Join a Masters team. They run the gamut from people like me who are horrible swimmers just looking to improve to people who swim competitively at the masters level to people who enjoy long-distances wimming and are training for events.

Chesapeake Bay Swim and multiple others exist. There are a number of Masters programs in Northern Virginia, I'm not sure of exact locations in DC or MD.

Speedo has a training website with a bunch of work-outs.


If you are looking for a training group, try a triathlon training group. Tri swim distances range from 400 m to 2 miles. They are usually open water swims.

It seems like everyone around me turned 40 and started running marathons. I admire then, wish I had a big goal like this to work toward, but I am not a runner. I don't like running, I'm no good at it, and it really hurts my knees - and feet. My last foray into running resulted in a bout of plantar fasciitis that it has taken me 9 months, custom orthotics, and PT to turn the corner on.

I'm a former competitive swimmer and love to swim. I did one distance (indoor, pool) race/fundraiser a long time (15+ years) ago & enjoyed it.

I'm curious about open water swimming and training for an open water race. I'm thinking of working up to the goal of the Chesapeake Bay swim (it can be my "marathon"). Any tips on groups, clinic, teams, etc and training for an open water race?