I'm considering preparing for a long distance triathlon, but I have some questions /concerns about the swim portion. Specifically, I'm concerned about drowning. I know I'm not able to swim 2 miles non-stop. I also know that I'm negatively bouyant, even in the ocean. So in order for me to attempt a 2 mile swim I have to be able to stop and rest at regular intervals. I seem to recall that years ago when a triathlon was broadcast on TV, the swimmers would tow a bouy. Is that allowed? If not, how can a swimmer stop swimming and rest for a few minutes before continuing? In the bike and run portion, it's easy enough to stop pedalling or running in order to rest.
You really need to be
You really need to be comfortable swimming 2.4 miles before taking on an Ironman distance race.
Suggestion is to take lessons with a coach and build up to the distance over time.
However, if during a race, if needed you can rest by doing an alternate stroke - best off to the side so someone behind you doesn't swim up over you. You can also hold on to a buoy or a lifeguard in a kayak (as long as no forward progress).
But as you said on the bike or run you can just stop off to the side - not so much in swimming. Strongly urge you to get the proper training before attempting a long distance tri.
And, no you can't use a pull buoy or any flotation device.
I'm going to have to agree
I'm going to have to agree with RV on this one. You shouldn't attempt a 2.4 mile open water swim(in a race) unless you know you can comfortably swim at least 2 miles in a pool non-stop. Swim coaching with periodic video analysis is the fastest way(in my opinion) to get through the learning curve.
"I know I'm not able to swim 2 miles non-stop".....YET, but you will.
The good news is that most of long distance races require that you sign up nearly a year in advance, so you have plenty of time to get comfortable in the water. Sure, you can hold onto a kayak if you get into trouble. Also, plan on a race where you know wetsuits will be legal. Most wetsuits have enough neoprene in them to allow you to float if you just flip over on your back. Maybe think about doing a race that has a wave start instead of one massive start. Starting with 200 people is a much different experience then starting with 2500+.
michaelc wrote:I'm
[quote=michaelc]I'm considering preparing for a long distance triathlon, but I have some questions /concerns about the swim portion. Specifically, I'm concerned about drowning. [/quote]
hard stop.
Seriously, if you are concerned that you are a drowning risk then you have no business signing up for a 2.4 mile swim. I don't mean to sound harsh, but why not work on that fear a bit, get some help so you are a more confident swimmer, and then decide how far you want to swim?
Thanks for the replies. I
Thanks for the replies. I understand preparing for a long distance swim is a pre-requisite before attempting the swim. I also understand that no amount of preperation will guarantee success. Unforeseen events are always a possibility. As an analogy, I wear my seat belt every time I drive my car. I don't do it because I'm such a poor driver that I'm likely to be involved in an accident. I wear it because in the event of an accident, I will have some safety precaution.
According to USAT rule 4.2 "A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object. Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain forward progress."
This is exactly how I would have written the rule if it were up to me. Given this rule I see no reason that the swim portion of every triathlon couldn't be held in 4 feet deep water. At this depth, anyone who wanted to stop swimming and stand up for a few minutes could. It seems to me that a triathlon organizer who does this would be providing that same safety precaution as a fastened seat belt.
michaelc wrote:Given this
[quote=michaelc]Given this rule I see no reason that the swim portion of every triathlon couldn't be held in 4 feet deep water. [/quote]
This made me laugh, but I love this idea. I am not comfortable in the ocean either and have a general fear of drowning too.
Great discussion. I'm sure my first ocean race will be a few years off after I have conquered this fear.
I'd recommend getting
I'd recommend getting swimming lessons at your local pool. You should be confident in the water before you take on the swim. With a few weeks of consistent swimming and training you'll be okay. If you do need to stop mid-race, you can tread water and do egg-beater kick so rest.