First OWS

[colby]

One thing that I learned and helped me was to only think about swimming from bouy to bouy. It helps break the swim up into "doable" legs. Also, if you start to panic just roll over on your back and float--look at the sky and that will help calm you down. I thought i was going to panic but I didn't. I found that most of my anxiety came prior to getting in the water and once i was in there and swimming it turned out to be rather easy. You will do great. Try to relax and have lots of fun.

Hey Gabby, welcome to our humble abode.

[GabbyGirl]

Thanks Colby

[Bike Chick]

Well ladies, my first attempt at my ows was well, how can I say, embarrassing. I was so prepared and ready to do this. I practiced in the lake before the start and went over every pointer you had given me. I was ready! The horn blew, everyone took off, I stayed back by myself but there were still bodies, bubbles and limbs everywhere. I could only swim a couple strokes at a time without stopping because of the crowd and then I hit a mental wall. I froze and couldn't swim another stroke. I breaststroked a while and tried to go on but everything in my head was saying "you are too slow, you can't do this, stop, you are so far behind (I wasn't)." I waited a while, flipped on my back, looked at the sky, argued with myself but couldn't force myself to keep swimming. My arms and legs were like lead and I couldn't get my breath. I turned and swam back to shore. My dignity was crushed and I was so embarrassed I couldn't look at anyone. I was further than I realized when I stopped--almost to the first bouy--but it was a major mind blow to say the least.

The director of the race came over to check on me, was very reassuring and told me that this happens to lots of people. He also told me to run to cross the mat to TI after the last swimmer came in. I responded that it was cheating and he told me the experience was good and I needed to finish the race. I actually had taken my chip off and tried to hand it in but they insisted. So I waited on the last swimmer to cross and I followed a bit ashamed but glad that I did. The bike and run were good and I ended up having a great time.

I learned two things today: 1) I need lots more practice on the swim---I can swim the distance, I just lack the confidence; and 2) I can come in last on the swim and still not finish last in the race. I was strong on the bike (the new bike is awesome) and good for me on the run. My total time was 1:40

It was an experience to say the least but a good one. DH and training partner did great...DH took first in his age group and training partner took second in his. They were still proud of me even though I freaked on the swim and we had a great time. Thanks everyone for your support and help.

[Alex]

Great job making lemonade out of lemons and I'm glad you got to ride your bike! I saw one of those at last weekend's race, and it looks like a party on wheels with that color scheme. :-)

You'll do it next time!

[roadie gal]

I'm glad the race director did that for you. Good for you for doing the rest of the race!

It's amazing how "mental" OWS-ing is in a race. It's much more so than the bike or run. You just can't anticipate it until you're there and see it for yourself. Now that you know what it's about and you can work on it for the next race.

[OakLeaf]

Good job getting through the swim. And great job on the rest of it ... especially on thinking of it as a good experience.

At the Trek Women race I did, they told everyone about their "swim sisters," volunteers who help out anyone who panics in the water. It's common enough that they recruit volunteers for the purpose at every race.

Next time you'll be doubly ready - physically and mentally.

[sfa]

How cool that the race director let you do that! And good for you for pulling yourself together and finishing the rest of the race. Congratulations!!

Sarah

[Bike Chick]

I practiced with the tri club at the lake tonight and swam all the way to the first bouy and back! 400 yds.....open water....without stopping....no panic attack! Woo Hoo!!! And I enjoyed it!

[OakLeaf]

Yay!

[colby]

i practiced with the tri club at the lake tonight and swam all the way to the first bouy and back! 400 yds.....open water....without stopping....no panic attack! Woo hoo!!! And i enjoyed it!

yay!

[katluvr]

Girl, I can relate! Last year for my first tri my SO sacrificed her time to swim with me. All tri's around here are open water...either lakes (murky) or the gulf or bay. Usually the are protected areas with minimal waves.
It has been helpful to read all these posts, that stopping, breast stroke or floating is all part of the swim.
K