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Source: Performance Training Systems
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Q: "Is there a specific technique for the start of the swim wave? I am getting caught up in the wave and it is taking me 300 to 400 meters to battle through the crowd to get to clean water. Overall, I am a pretty strong swimmer and I usually finish in the top 5%."

A: Coach Patrick: There are several different ways to execute a "clean" swim start. The most important thing to do is to choose the right strategy for you, whether you are an excellent swimmer or a total novice. It's also important to take the total distance of your event into consideration. If you're about to do an Ironman, for example, having a smooth swim is much more important than having a clean one.

For stronger swimmers, I think the best option is to line up right in the front. When the gun goes off, you'll swim all out for 50 to 100 strokes, and then settle into your race pace. There are a lot of triathletes out there who have no idea how to see themselves properly. As a result, poorly seeded fast swimmers can miss making the first group because they are stuck behind someone else.

Weaker, or less experienced swimmers, need to be a little more strategic. If your swim times are average, then you might want to hedge your bets and stay close to the front. Depending on a comfort level, I might suggest that you start a few feet wide of the buoy line. This will give you a few clean strokes before you need to head in and merge with the main group. If you are seriously concerned about your ability to finish the swim portion of the triathlon, I think your best bet is to simply wait a minute or two for the majority of athletes to have started swimming. This way you can pick and choose the best place to start.

Patrick McCrann is head coach and founder of Performance Training Systems, is an Ultrafit Associate, and is a USA Triathlon certified coach. He can be contacted at pjm@performancetrainingsystems.com.

Performance Training Systems is a Boston-based triathlon coaching group serving multisport athletes of all ability levels. Over the last five years, PTS has helped more then 200 athletes reach their athletic potential. In addition to coaching, PTS offers camps, clinics, performance testing, and consulting services. Learn more at www.performancetrainingsystems.com.