This book tells of the trials and tribulations of an English expatriate who set himself an endurance sporting goal just for the hell of it. Living in Bulgaria made the challenge even more demanding and was seen by many as a quintessential eccentric English quirk, pointless and mingled with madness. The goal was to complete a 2-mile open water swimming event based some 3000 kilometres away in London's Hyde Park. The biggest hurdle was not being able to swim with an acute fear of water. Not to be ignored here is age. It was perhaps getting old that motivated him more than anything as opposed to just limp and fade away into the lethargy of old age. The challenge seemed an impossible feat initially with many hurdles that had to be overcome. This was not just from starting out as a non-swimmer fearful of water, but from other logistic issues over the 6-month journey. Getting through the challenge needed lots of determination, strong resolve not least bloody-mindedness.

Lynne Cox has set open water swimming records across the world, and now she has focused her decades-long experience and expertise into this definitive guide to swimming. Open Water Swimming Manual provides a wealth of knowledge for all swimmers, from seasoned triathletes and expert swimmers to beginners exploring open water swimming for the first time. Cox methodically addresses what is needed to succeed at and enjoy open water swimming, including choosing the right bathing suit and sunscreen; surviving in dangerous weather conditions, currents, and waves; confronting various marine organisms; treating ailments, such as being stung or bitten, and much more. Cox calls upon Navy SEAL training materials and instructors’ knowledge of open water swimming and safety procedures to guide her research. In addition, first-hand anecdotes from SEAL specialists and stories of Cox’s own experiences serve as both warnings and proper practices to adopt. Open Water Swimming Manual is the first manual of its kind to make use of oceanography, marine biology, and to weave in stories about the successes and failures of other athletes, giving us a deeper, broader understanding of this exhilarating and fast growing sport.

* Includes a foreword by Iron Man Hall-of-Famer Scott Tinley * Written with a fresh, non-technical yet authoritative approach * Provides the latest-and-greatest developments in the industry * Author is a widely-respected athlete and coach Whether just getting interested in triathlons or a multi-sport veteran, readers of this new handbook will get tuned up and stoked to reach any performance goal! Author Terri Schneider explains how to train for a first triathlon, as well as how to formulate an ongoing experience or a longer-term race regimen. Basic techniques for building a foundation of success are accompanied by lessons in heart-rate levels and suggestions for how to integrate a training schedule into daily life. From the early stages of training and making decisions on what gear to buy through to race day and beyond, Schneider covers everything from nutritional information to endurance issues, mental strategies, stretching, setting up transition areas, off-season training, and more.