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2012-11-12 6:52 PM

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New Mexico
Subject: swim training without a place to swim
Hello, I have never done a tri, but my goal is to try and finish a sprint this summer.  I can train for running and the bike easy enough, but I have not ever trained for swimming.  I have downloaded a training program with recommendations on how often to train for each, but I guess the problem I have is that I live in a small town in rural NM where the only public pool closes at the end of summer.  Any suggestions on how to train for the swim in the winter?  There are two local lakes that I could train in, but the water is pretty cold.  Does anyone have the same problem and if so how do you train for the swim in the winter?


2012-11-12 7:00 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Master
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Salt Lake City
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

Swimming is very technique driven.  If you were already an accomplished swimmer, I would say that there are probably some exercises you could do to help maintain fitness but if you're just getting started you're gonna need a pool.

Are you sure there are no options for an indoor pool where you live?  If not, I suppose your only option would be to focus on bike and run training for now, and when the pool opens up focus on swimming until the event.

2012-11-12 7:12 PM
in reply to: #4495617

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New Mexico
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
Thanks, that is what I was afraid of.  I have thought about trying to see if some of the local hotels with indoor pools would allow the public to use them for a fee, but not sure if that is an option.  Guess the only way to find out is to ask.
2012-11-12 7:13 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

I have my first tri coming up in a few weeks and was in a similar boat.  I have a friend with a pool but that is 30 minutes away and a small pool.  However, since Beggars can't be Choosers I would drive over a few times a week and swim 100 laps and call it a day.

I had missed a few weeks because of travel and went back over last week.  My friend neglected to tell me she shut off the heater for the season.  Even with a wetsuit on it was the coldest water I have ever been in by a wide margin.  I check the temp and find a lovely 48 degrees!

Work on getting into shape with running and cycling and let the swim wait until the spring.

2012-11-12 9:54 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

I haven't tried one, but I hear that the Vasa swim trainers are OK if you absolutely can't get to a pool.  Funny, they have one on the deck at the pool where I swim but I have never seen anyone use it.  Maybe i'll try it out sometime...

I think you can get the older kind used for a couple hundred bucks if you watch Craigslist for a larger city near you.

2012-11-12 9:58 PM
in reply to: #4495630

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Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

jlangene - 2012-11-12 7:12 PM   I have thought about trying to see if some of the local hotels with indoor pools would allow the public to use them for a fee,

 

I have seen hotel pools that do this, the main issue is that the pools are normally quite small but given your circumstances it would be better than nothing. It would certainly be worth checking into.



2012-11-13 6:57 AM
in reply to: #4495820

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New Mexico
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
Thanks, I didn't know they made swim specific trainers.  I will have to check them out.  This spring I am going to try to get to the lake at least two times a week to train, but I want to wait until the water gets above 60, which is usually around mid April. 
2012-11-13 10:21 AM
in reply to: #4495613

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Master
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Salt Lake City
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
When is the race?  If you're a competent swimmer at 2-3x/week in open water you could probably get yourself ready to complete a sprint in a month or two.
2012-11-13 10:41 AM
in reply to: #4495613

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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
If you are truly starting from scratch with your swimming, I think you should try to locate an indoor hotel pool to use over the winter.  These pools are small, but can be used effectively for drills and learning proper technique.  I would also recommend getting a Total Immersion book and/or DVD which will give you all of the drills you need to become a proficient swimmer.  Having 3-4 months where you are confined to a small pool could be a blessing in disguise because you will not feel rushed to get out there and try to tackle swimming longer distances before learning the proper stroke. 
2012-11-13 12:36 PM
in reply to: #4496363

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New Mexico
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
The race I think is the first weekend in June.  It is an annual event that is usually scheduled for that weekend, but the actual dates have not come out yet.
2012-11-13 12:39 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Master
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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

You can get some benefit from using pull cords such as described here:

http://www.active.com/swimming/Articles/Stretch_Cords__The_Key_to_Offseason_Swim_Training

 

Probably if you search around google and youtube you can find some more exercises with pull cords.



2012-11-13 1:02 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Danielson Ct
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
Maybe a health club or town facility might have something. What I did for my pool was I purchased a device that straps around your ankles and gets secured to an object. It works like a bungee cord and is fairly well. I had to get a 15' dog run to extend it to an object. Think I paid 20 bucks for it from dicks sporting goods.
2012-11-13 7:27 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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New Mexico
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
Well looks like the hotels are a bust, none of them are willing to allow non guests access to the pool unless it is Dr. ordered for therapy . . . wonder if I can get my Dr to order pool therapy for me?  Ha ha oh well I guess it is do the best I can with out of pool exercises until the waters warm up, or maybe I can talk the wife into letting me get a pool put in the back yard . . .
2012-11-13 7:37 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Master
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North edge of nowhere
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

Jared, I'm in the same situation. I live down in Lordsburg and the closest year-round pool is in Las Cruces. 

Are you anywhere near one of the universities that have lap times and could drive there on your days off? Otherwise all I've been able to think of is strength training to hit the muscle groups that are important for swimming.

I'd love to know what options you come up with 'cause I've been trying to figure out the same thing.

 

2012-11-13 7:54 PM
in reply to: #4497315

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New Mexico
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim
Rick, I live in Tucumcari.  The closest place is probably Clovis, Portales, or Las Vegas, but I have not looked into it enough to see what the options are in those places.  Was really hoping to find a place closer, but I guess that is what I get for living in rural New Mexico!
2012-11-14 9:21 AM
in reply to: #4497325

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Master
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North edge of nowhere
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

jlangene - 2012-11-13 6:54 PM Rick, I live in Tucumcari.  The closest place is probably Clovis, Portales, or Las Vegas, but I have not looked into it enough to see what the options are in those places.  Was really hoping to find a place closer, but I guess that is what I get for living in rural New Mexico!

all I can think of are the Park Lake in Santa Rosa and the lake north of Ft. Sumner, but I don't imagine you want to swim outdoors right now. 'Vegas does have a heated, indoor pool at Highlands Univ, but that's 2 hours from you. Still, if you want to spend your weekend in the "big city" and get some swimming in, it may be your only option for the winter.



2012-11-14 3:21 PM
in reply to: #4495613

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Elite
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Alturas, California
Subject: RE: swim training without a place to swim

I was driving 50 miles to the closest lake until water temps dropped into the low 40s and I had to walk through snow.  Then I was driving 100 miles each way to get in swims.  Then I got one of these, but they are $$$ Swimex.  I finished my garage and put this into it.  You would have to be pretty sure you were gona be doing tri's for a few decads to get one of these.

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