Crash course in swimming

[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!