentivise people to donate. For every $200 on my tally I had to carry a carrot! It worked ?). These were fine during the swim but bounced up and down on my belt during running. Worth it for the dollars they raised for Sanfilippo though!!
Take home message
- If you’re at all curious about this event give it a go next year or seek a similar one. By their nature the courses are in stunning locations and offer a fun challenge. Plus you’re with a buddy and that’s always fun. Bee and I are still together after our race ?
- Strong swimmers do well in this event. In terms of time spent on course, you’re swimming roughly half the time so if this is your weaker discipline I’d focus more on this in your training and trying to improve your pace and efficiency with the right mix of gear. Try it all and see what works for you
- This is a fun adventure race with plenty to chase if you’re a serious athlete or plenty to enjoy and challenge you if you’re a part time swimmer like me.
A huge thank you to the team and volunteers at SwimRun Australia who put on a cracking event!
And to Manly Beach Running Club & Shelley Swim Club for getting my body and head ready for this event!
And to all our Sanfilippo supporters who sponsored us and the other members of our team! (It’s never too late to donate ? – https://www.sfsuperseries.com.au/my-fundraising/468/brads-fundraising-page).
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