Swimming Help!
477
Member
1344 days
geochuck posted 3 years ago.
Try triswimmer.com go down the page to Tri Swim Coach.
95
Member
1601 days
virturace posted 3 years ago.
A few things for the open water that you may want to consider:
1) Start at the back of the pack and as far to the outside lane as possible. If the bouy will stay to the left, then go to the far right of the pack. You'll avoid most or all of the boxing match that takes place in the cheap seats.
2) Get in the water the SECOND that the race director will let you and swim as much warmup as possible. This is twofold - first, it will get your body and mind used to the conditions and second, it will get your heart going and raise your core temp BEFORE the race begins - very important. One of the most difficult aspects of racing is getting to the comfort zone when the heart is going in the zone at which you intend to race. Next time you're training, try jumping in the water and doing a race-pace sprint. Note the feeling. Then, do the same thing after a 15 minute warmup. You should notice a signifigant difference in comfort.
3) Lastly, VISUALIZE. There are a lot of articles on this and other sites about visualization on race day. Picture what you must do. Run through the entire scenario in your mind until you're bored with it. Focus your breathing. Do some air swimming if it helps or bring along some exercise bands. and then EXECUTE.
Happy Racing.
VirtuRace
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2
Member
1409 days
thparks posted 3 years ago.
Thanks! I have noticed the difference that warming up makes. It seems I tend to thrash around if I just get in and try swimming fast. But, after a warm up I seem to glide and have much better control of my stroke. We were not allowed (I dont think) to warm up in the first tri I participated in. Is there a way to get around that? I will follow your other suggestions. Thanks........again....for your assistance!
Tom
95
Member
1601 days
virturace posted 3 years ago.
If you can't warm up, then I would suggest doing one (or more) of the following immediately before the race begins.
1) Bring some exercise bands - you can buy them at any sporting goods store or even Target - and connect them to a fence or a tree or your car door and just air swim for about 10 minutes using the bands resistance.
2) Be sure that you get in a good run before the race to bring your HR up a little and get a nice lather going.
3) Bring a jumprope to the race and get in a couple of turns before getting in the water - I prefer the exercise bands to this one however.
Good luck and happy racing.
VirtuRace | The Results You're Searching For.
www.virturace.com
2455
Member
1331 days
Triguy98 posted 3 years ago.
thparks wrote:
It seems I tend to thrash around if I just get in and try swimming fast. But, after a warm up I seem to glide and have much better control of my stroke. Tom
Here is part of your problem... you see how all thsoe idiots take off like olympic sprinters? Dont do that. Thats part of the reason for starting on the outside. Get away from all the crap. Especially in a longer event. Start off slower and build your way up. Those idiots that took off? You'll catch and pass em by halfway.
My warm up is just running around. I stay away from all the excitement and adrenaline at the start line untill the last minute. Jump in the water, do a few strokes, line up. Thats my philosophy. Its a long race, those first 400 meters arent worth the effort.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
477
Member
1344 days
geochuck posted 3 years ago.
If you don't intend to win your swim leg follow those who say get out of the way. Let those crazy guys go...
But if you are ready to race and want to get out of the water first, unfortunatley you have to take the beating. Learn to swim faster, better, and take advantage of a fast start. If you are only in to finish sure hold back.
As far as swimming I wanted to win as much money as I could. The only guys I let go ahead of me were the guys that I knew were going to get out.
Have been training for about 3-4 months. Have previous running and bike experience. Grew up swimming...but nothing formal. Thought the swimming was going o.k. until first sprint tri. After 150 meters was out of breath and felt anxious. Made it through but could barely walk when I got out of the pool. I completed the event in pretty good shape and finished strong. Two weeks ago I went to an open water swim session. It was a practice race. The swim was about 500M. It was choppy, cold etc. About half way through I thought I was going to drown. About 3/4 of the way I was looking for help. Couldnt breath...heart beating real fast etc. Water kept getting in my mouth etc. Horrible. I was unable to get anybody to help. I made it shore....sat down. And there I stayed for at least 40 minutes. I had my heart and blood level checked and everything was fine. Apparently I had a panic (anxiety) attack. I do not recommend it. Anyway, I have two weeks until an olympic tri in Austin. I was wondering if anybody has had a similar experience...and if anybody has suggestions that can help me get through it. I really do not want to quit!! But, man...I dont want to go through that again either!