The swimming part...

[Dogmama]

Thinking about training for a tri but my swimming isn't great. Did anybody on this board actually hire a coach? I've been working on my form from the Total Immersion book and it's getting better. But - everything I read says, "Get a coach." I don't want this to turn into a job. I just want to finish a sprint tri & see if I like it.

Am I over-thinking this? Is my OCD kicking in big time? Or maybe having a coach is good? Did any of you hire a coach?

[OakLeaf]

I'm living proof, if all you want to do is finish and see whether you like it, you do not need a coach.

If you really want to reach your full potential, I think it's indispensable to have an expert look at your form at least periodically. There are always going to be things that a trained eye can see, especially when you can't see yourself at all.

[Bike Chick]

What Oak said. I took lessons to learn how to swim (I wouldn't put my face in the water when I started) but have worked on my stroke and form on my own since. www.swimsmooth.com has helped a lot. If all you want to do is finish a sprint tri, just remember that all you have to do is get from point a to point b. You don't have to have perfect form or swim a certain way. I have seen people back stroke in the deep end and walk the shallow end in a pool swim and finish strong. You can make up your time in the bike and run.

[Veronica]

There were women walking the swim at my HIM. Okay, that only works if where you are swimming is kind of shallow.

Veronica

[Dogmama]

There were women walking the swim at my HIM. Okay, that only works if where you are swimming is kind of shallow.

Veronica

Or if your religion subscribes to walking ON the water...

[HillSlugger]

When I first went to the pool to start swimming for tri I realized that my swimming was very poor and I was going to need help. I had private lessons once a week for a few months and then continued to work on my own, doing lots of reading and video viewing on proper form. That got me through my first year or two. I had a major breakthrough after a one-day clinic that included underwater video and analysis.

I think that some instruction can really have a positive impact and get you using proper form before you put too much time into "perfecting an imperfect stroke".

[Melalvai]

www.swimsmooth.com has helped a lot.

I really like this site. This helps so much. Plus Mr. Smooth is funny.