Swimming From The Heart
Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.
John Tierney wanted to know what amount of stress he places on his heart during each swim in the Serpentine, especially when the water is cold. “I want to understand what happens when I swim,” explains Tierney. “I mostly train on my own, and the Heart rate monitor helps me keep track of my actual swims rather than my perceived efforts.”
He tested himself in April 2012 in the Serpentine. The water was 9ºC (48ºF) and I maintained a steady beat of 57 strokes per minute for in excess of one hour. From my interpretation, the data shows that I worked between moderate and hard intensity.
I did not overdo my training which is important. There are people with far more and better knowledge than me regarding how to use a HRM, but I’m learning.”
Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association
