Open swim practice question
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RV posted 2 years ago.
Question is: Will a 1000yd swim really wear you out?
Definitely get in an OWS prior to the race.
Good to see the course prior to the race - try and swim it around the same time as the race. That way will know where the sun is and how things will look from the course. If you do swim it - just swim it easy.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
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bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
I second RV. Just swim the 1000yds. Nothing bad will happen and you will understand what it will be like. Don't fret it either. OW swimming is very relaxing and can get to be hypnotic. Just go and every now and then just site a far away object you chose from shore to go to. No worries about it cause on race day there will be hundreds of people to swim with and you will have big huge bouys to sight off of. Just stay to the left of everyone and follow the swarm of legs and bodies. You will do great and have a good time. Relax and take it easy. Good luck!
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
I Third RV & BBB. Unless you are a very new swimmer and a 1000 yard swim will wipe you out, I would go for it (how many yards do you swim in a normal workout?).
Just take it easy and get a feel for the course (and the wetsuit if you are wearing one).
That way you know what to expect on race day (except of course all of the other people thrashing about). This will also give you a chance to work out your swim strategy prior to the race. Also work-out your T1 strategy (where are you going to come out of the water, take off your wetsuit, etc.).
If you are a newbie swimmer and you are afraid that 1000 yards will wipe you out, then just swim half the distance the day before, any OWS practice is better than zero.
There are probably 100 people on this site that didn’t practice OWS before their first race (me included) and everyone will tell you that we wished that we had.
Good luck.
- T
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1313 days
bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
Oh ya, I am one of the ones that NEVER did open water before a race. No biggie. It's like the pool but better!
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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ggalvao posted 2 years ago.
But better? I have never swimmed an OWS but my in imagination it must be a lot harder to cut through the water isn't it?
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bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
ggalvao wrote:
But better? I have never swimmed an OWS but my in imagination it must be a lot harder to cut through the water isn't it?
If choppy yes, but never really considered it. All I know is that once you start going it becomes very relaxing and rhythmic. No turn arounds and a calm surface is "choice"
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
bluebirdbiker wrote:
Oh ya, I am one of the ones that NEVER did open water before a race. No biggie. It's like the pool but better!
We know...we know... you're just a stud Captain Canuck!
I bet if we did a poll you would find that most Tri newbies first OWS was not a pleasant experience. Now where did I put my floaties?
- T
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bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
Just trying to build confidence TBRAVO. You know it's not that big a deal. Sorry if I lead down the wrong path.
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
What...no comeback for that Captain Canuck comment ? :D
It took me like 15 whole minutes to think that one up.
Regarding OWS. last weekend they had to cancel the local Splash & Dash (swim/run) race series here in PHX due to unhealthy water conditions. We may not have sharks, but watch out for the flesh eating bacteria. Oh..sorry...we are trying to encourage and build confidence for the OWS...my bad.:rolleyes:
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bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
Hey this is VERY serious stuff this OWS. Not to be taken lightly TBRAVO!! Here is Canada if we don't get out of the lake fast enough we will freeze!
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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TBRAVO posted 2 years ago.
Wow what a difference. Here at Tempe Town lake (where they do the IMAZ and most other Tri's) the water temp is currently 94 degrees @ a 12 foot depth. You freeze, we simmer (over low to medium heat).
- T
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1313 days
bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
TBRAVO wrote:
Wow what a difference. Here at Tempe Town lake (where they do the IMAZ and most other Tri's) the water temp is currently 94 degrees @ a 12 foot depth. You freeze, we simmer (over low to medium heat).
- T
I was kidding! Gottcha. We have temps of 68F+ usually. :p
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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Noel posted 2 years ago.
68F ? man, we have 53F here in Holland usually...
So I guess your "get out quick or we'll freeze" from now on will be said exclusively by ME!!
Noel.
In summer it can get to 70F though...
www.noelbrand.blogspot.com
It ain't much, if it ain't Dutch!!
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thrasher153 posted 2 years ago.
You must be doing the Ozark Valley Tri. I was going to do that one as my first TRI. I have to take a math cert. test, so I will make the CATS sprint in Sept. My first. I did volunteer, though, so I'll be there. Good luck.
My first tri is coming up on the 25th...The organizers allow you to swim on the course the day before...I haven't tried an open swim yet....I've read all the posts saying you should practice the open swim...My question is how long should I swim the day before the actual tri so as not to be tired for the race?...the actual tri is a 1000yard swim, 19 mile bike, 4 mile run...I just want to experience the open water without getting tired for the race...thanks for your help