Emily Brunemann Loves Open Water In Cayman

 
U.S. Open Water Swimmer, Emily Brunemann, cites Cayman as the most interesting place for Open Water Swimming.

She also gives an insight into her training and race strategy

What’s the most insane set you’ve ever done in preparation for an open water race?

I would say when I was in California I did 3 x 3,000 long course descend 1-3.  I don’t really do the crazy 20 x 1000 or anything like that I train with other milers so I typically train like a miler does, I think it is very important to work speed as well as endurance.

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve swam open water?

I really enjoyed swimming in the Caymen Islands for the Pirates Festival.  We were swimming over sea turtles and other animals, I remember thinking I wanted to go and chase or play with the animals but had to remind myself I was in a race.  I find the open water very majestic and peaceful, racing in it is very difficult but that is part of the fun!

What are you thinking about during a 10K race?

During a 10k there are many different things I am thinking about and it depends on where I am in the race.  Feedings are always very interesting because a lot of people try to make moves around feedings so it is important to know where people are swimming.  Understanding where people are throughout the race is something I have gotten a lot better at as well as figuring out if people may try to make a move, it is something I have worked on over this year.  Due to the fact that there are a lot people in the race there is always someone trying to do something so it has been fun figuring those things out while I swim.  I always go in with a race strategy but it a very fluid strategy because anything can happen in open water and you have to be prepared for anything.  A lot of the time I am also just singing to myself!

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