As a swimmer, coach and swim guide, I see a familiar pattern. We all start outdoor swimming for the pure love of being in the water, we become better swimmers and inevitability set our sights on some form of swimming event. Whether that event is a fun charity swim, a speedy triathlon or an epic 10km. No matter what swim event you are doing, nutrition has a key role in how you feel, perform, and recover. Outdoor swimming has many challenges – cold water, changing conditions, and the need for sustained effort. Fuelling yourself properly can help how strong and resilient you feel in the water and how you recover.
What to eat before you swim
Small distance events: 1-2km
Shorter swims like 1-2km don’t require a detailed nutrition plan, but eating well still matters.