Rob and I at Donner Lake swim 2008

This Sunday I will be doing a quadruple crossing of Donner Lake. Lake Tahoe doesn’t seem to be warming up as quickly as I had hoped. So, I will be doing my training in Donner. I am thinking that it will take me 6+ hours to do the 11+ mile swim. I will be accompanied for 2 of the lengths by my friend and one of my favorite swim partners Rob. I think this will be Rob’s longest swim to date.  Rob, my friend Jen and I have been meeting every Tuesday morning during the summer months at Donner Lake for the past 3 years. We met last Tuesday for our first swim of the year.  I always know that summer is just around the corner when we are standing at the lakes edge getting ready to dive in.

I feel physically and mentally prepared to accomplish this swim. I will be trying a new addition to my feeding regimen. On my last multi- hour swim I battled hunger. The type of hunger that only solid food could satisfy. At the advice of an accomplished marathon swimmer, Laura advised me that I might try liquid oatmeal to satisfy that hungry feeling. I have decided to take her advice and with the additional advice of my sports nutritionist, I will be adding a little fruit juice to the oatmeal. My plan is to take in this liquid concoction at about hour 3. I am hoping that this will get rid of the hunger pangs and give me a little extra boost in energy.

I am looking forward to this swim and since the weather is suppose to be really nice, I will be enjoying a beautiful day in the lake.  Our crew will be Dan in the kayak. It will be quite an accomplishment for him also to be out for the 6 or more hours. Great practice for my big swim in August.