Catch a wave...Or the swimming thread

[Iris616]

Hi,
Is it too late to jump in the thread? I'm on week four of a 12 week training program for a sprint Tri. I hit the pool last night and did a total of 400 yards.

I didn't even think to time myself. When did everyone start timing their laps?

Thanks.

[colby]

Swimming?

Actually, I'm going to get back on the wagon, was hoping to this week but I think it'll be this weekend. Maybe even in the lake, hooray! My wetsuit is hanging lonely in the closet, my swim suit lonely in my bathroom. It's time to get back into gear.

I timed pretty much all of my workouts, but mostly to know how long I'd been out since I operate on a somewhat narrow schedule. In the pool, those times were useless on the days I did drills (9 out of 10) but handy to measure my improvement on the days I did one consistent distance. If you're just trying to finish, I wouldn't stress TOO much over your time, but it is really nice to see yourself improve, and compare your in-race performance to training.

[jesvetmed]

KG... you need to just SWIM YOUR RACE.. whatever you are comfortable with is what you need to do. Otherwise, you'll get too tired too fast. It will be hard with everyone else going all different paces, but find yours and stick to it! You are working SO hard! You'll do great. Can't wait to hear how you do!
Jes

[HillSlugger]

Hi,
Is it too late to jump in the thread? I'm on week four of a 12 week training program for a sprint Tri. I hit the pool last night and did a total of 400 yards.

I didn't even think to time myself. When did everyone start timing their laps?

Thanks.

Never too late!

I'm a data junkie. I started timing my laps pretty much as soon as I started doing lap workouts. I just love to see my improvement!

[Iris616]

Never too late!

I'm a data junkie. I started timing my laps pretty much as soon as I started doing lap workouts. I just love to see my improvement!

Thanks. I hit the pool again last night for another 400yards, followed by a 20 minute run. I learned a few things; like changing from swim suit to running clothes is an olympic sport all on it's own

I heard that the local running store has Tri wear, so I'm going to stop there and see if they have any suggestions for clothing.

Question: Do people use a specific watch for the pool? Any recommendations? For running I have a cheapo Target watch, but I don't know if that will do the trick for the pool.

One more question: (Sorry, but no one at the pool seemed approachable about these things). Goggle strap under of over the swim cap?

[alpinerabbit]

My pool has a regular clock on the wall and then a swimming clock on the ends of the lane. If you use our polar watch, don't press any buttons underwater. I hear it leaks.

Straps under cap for the race only - so it does not get knocked off. This only applies if you are jumping right in the middle of things in a mass start - not recommended for the first tri/try.

[Veronica]

If you use our polar watch, don't press any buttons underwater. I hear it leaks.

I press the buttons on my Polar underwater all the time and have not had any issues.

V.

[HillSlugger]

I use a Timex Ironman watch, 50 lap model. I've never had a problem with leaking from pressing buttons underwater. I've had it for more than 18 months and I'm still on the original batteries.

[wavedancer]

I did my first OWS sprint tri last weekend, thankfully with a favorable current for the longest leg! Full wetsuit in salt water=bob like a cork and you can drift to the finish if needed! I can actually stand vertically in water over my head without moving with the suit on in salt water.

Anyway, in an effort to get more comfortable with actually swimming the distance I am trying to get in an OWS after work. I drive right by several lovely beaches on my way home (Cape Cod). Friday night I donned my shorty wetsuit (water temps mid-70s) and started swimming out to the first buoy. Felt good, getting my rhythm, sighting...BAM! I swam right into a jelly. Tentacles strafed right under my arm and armpit. OMG, this was the most intense pain I have experienced in recent memory. I made a beeline to the shore and spent about twenty minutes in the parking lot trying to get it together enough to drive home.

Unfortunately, I also did the one thing you should NOT do after a jelly sting: rinsed the area with fresh water. This apparently caused the nematocysts (the cells with the toxins) to fire even more vigorously Dousing the area with vinegar (which I will now carry in my swim bag) is the preferred treatment and there are some commercial products out there as well.

The burn lasted through the night and I still have some welts today, but it doesn't hurt anymore.

I love swimming in the ocean, but I will be covering up with the fullsuit or at least wearing a rash guard from now on.