Crash course in swimming

[teigyr]

I got up early this morning (am really really not a morning person), grabbed a balance bar and water bottle with cytomax, and went to the gym. I wore the suit I'll wear in the tri. I thought of different strategies to keep track of the laps and away I went

I went, I believe, 21 laps. I was going to intially do a different stroke for each lap so I could count in groups. That changed because I was dodging people and passing, etc. I tried to make it realistic, as realistic as pool swimming can be. Freestyle got MUCH better with practice. I relaxed, tried to make my arms be efficient, and got better at kicking and breathing. Breaststroke was good but it does take shoulder strength. Toward the end, I barely had to backstroke at all. I hit my head HARD on a stair corner while sidestroking, apparently I drift Anyway, it hurt and I got water in my mouth. I rectified it without touching my feet to the ground.

I did the 2nd to the last lap (20) trying to keep up with the big guys/gals in the swim lane. I'm slow. I tried though! Then my last lap I did ONLY freestyle. It was ok and I could've gone longer. It actually felt good.

When I got out, I can tell how being in the water can make you react differently NOT in the water. I wasn't fatigued or dizzy or anything though.

I admit I accidently touched the sides a few times and I did stop for a few seconds at lap 17 because I was trying to count.

I might go tomorrow again or is that too soon? I think if I can do 30 or 35 laps, it would be good. Or else I could do it next monday or tuesday and run tomorrow instead. Or swim tomorrow and run. Sunday will be open water. Is swimming bad on back to back days?

Thank you all again, I need both sides of this. I love the support but I need realism too if it needs to be there.

[KSH]

I certainly commend you on your dedication and willingness to try to get up to speed for the swim portion of the race. You seem very determined and that's half the battle sometimes.

Now... next time... do this about 3 months out from the race *evil grin*.

Back to back swim days will not hurt you. But keep in mind, you can only cram so much in and get so much out of it.

The good thing is that swimming is not running... you probably won't get injured from doing swimming back to back days.

You don't sound like you are doing that bad in the water. It could be a lot worse.

[spokewench]

Teigyr:

I would be terrified to swim that far in open water with the training that you have been doing. (but of course, I have issues with water and that is another story).

Is there a swim instructor where you swim? It might be a good idea to get some expert advice and help with your stroke as well.

spoke

[teigyr]

There's a swim clinic on sunday. Sunday was my long ride day AND my open water practice with the wetsuit but I could do a pool clinic too.

I e-mailed another instructor who does private open water instruction.

I'm stubborn. Just not stubborn enough, apparently, to wake up early 3 mos before the event to get to the gym....especially when it's sunny and perfect riding weather

Yes, I think I learned my lesson. I don't need to be riding 80 miles on the bike for a sprint tri when I need to practice swimming.

[teigyr]

Is there a swim instructor where you swim? It might be a good idea to get some expert advice and help with your stroke as well.

spoke

Along with the swim clinic on sunday, I have a session with an open water coach on monday, we will swim in actual open water.

Thank you all again. Whether or not I *could* do it now as I am, I'd rather somebody let me know for sure how I'm doing. Plus, they can give me tips on things and let me know what to expect.

Now back to real life. Have school work that has GOT to get done today...I get preoccupied

[HillSlugger]

I started swim training for triathlon in December and was shocked to discover how poor a swimmer I was. For my first tri last month I had to do a 300m pool swim. I was just to the point where I could do 400m of straight freestyle. I was doing the 300m in just under 6 minutes. At the event I lost all my composure and it took me 7:20. For Iron Girl this last weekend I had a 1000m OWS. I could do the distance in the pool, but had to mix in side stroke to rest and catch up on my breathing. What took me about 22-24 minutes in the pool took 28 minutes OWS. I knew it was going to be long and ugly but I knew I could do the distance one stroke or the other. Unless you are a really fast learner you are going to have to accept that it will be long and ugly. If you have the confidence that you can safely do the distance in one stroke or another, then go for it.

[Starfish]

Along with the swim clinic on sunday, I have a session with an open water coach on monday, we will swim in actual open water.

This seems like a great idea.

[teigyr]

Just wanted to do a quick update. I went to a swim clinic today and had pretty much one-on-one coaching. We did a lot of drills and worked on form. There was a LOT I didn't know! The coach I'm meeting tomorrow was one of the coaches tonight. Swimming got a LOT easier too - I had more energy swimming after class than I did when I first got there.

I told my OW coach that I was nervous about the wetsuit and he said it'd be fine and he looked forward to seeing me tomorrow. I asked my coach today if she thought I was ok for 1/2 mile open water and she said yes. I think I will stay with them over the winter - they said I need a few more classes in form (doing lots of drills) then I could join the "team" which does very structured workouts in the pole. Yay!

And thanks to everyone again. Had people not doubted my ability, I never would have gone the route I did. I think it is all turning out really well and I am feeling good about things.

[Starfish]

Hey, T, this is a great report. Good for you! Yay!