Plea for help
1
Member
1269 days
Trimad posted 25 weeks ago.
Rich
I can help you out which is positive, the negative is I am a breast stroker.
I have have done a few Tri's before and an Ironman. So if you do not get anyone else, would be glad to help
Steve
81
Member
362 days
M posted 25 weeks ago.
I think this is the experience that 95% of swimmers have their first time in open water (which is sometimes their first race, so you're a step ahead!). You'd probably do fine with just one more time getting in. Wetsuits are snug and you'll feel slightly constricted at first...try some of your pool swims in the suit to get used to that. If the water is cold, get in before you start swimming and put your face in and get into a rhythm breathing out under water and in above water...the natural response to suddenly being in cold water will convince you to get out unless you acclimate before you try to actually swim. In the event of panic you can roll onto your back and float. In the event of major panic you can then wave your arm and a boat will come get you. But it doesn't have to be that way. Clearly you can swim just fine. As for swallowing water, you may just have to exaggerate your normal breathing roll to get a bit higher.
Don't throw in the towel on it just yet...just don't use these 4 weeks to build it up into this horrible evil thing. Instead, re-convince yourself that you can do this.
6
Member
177 days
richs99 posted 25 weeks ago.
Trimad wrote:
Rich
I can help you out which is positive, the negative is I am a breast stroker.
I have have done a few Tri's before and an Ironman. So if you do not get anyone else, would be glad to help
Steve
Steve, this is fantasic news, you have lifted a huge weight from my shoulders - I can't figure out how to send a private message on here, do you think you could please email me on richs99@hotmail.com?
Thanks mate
Rich
6
Member
177 days
richs99 posted 25 weeks ago.
M wrote:
I think this is the experience that 95% of swimmers have their first time in open water (which is sometimes their first race, so you're a step ahead!). You'd probably do fine with just one more time getting in. Wetsuits are snug and you'll feel slightly constricted at first...try some of your pool swims in the suit to get used to that. If the water is cold, get in before you start swimming and put your face in and get into a rhythm breathing out under water and in above water...the natural response to suddenly being in cold water will convince you to get out unless you acclimate before you try to actually swim. In the event of panic you can roll onto your back and float. In the event of major panic you can then wave your arm and a boat will come get you. But it doesn't have to be that way. Clearly you can swim just fine. As for swallowing water, you may just have to exaggerate your normal breathing roll to get a bit higher.Don't throw in the towel on it just yet...just don't use these 4 weeks to build it up into this horrible evil thing. Instead, re-convince yourself that you can do this.
Hey M
Believe me I've thought long and hard about it, and if it was just me doing it then I'd go for it. But I have 2 other guys to think about who are training hard for it.
Another problem I have is that if I get out of breath normally when swimming I do what you suggest and flip on my back and swim backstroke for a bit to let my breathing regulate. But when I did that on Saturday I was told it would be an instant disqualification if I did it in the race.
Thanks for your advice, and I will definately arrange some more open water sessions as soon as I have some spare time because I want to be ready to do it properly next year.
I just completely underestimated the difference between open water and pool swimming (this probably sounds daft to some of you, but I honestly thought "how hard can it be?" before I got in there)!
Thanks for the advice
Rich
572
Member
594 days
Socket posted 25 weeks ago.
I've never heard of a race that would disqualify someone for backstroking. Just looked up the race info and lo and behold, no backstoke as it might be considered the same as their "help me" signal of laying on your back and raising your arm.
That is so bizarre. 
11
Member
332 days
phillytri posted 25 weeks ago.
Fly me to London and I'll swim a solid leg for you :)
193
Member
251 days
azmojo804 posted 25 weeks ago.
+1 to backstroke if the OW is bad for you. That way, you can see everything. And, +1 to breaststroke if you're not allowed to backstroke.
I'll 2nd phillytri's statement, fly me there and I'll do it! :)
If you can get to a pool, just swim with your eyes closed and in your wetsuit if possible. Can't see with your eyes closed. :)
Good luck!
6
Member
177 days
richs99 posted 25 weeks ago.
Hi all
I don't appear to have an email from Steve yet so if anyone else is interested please mail me at richs99@hotmail.com
Thanks guys
Rich
Morning all
I'm posting here as I'm not exactly sure where to turn...
I'm registered for the swim leg of the London triathlon team event on Saturday 9th August at 2pm.
I've swum the 1500m distance a couple of times in the pool before in the last few months and was reasonably confident that I would be able to manage the swim in the Thames.
However, on Saturday I took part in the open water training at Royal Albert dock and had a complete nightmare. I struggled to breath in the wetsuit and ended up hyperventilating and had to stop the training after only 20 minutes. I couldn't handle not being able to see under the water and the lack of anything to grab hold of in the event of panic. I also swallowed what seemed like half the river!
I honestly think I would need another 10 or so practise sessions before I was confident enough to take part in a race. And unfortunately I have less than 4 weeks to go before the event with no way of fitting in the required time (I'm having to work late most nights at the moment).
I know there's no way I can do the event on the 9th but of course I have 2 teammates to consider. I don't think I am able to drop out and them still be able to do the cycle and run.
So I am appealing for a swimmer to come and take my place. My teammates are top blokes, the runner did the marathon last year and the cyclist has just come back from france after doing one of the tour stages so they are both very fit guys (another reason why I don't want to let them down on the day by failing to finish).
I don't want this to sound like a sob story (which I realise it already has), but I really don't want to let the rest of my team down.
If there's anyone out there that thinks they could do the swim in my place, please could they let me know? It's all been paid for so you wouldn't have to pay for anything, and I'll glady buy you a few beers after the event!
Hoping for the best,
Rich Stone