It was a fantastic time!
Yesterday afternoon I arrived home from Ireland where I attended the Hit the Wall training camp organized by infinity Channel Swimming The camp provided the opportunity to compete and also to gain qualification.
Arrived in Carlingford on Thursday evening where it was very cold and windy. The sea showed its very grumpy face. Neither the forecast promised much better conditions. We started our first swim on Friday at 9 o’clock. This show is not one of my favorites for two reasons. The first thing is that before each 2 km round you start, you have to sit in and take time inside in the ice (diving up to the neck). After the ice bath, swimming in 13 degree water feels even better, but only for a while. Repetitions don’t help. And the other, the darkness. I don’t like swimming in the sea in the dark, but it happens to us that for various reasons we have to leave early or perhaps it takes long enough to reach the destination. There were only traffic lights and we need to learn how to treat this too, what to do at this time.
After the completion of the 90-minute swimming program, the installed sauna was a reward. It was a fantastic time!
The competition called the Battle of Carlingford, was supposed to take place on Saturday afternoon, but was cancelled by the organizers due to adverse weather conditions and safety. A few hours later, a 3*2500 meter race was started at the originally written finish area. It was a little hectic for me but overall I had a good time swimming.
On Sunday morning, on the other hand, the long-awaited competition of Champions, began. 8 km swim along the shore, which I did in 1 hour 53 minutes and 2 hours of rest. After that a 5 km swim on a 2500 meter bridge that had to do 2 laps. I arrived with 1 hour and 11 minutes. What made it more difficult for me was that more people got in only from this distance, respectively the previous 8km. After completing the 5 km, 1 hour of rest and the last swim, the 1st lap is completed in the opposite direction on the 2500 meter bridge. I finished my last swim in 33 minutes and at the top 5 with that. Despite the difficulties, the day was really cool. Over time, there was less and less time for the actual rest between distances. When you come out, you are still hesitating, change clothes, get warm, try to refresh and start again. You know it’s cold and not that much fun but you have to go back and wait for the start sign.
We closed the program for the evening. Matthias Kaßner me and my friend hurried back to the house so that we could have dinner, rest and sleep as soon as possible, because the next day we will have an even more difficult day.
Usually difficult sea swims are determined by the tide/tide. Because of this we woke up at 4am on Monday morning because from 5.30am we had to be at the pier to prepare for the final strength test. 6 hours of qualifying swim. There are several approaches to this swim. There are stations that tie the participation to different qualifications. Even if you have a boat and a team, your application will be accepted if you have not completed the required qualifying swim. In many cases this is a 6 hour swim in 14 degree water. If you have this, you’re practically sharpening your prior license. I didn’t need this, but from the perspective of training, I consider it excellent. I am not alone, but with many swimmers. The difficult thing about it is enough motivation to push you forward, because it’s not funny at all when the environment is like that. Now that was hard. We got in the water at 6:30 in the morning and started. Strong wind, which didn’t help to lift the arm out. Had a serious cold for 3 hours. Shakin my thighs and almost froze my feet and palms. The course in which we are swimming at this time is very varied. Possibly experience the waves and wind from all directions. After 3 hours she got better for me and 4th. the sun came out of the clouds after the hour. What some moments these were! The water didn’t get any warmer, but the sun had a beneficial effect on my body. I been waiting for the last 30 minutes to be outside so I can tuck in warm clothes. Despite the difficulties, it feels very good to come out that I did it and didn’t give up prematurely. What was hard for most of us was that we came from countries where it is much warmer. On the other hand, acclimatization is almost impossible. You need to act and do your thing immediately. This is a major burden on the organism. However, the greatest value for me is the information I receive from my organization and the class. Aside from the cold I did not have muscle or joint problems. In the days leading up to the trip I had some difficulties due to asthma, but by the time of the swims I could ventilate well. The results of my workouts completed so far are good and I am very optimistic about the feeling. I’m feeling very strong. Today I’m done with the usual Wednesday training and from next week the last and also the hardest period awaits me, so that I can be able to start in the best condition in August. Recharging has been completed and will continue with the less spectacular work.
Hereby I thank the Infinity team for the organization and the joint work, and a huge congratulations to all my dear brothers and sport mates who have accomplished these exhausting days! Hit The Wall and PUSH IT!
Attila Manyoki
