Now that the Cole Classic is right around the corner, you’re likely feeling excited about the big day or perhaps a little nervous about what to expect.
But whether you’re a total pro or challenging yourself with your first open-water swim, the Cole Classic is sure to be a fantastic experience.
To help you make the most of this experience, we’ve compiled a few easy tips on what to do and expect on the day.
How to make the most of your Cole Classic swim
1. Maximise recovery in the week leading up to the event.
With less than week to go, arriving fresh at the swim is essential. Maximising sleep and getting adequate rest prior to a fitness event is strongly supported by scientific evidence, so now is the time to focus on recovery and tapering if you’ve been swimming hard in preparation.
In addition to sleeping well, engage in activities that relax and restore both body and mind, such as gentle exercise, some quiet reading time, gardening, colouring, or cooking.
2. Be prepared on the day.
Start the day with your best foot forward to keep your swim stress-free. You may want to make a checklist in advance to ensure you don’t forget anything, but even frequent swimmers will benefit from packing their kit the night before. Essential items include your swimmers, goggles, towels, nourishment, sun protection, and a sports watch if you have one.
If you’re keen to keep the reefs pristine, consider bringing a reusable water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen. On that note, it’s important to stick to your usual routine. The day of an event is not the day to change things up, so try to maintain the same hydration, nutrition, and swimming equipment.
It’s also worth double-checking how you’ll get to Manly beforehand, whether it’s public transport times or where to park if you’re driving. Otherwise, this can add to your stress during the day.
We also recommend arriving early to view the course and spot the boys. Having time to relax beforehand is also beneficial, as opposed to feeling rushed. You may want to warm up with your usual stretch, stroll, short swim, or just hang back and chat with the other participants; this will also take your mind off things if you’re nervous.
3. Understand your goals.
Whether you’re aiming for your personal best time or simply completing the course, both of these goals signify a brilliant achievement. Pros usually start the race at the beginning of the crowd, while beginners tend to begin the race last but don’t stress too much about where you are in the crowd. After all, no matter where you start, you’ll be in great company, and finishing is more important than where you begin! Just make sure you are following your own goal, not someone else’s.
With that in mind, swim at your own pace, and don’t go too hard too early! It is better to start at a moderate pace and finish strongly than to go too hard in the first stage and start lagging during the final leg.
The course might look intimidating if it’s your first open-water swim. In this case, it may help to break the goal of swimming the Cole Classic into smaller parts. For example, you could mentally break your swim into segments, such as making it to the first buoy, halfway, and then the final leg to the beach. This way, you’ll stay motivated as you pass each milestone.
4. Focus on what you can control.
Event days are always high-energy, which creates a wonderful sense of ‘being part of something.’ However, this bubbling energy can also be a distraction, and pre-race nerves are common.
But no matter how you feel, try to focus on your performance and the things you can control, such as checking your equipment, concentrating on a breathing exercise, or doing a pre-race stretch. Maintaining this focus will help you focus on the race itself, rather than any unsettling thoughts.
So be kind to yourself, use positive self-talk by reminding yourself that you can do it, and be conscious of where you direct your attention.
5. Have fun!
Take the opportunity to say hello to another participant. By swimming in the event, you already have something in common. The social aspect is a great way to feel part of the wider community and perhaps even make a new friend.
After all, the Cole Classic is more than just a race.
While it may be hard on the day, try to find a moment while swimming to reflect on what’s happening around you and take in the beauty of Cabbage Tree Bay’s fantastic marine environment. This aquatic reserve fosters a vast diversity of marine habitats and the animals that call them home, so it’s a pretty special place to be.
6. Celebrate your achievement!
Mark your accomplishment by deciding how you’ll celebrate, whether with a well-deserved beach rest or dinner with friends.
And remember that this isn’t just a ‘one-day’ achievement! Swimming at the Cole Classic is a brilliant reminder of your fitness, but it also marks a system of regular swimming and participating in community events.
When you achieve a big goal like this, you move closer to becoming the person you want to be – and a better swimmer!