Mammalian Dive Reflex

[hulagirl]

I was snarky yesterday. I'm sorry. I was feeling off and it turns out I was food poisoned. 8 confirmed century riders that had lunch at the same restaurant. Dept of health is taking it pretty seriously. They think it's norovirus.

Anyway - back to swimming. I'm not a confident swimmer - though getting much better. I did my first 2 tris with a nose plug! I have one coming up Sunday that worries me now due to my illness. But I've taken many lessons and train with a supportive group of ladies. It's a great big accomplishment to complete the swim for me. Bike Chick - do you have a "happy stroke?" For me it's the breast stroke. And I can float on my back for days. If you can find that happy stroke that allows you to relax and a short super sprint swim distance, it might be a good start.

We have an all women's Tri here on Oahu. Sprint and super sprint distance. That was my first and it was so much fun. Do you have anything like that near you?

I've got a bear of an Olympic distance coming up in a month - 1500m swim. Ugh!

[redrhodie]

Hope you feel better in time for your race! Make sure you're up to it. You won't be proving anything to anyone racing sick, except that you're stubborn.

[colby]

I was just reading this article on cold water swimming:

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011...wimming-2_9072

There's a few tips in there you could try.

My definition of cold might be a little different than yours considering I'm in the PNW and you're in Hawaii, but it's all relative - I might put on a wetsuit where you aren't. I definitely can feel the gasp reflex come on as I get in the water, worse the colder it gets, and have to breathe through it. In even colder water, my ears start to hurt.

You might also try a wetsuit (sleeveless?) or even just a farmer john swim skin that adds a bit to your insulation and glide while you warm up.

Hope you find a good technique!!