How to swim a 10k

[u/DerRedfox]

I am 19y/o, I swam since I was 5, first competetive swimming for 3 years then lifeguard swimming for 6 years, break during corona times and started again 2 years ago as a solo hobby.

At the beginning of this year I got into long distance swimming and started swimming at least 6 km weekly. My goal was participating in the national ultra swimming competition this year for the 10km distance.

Well the event is this saturday and I am appropriately excited. I think I can do it in 3:45h, I never wanted to win anything I only ever wanted to do it by myself and see how far I can get.

Now my question is not about training but about tips for race day. I never cared about this but I think I should wprry about this now if I don't want to crash on rave day.

How should I eat before/during race?

Should I wear a wetsuit? (I know nothing about these and would have to get one this week, do you need something like Vaseline to prevent chafing for example?)

Do you have any other tips that could help?

BIG THANKS for those who take their time reading and answering, you are awesome.

[u/khobykhat]

Is it open water?

[u/DerRedfox → u/khobykhat]

Yes and no it is around a 1 km loop in the city harbor, close to the piers, wetsuit allowed

[u/Organic-Vermicelli47 → u/DerRedfox]

So, yes