Brooke Lorentzen is a member of the USA Swimming National Junior Team and represented the U.S. at last year’s Jr. Pan Pacs where she was a top ten finisher. She trains with national team distance swimmers Chloe Sutton and Ashley Twichell at the Mission Viejo Nadadores. Here’s Brooke’s take on some of the nuances of open water swimming:
What’s the biggest difference between open water swimmers and pool swimmers?
Open water swimming is completely different than the pool. Open water swimmers have to be more aware of what’s going on around them. You have to think fast and take action because those quick responses can get you ahead. You have to be able to stay calm but be aggressive. You can’t really prepare yourself for an open water race, because once your racing, it’s anyone’s game.
What’s you’re #1 “rookie” mistake that you’ve made in your open water career?
My biggest mistake I made was letting one of my competitors lead me off course. This cost me a lot of energy and time, and I lost the lead group because of it. I should have fought back harder and been aggressive in order to keep my place. It’s hard to not let people get into your head, but if you focus on your race, nobody can stop you.
Is there a different vibe at the start of an open water race versus standing behind the blocks before a pool race?
Yes! At the starting line, it’s pretty quite and all you hear is treading water and a few last “good luck”s. Since we are far from shore, you can’t hear the announcer. I get very anxious when they call out “30 seconds till start.” Your heart starts to race and you prepare yourself to fight these girls for a position. It’s brutal in the beginning and everyone wants to get ahead. Starts in open water can be a mad house!
What’s the most insane set you’ve ever done in preparation for an open water race?
Well, Coach Rose is known for crazy workouts so I can’t choose one! But before an open water race, we will do 3-4 10k practices per week. They can be straight 4k’s or can be broken by 1000 or 1500. He gets us ready for swimming long distances at a high heart rate. And man is it tough! But, It pays off and really gets us ready for race day.
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve swam open water?
I swam the 10k at Junior Pan Pacs last summer in Hawaii. We swam in Waimea Bay on the island of Maui. It was gorgeous. The water was crystal clear and was at a perfect temperature. You could see 80ft down to the bottom. There were no waves, making it much easier to swim in for a 10k. While swimming, dolphins popped up next to me, doing flips and spins. I saw sea turtles and huge schools of fish. It probably was one of the coolest moments of my life. Who can say they swam with wild dolphins in the beautiful waters of Hawaii?
What are you thinking about during a 10K race?
In a race, I usually keep my head in the game. I focus on where I’m going, where the next buoy is, and what my next move will be. I watch to see if there are any place changes and if there is a place i could fit into. But sometimes my mind wonders to a song I listened to before the race to pump me up or sometimes I say to myself “only 4,000 left!” It’s a long race so I try to keep myself entertained and motivated! I sometimes count my stokes or say encouraging words to myself.
Good eye Nance – that is land’s end in Cabo San Lucas.