We are exactly one week away from SwimRun NC, and today we got a report of the water temperature in the lake at Hanging Rock State Park and in the Dan River.  We are in for some cold swims next weekend.

The current temperature of the water in the lake is 63’F, and in the river, it is 53’F.  Most of the swimming is done in the warmer lake, and 63’F is not too bad, in terms of being cold.  The river will be cold, but for much of it the water is very shallow, and we will be scooting down on our butts with our faces out of the water.

Although we will have cold swims next weekend, the water is significantly warmer than at the same race last year.  In 2021, the race was held in early November. The water in the lake that day was only 52’F, and the river was extremely cold at 47’F. Compared to those temperatures, the water next weekend will feel almost tropical.

The hardest part of swimming in the very cold water last year, was immersing my face.  My body, arms and legs could handle the cold, but my face really struggled.  I ended up swimming with my head out of the water and I gradually immersed it every few strokes until I was able to swim normally.   I don’t think it will be that bad this year… fingers crossed.

My wife and I will be doing a practice swim in the river on Saturday. That will definitely allow us to get a feel for what it will be like during the race the next day.  I somewhat know what to expect, having experienced the cold water last year; my wife may be in for a bit of a shock!!