HypoActive

 This is a bit of a guide for those participating in the MegaSwim for the first time – you know that there are 15 swimmers completing a relay over 24 hours, and that you need to get sponsors for the event and the proceeds go to the MS Society Go for Gold Scholarship program. But what else should you expect?

 
Prior to the event
Before the event you will be asked about what training you are doing and how far/fast you are currently swimming. This helps the team captain to create groups of similar ability to swim together. End results for the swim are a combination of distance swam and money raised so we need to maximise recovery time and swimming conditions for all abilities within the team. Swimming abilities vary from those who can comfortably swim 2 or 3kms at a time to those who are happier to do 200m and then have a rest.
You will receive a roster which allocates a period of time that you will be at the pool with the group you are swimming with. You need to work out amongst your group how far each person wants to swim in total and also how far they are comfortable swimming for in one shift. This is completely up to each group – but we encourage you to remember that we want everyone to achieve their goals and that the further HypoActive can swim as a team the more points we get!
 
What should I bring?
You will of course need all your swimming essentials:
·         Bathers
·         Goggles
·         Ear plugs/ aqua ear if you need them
·         Towels – generally a good idea to have at least 2 towels. Sometimes it rains in Melbourne (shock, horror!) and towels don’t tend to dry well when that happens. And sitting around in wet bathers under a wet towel for an hour or so is not so pleasant. A chamois can be good if you have one handy. Those who have exceeded their minimum fundraising amount ($60) will get a free, extremely cool-looking, HypoActive towel.
·         Warm clothing if you are swimming overnight – it does get cold and it usually rains for a bit.
·         Hat, sunscreen, t-shirt etc if you are swimming during the day. You will also receive a HypoActive t-shirt – but it’s black, so may be hot in the sun.
·         Snacks to nibble on between swims. All swimmers receive 2 vouchers for the BBQ (that also cooks pancakes for breakfast) – you can buy sausages for a donation also if you run out of/don’t have vouchers. HypoActive provides mixed lollies and powdered Powerade/Gatorade – so you need a bottle to mix this up in!
·         And of course you should bring your blood glucose meter, insulin and delivery device (doi – yet surprising how many people leave these at home...)
·         Coffee is a good idea for the lap counters too (Brunswick St is only 2mins walk away)
 
Getting to the event
Parking is limited at the pool. There are on street parks and a car park in the middle of Alexander Parade. Be aware that parking restrictions are enforced during the swim. Where possible you should try to car pool, get a lift or catch public transport – tram 112 goes up Brunswick St (closest) from Collins St, and tram 96 goes up Smith St, from Swanston St.
 
What do I do when I get there?
All registered swimmers need to check in at the registration desk where they will be given a bag including a swimming cap and a MegaSwim T-shirt. You will be told which lane HypoActive has been assigned to swim in. Be aware that there are 4 teams swimming per lane, so while the lap counters will be sitting at one end of our designated the remainder of the team may be located somewhere else.
Once registered you should find the HypoActive lane and our lap counter, who will be able to direct to where the rest of the team is located – or just be on the look out for the Insulin Injected Engine T-shirts and towels!
 
How do I swim with 3 other people in my lane?
Swimming etiquette is always important when sharing lanes. Try to keep the following in mind:

• Keep to the left
• If you want to pass another swimmer and you are nearing the end, tap their feet once. If you have your feet tapped by a swimmer behind you, you should wait at the end for them to overtake you before you start your next lap
• Be aware of where the other swimmers in your lane are, if you want to pass someone, you should check there is no one coming in the other direction to avoid a head on collision.
• When overtaking be sure you have fully passed the other swimmer before you pull back in front of them – there is nothing worse than being overtaken and then kicked in the face or forced to swim in someone’s wake.
• When changing swimmers you can dive in if we are located at the deep end, or you will need to do a push off start if we are at the shallow end. Diving is not compulsory. Even pin drops can be messy and socially awkward.
• If you are starting in the water be sure to wait in the left hand corner of the lane. Do not hold onto or sit on the lane rope. Do not wait in the middle of the lane as other swimmers will want to turn there. If there is a second swimmer in the water also waiting to change shifts, wait in the right hand corner of the lane.
• When you have finished your shift and are exiting the pool be sure to check for other swimmers before crossing their lanes. You need to check for both swimmers in the water and those potentially diving in. You should duck under lane ropes rather than rolling over the top of them (when you sit on, or roll over a lane rope it pushes it down in the water and any swimmers who are too close when it comes back up can be cut by the rope).
• When you are nearly ready to finish your shift let your lap counter know - preferably indicate that you want to do 2 more laps (100m), as that gives the next swimmer time to get prepared for the changeover.

What do I do between shifts?
Whatever you like! Chat to your team mates, have a spa or a sauna (please remember that spa’s/sauna’s and pumps are not the best of friends) and most importantly get an idea of what your blood sugar is doing so you can take appropriate action during your recovery period.
There will hopefully be a tent pitched on the grass patch next to the pool where you will be able to have a short sleep if required. Be sure to let your team mates know where you are going and when they can expect you back if you are leaving the pool side area.
Keeping the lap counter company – as long as you don’t distract them from their task – is also good; looking after them while they do their important job - remembering that their diabetic (or caffeine) requirements should not be neglected.
And of course you can always take photo’s for the website or write something about your experience!
 
What about my diabetes management?
HypoActive recommend testing twice before commencing any exercise. You will be asked by the lap counter what your blood glucose is before you get in the water and if you are trending up, down or stable and any corrective actions you have taken. We are not here to tell you how to manage your diabetes and exercise, but recording this information may assist you in making better decisions next time.
It is expected that anyone who swims for a period greater than 30 minutes will test while in the water. You need to give your glucometer to the lap counter before you get in who will help you to test at the 30 minute mark. You should also give them your preferred hypo food for any corrective actions required.
 
Final Words of Advice
Sometimes the most challenging thing about swimming is what you think about while doing your laps. Some people like to sing to themselves, others like to sing to everyone else in the pool (can make breathing a little more challenging), you could try counting the number of strokes it takes you to complete a lap and keep trying to reduce that number (the more efficient your stroke, the less you need per lap).
Finally - have fun. While this event is about challenging yourself AND raising money for a great cause AND gives you the opportunity to chat to your peers about diabetes management and swimming it's also meant to be fun!
 
Happy Splashing everyone!!