Swim part of Triathlon?

Question

I'm thinking of doing a sprint triathlon on August 13th. I know that I can complete the 12.3 bike mile part and the 5k run. I will be having CC practice up to the triathlon so I think that will be sufficient for the run and bike. The only problem is I'm an absolutely terrible swimmer. Could you please give me something swimming to work on till then? (1/2 mile swim) ty

Answer 1

If you are a terrible swimmer, I would start with a sprint that is 1/4 mile, 1/3 tops.

The distance you practice in a pool obviously depends on the pool as they come in different lengths.  A YMCA pool or other community pool could only be 20 yards, so adjust accordingly.

Swimming in a pool compared to an open swim is like comparing a light breeze to a hurricane.  Wind, currents and such will work against you to pull you off course.  A simple 1/4 mile swim (402 meters) could easily turn into 600 meters or more because of drift.

The absolute first thing you must work on is stroke technique and breathing.  The freestyle (or the normal stroke just about everyone uses) is the easiest to learn.  You must have proper teaching if you don't want to develop bad habits and with that said, I haven't met that many good coaches I would trust.  

To start you off, practice breathing my gripping letting yourself float at the edge of the pool, hands grabbing the edges.  Practice rotating your head side to side to breath.  Do not rotate your body or neck, just the head.  When practicing your stroke, the hands should enter the water about a foot from the center line of your body.  Most swimmers have a tendency to enter on the other side of their bodies which is not correct.

Hope that helps a bit.  Athletes have sent me video tapes to be analyzed (free) so if you decide to get serious feel free to do so.

Good luck!!!!

Jeff

Answer 2

I am a competitve long distance swimmer and for those not trained to do such lengths it seems like such a terrible task but believe me it is not that bad.Think about it in a pools length, it is 33 laps. Work up to that distance considering in yardage it is about 825 yards! Work on breathing with your freestyle don't breathe every stroke try for at least every other and keep a pace, Like I would keep considering you don't know that much about technique try to just keep swimming and not stop anddon't sprint your heart out or you'll be sinking to the bottom in no time! Best of luck I'd be happy to answer anymore of your questions!

Answer 3

It sounds like you are trying to survive the swim and get to the bike and run which you would do well on.  From personal experience most triathletes are not good swimmers, so you will probably fit right in.  Stick with alternating between back and free during the swim.  Your arms and shoulders will become tired during the free which is a good time to flip over and do some back until you feel the same strain and switch it out again.  Most of these take place in a pool and streamlining off your walls and kicking to the surface means much less swimming.  If you're in open water, that does create a more difficult task, but the free-back combo should work there too.  Regulate your breathing and stay relaxed.

Answer 4

I swim the "freestyle" for the swim part.  It's a fairly powerful swim with medium effort.

Make sure you practice in the same place as the race.  There is a HUGE difference in swimming 1/2 mile in a pool and swimming 1/2 mile in a lake or ocean.

Good luck and welcome to the club!