General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim question from a newbie... Rss Feed  
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2009-06-05 2:19 PM

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Subject: Swim question from a newbie...
When you practice for OWS what do you wear? Do you wear a tri suit, wet suit, tight swim suit (speedo shorts, briefs) or regular trunks?

I know I should practice in what I will race in but I don't have a wetsuit since my first will be in Aug(texas) and doubt it would be needed.


2009-06-05 2:32 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
I would avoid the wetsuit unless it looks like you will need one for a race - maybe spring 2010.  If you swim in a wetsuit you will get hot in our area.

When I swim OW I wear the same thing I do to the pool.  The good news is you can wear your tri stuff because you don't have to worry about the chlorine breaking it down.  Make sure you swim in your tri garb at least once before your race just to make sure it is comfortable and works well.  Most guys wear jammers, some wear regular trunks.

Have you heard of Lake 288?  It is the clearest, cleanest lake in our area and a lot of triathletes meet up there Saturday and Sunday mornings.  This coming weekend is a big race weekend so it will likely be slow because most racers will be at the race.  However, I will be there next Sunday, we get there around 8:30.  http://www.288lake.net/

It cost $7 to swim, they have you fill out a form to CYA, no kids, no pets and they won't let you swim alone.  There are buyos and docks to mark distance.  I've met a lot of great people out there.
2009-06-05 2:46 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
If I'm just doing a swim practice in a pool, I just wear 'regular' swim shorts (I dont own speedos or jammers).  If Im doing an OWS, most of the time I wear my tri suit and wet suit b/c I treat my OWS as race day simulation

Note: I live in the northeast and the races that I do, or want to do, are usually wetsuit legal.
2009-06-05 2:50 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
Listen to THAT one w/ the pink boa ^^^^^^.  She's got it.     And then after you swim (bike or run) you can put it in your logs.

And Keri... of course he's heard of 288.  See you guys next weekend if not before.

edit.. Chris beat me to the post below Keri.... see I'm even slow on BT!

Edited by fattyfatfat 2009-06-05 2:53 PM
2009-06-05 2:52 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
Looks like I'll be at lake 288 next Sunday....
2009-06-05 7:40 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
I always practice in my tri suit OWS or pool. Figured that's what I have to race in so might as well be very comfortable wearing it. I'm sure they look at me like I'm crazy at the pool, but it also does the favor of hiding my droopy legs.


2009-07-18 1:29 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
My advice, as a former swimmer is to train in something that is going to slow you down a little more, that way you feel so much lighter during your races.  Wear a pair of shorts, or multiple suits to create a little bit of drag.  When you switch to your race shorts, you'll feel like you're flying that much more.
2009-07-18 7:01 PM
in reply to: #2197857

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Subject: RE: Swim question from a newbie...
Wear your fins or bring a pull buoy to your OW swim..  It will give you the feel of the wetsuit and give you a little extra confidence of swimming in the lake...
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