CHATTANOOGA, TN · OCTOBER
Swim the Suck Training Plan
A free open-water swim plan for the Swim the Suck, written by an AI coach around the event and the fitness you have now. It adapts every week as you log your training. Free account, no card.
- Formats
- 10 miles
- Sport
- Open-water swimming
- Usually held
- Each October
- Until race day
- ~56 weeks
Build your Swim the Suck plan
The instant browser builder only plans running races, so a open-water swim plan comes from the coach itself. It opens with the Swim the Suck already filled in (estimated for October until the date is announced), asks about your week and your current fitness, and writes every session. Free account (or start as a guest), no card. You are about 56 weeks out.
Start your Swim the Suck planSwim the Suck distances
- 10 miles10 mi
The Swim the Suck course
A point-to-point downstream swim on the Tennessee River through the Tennessee River Gorge. Swimmers start at the public boat launch on Suck Creek (River Mile 453.3) and finish at Wohali Nvya on the left side of the river (River Mile 443.55). The course page measures it at 10.36 miles and describes an S-shaped path between canyon walls, keeping red channel markers on the right.
What to train for
Build long continuous swims well past two hours so a 10-mile effort is familiar, and practice feeding from a kayak or boat every 20 to 30 minutes. Sight often and rehearse swimming alongside a pilot so you hold a straight line in current.
Registration and official details: Swim the Suck official siteRace facts checked against the official site on September 19, 2026.
Swim the Suck training questions
How long should I train for the Swim the Suck?
Most athletes give a open-water swim eight to sixteen weeks of focused training on top of an existing base. The coach counts back from your actual race date, so if you have less time than that it builds the best plan the remaining weeks allow rather than pretending you have longer.
What is the Swim the Suck course like?
A point-to-point downstream swim on the Tennessee River through the Tennessee River Gorge. Swimmers start at the public boat launch on Suck Creek (River Mile 453.3) and finish at Wohali Nvya on the left side of the river (River Mile 443.55). The course page measures it at 10.36 miles and describes an S-shaped path between canyon walls, keeping red channel markers on the right.
How cold is the water at the Swim the Suck?
The Swim the Suck does not publish a typical water temperature. The athlete guide gives the wetsuit rule for race day: check it before you plan your open-water sessions.
Do I need an account to get a Swim the Suck training plan?
Yes, a free one. The instant browser builder only plans running races, so a open-water swim plan comes from the coach itself. You can start as a guest and save the account later. No card, and the plan adapts every week as you log your training.