SwimLabs’ Open Water Training at Grant Ranch On any given Tuesday, Thursday, or weekend morning through September 10, swimmers can watch the sun rise from the calm water at Grant Ranch. Cheerful colored caps bob up and down as athletes acclimate to the water, which will steadily warm throughout the summer. Swimmers take advantage of the motorboat-free course and bright orange swim buoys to train for triathlons or open water races, or to vary their regular workout routine. Grant Ranch offers two courses, a .5 mile triangle or a 1.2 mile loop. As Ironman participant and English Channel swimmer, Dr. Laura Borgelt, noted in our Open Water Panel discussion, a workout in open water is worth more than the same distance in the pool. “The time in open water is more difficult. There are no walls, no bottom, and colder temperatures. I usually say that one hour in the lake equals one and a half hours in the pool.” So bonus workout minutes for a swim at Grant Ranch! If you’re training for an open water race, Sarah Thomas, Queen of Marathon Swimming, says that time in open water is essential. “Regularly swimming in cold water is best. It’s also important to always have a buddy with you, bring warm towels, warm clothes, and a warm drink for afterward.” SwimLabs’ […]