suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

2012-05-15 2:12 PM

Regular

847

Akron

Subject: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

Last year the swim got canceled in my HIM so I am doing TTT this wknd as my first triathlon. Any words of advice for the swim? It is a time trial start and the first triathlon is a mini sprint. When I jump in I know I need to be relaxed, but my issues are always to fire away. Any helpful suggestions to keep me relaxed or stay relaxed during the swim?

brown_dog_us

2012-05-15 2:40 PM

in reply to: #4211176

Elite

3658

Roswell, GA

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

Are you doing the full Triple T as your first triathlon?

2012-05-15 2:49 PM

in reply to: #4211254

Regular

847

Akron

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

yes, got the bike and run down good. swim fitness is great, just never swam in the human blender before, but I'm not too scared (yet)

brigby1

2012-05-15 2:49 PM

in reply to: #4211176

Master

10208

Northern IL

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

I try to concentrate on form, and make sure it feels like I'm NOT working. My RPE is amped way up for a race, so if it feels like I'm working then it's too hard. Also think of the swim as a warm-up until at least late into that part of it.

Patrick E

2012-05-15 3:30 PM

in reply to: #4211277

Expert

1159

Charlotte, NC

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

SEADOCHA - 2012-05-15 3:49 PM yes, got the bike and run down good. swim fitness is great, just never swam in the human blender before, but I'm not too scared (yet)

You're doing all 4 events and you've never done a triathlon before? Wow - that takes some onions, double order (as Bill Raftery would say). Good luck!

2012-05-15 7:42 PM

in reply to: #4211176

Regular

847

Akron

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

I'm ready to tear it up!!! haha

Sluggo312

2012-05-15 8:13 PM

in reply to: #4211176

Expert

696

Sugar Hill, GA

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

I'd say follow your instinct and fire away for a few minutes. It's a time trial start so you'll find plenty of room early on. Once you do start to settle in. If you are having trouble settling in, do the catch up drill for 30-60 seconds, that usually gets me into a nice rhythm. Have fun on the swim. Enjoy the triple t, this weekend will be no joke and a fun sufferfest to kick off lake placid peak training.

bgraboski

2012-05-16 6:50 AM

in reply to: #4211176

Master

1704

Charlotte

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

Fire away --> Lose breath --> Freak Out --> Doggie Paddle --> Catch breath and get it out of your system --> continue on a comfortably hard pace.

It will happen. Don't worry about it, it happens to almost everyone. It passes in a minute or so and then you go on your merry way.

2012-05-16 7:07 AM

in reply to: #4212188

Regular

847

Akron

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

bgraboski - 2012-05-16 6:50 AM

Fire away --> Lose breath --> Freak Out --> Doggie Paddle --> Catch breath and get it out of your system --> continue on a comfortably hard pace.

It will happen. Don't worry about it, it happens to almost everyone. It passes in a minute or so and then you go on your merry way.

I like the doggie paddle thing!

bgraboski

2012-05-16 8:37 AM

in reply to: #4211176

Master

1704

Charlotte

Subject: RE: suggestions on swim for first triathlon this wknd

And one tip with the losing breath thing: remember to EXHALE! Too much CO2 buildup leads to shortness of breath. Deep exhale breaths will help eliminate this.

I don't remember who posted this (or where I read it) many years ago, but has been a huge help to me since.

Edited by bgraboski 2012-05-16 8:37 AM