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2015-01-20 4:36 PM


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Subject: Noobie From Houston Texas
Howdy!

I am a rookie triathlete who has signed up for the Ironman 30.3 in Galveston Texas. After reading through the forums a bit, I slightly regret that choice haha.

I am a competitive runner and I've completed the MS150 multiple times. I however do not know how to swim. I can flail around and not drown in a pool for the most part but that is definitely the extent of my skill set.

Look forward to calling myself a triathlete.

Y'all take care.

In Hoc Signo Vinces


2015-01-21 7:29 AM
in reply to: IHSV

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas

You don't know how to swim and you're going to attempt to swim 1.2 miles in 14 weeks?  Gotta ask... WHY?

2015-01-21 11:42 AM
in reply to: GMAN 19030


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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
Ignorance or sheer determination. I vacillate between the two.
2015-01-21 2:46 PM
in reply to: IHSV

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
Good luck, dude. Seriously!
That is pretty nuts, but not unheard of.
I tried a few sprints and Olympics before I went to 70.3, but to each his own.

Galveston is a nice race though. I did it a few years ago, thought the swim wasn't too bad. I had a lucky year where it seemed to be a tail wind both going out and coming back on the bike. The run was a bit boring though.

Be sure to get as much open water swim training as you can between now and then. I know that's a bit hard this time of year, but trust me you'll want to do that before the race.
2015-01-21 3:22 PM
in reply to: djastroman

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
Originally posted by djastroman


Be sure to get as much open water swim training as you can between now and then. I know that's a bit hard this time of year, but trust me you'll want to do that before the race.


Agreed. Even for a good swimmer, swimming in the open water with people all over the place can be overwhelming at first. At the oilman 70.3 this year I pulled I guy out of the masses who was so exhausted he couldn't even talk to say he needed help. He caused me to go into exhaustion just holding him up until the boat got to us. Knowing and being prepared how to swim is no joke in these races. That being said. Go learn how to swim and have a blast at Galveston, it is a well put on event.... try to get a room at the host hotel if you can, it will make things much easier.

Justin
2015-01-27 10:47 AM
in reply to: djastroman


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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
Starting in March my open water training will be done with a Wetsuit in Lake 288 or Galveston.

Thanks for the tips!


2015-01-27 10:55 AM
in reply to: IHSV

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas

Originally posted by IHSV Starting in March my open water training will be done with a Wetsuit in Lake 288 or Galveston. Thanks for the tips!

 

I hope you have a training plan that you're following (at least loosely).  Learn about nutrition and pacing for long course racing.  The guys above have given some good advice.  

 

If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask.  

Good luck Brother.  In Hoc,

Scott (UH Sig)

2015-01-29 8:11 PM
in reply to: uhcoog

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
I'm by no means saying you can't do it but I hope for your sake that the bay is not as rough as it was last year. I saw strong swimmers struggling on the way out with the waves hit them. Like I said earlier, I'm not saying you can't be ready because anything is possible with hard work, but if your not ready on that day then please don't try and risk the safety of yourself and others. Best of Luck
2015-02-16 8:36 AM
in reply to: IHSV

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
Good luck! I did the Galveston 5150 olympic distance last year with 3 weeks training for swimming and running while I was getting back into cycling myself. IMO you will be fine as long as you stay committed to swimming multiple times a week. The water was really rough last year, I hope you have better luck than I did on my first tri.
2015-02-16 10:12 AM
in reply to: IHSV

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
I did a whopping two sprint Tris before my IMTX build up last year. I'm a poor swimmer and went into Galveston with a lot of confidence and not near enough training. I made it in 58 minutes which is about as slow as it gets. The bike and run I crushed like nothing.

My point is that although the swim may be insane and what seems to be out of reach, if you want it bad enough it is possible.

I did the exact same in IMTX as well, poor swim and solid on both bike and run. I'll implement more swimming this year for IMTX but the mind set is still the same, never give up.

Good luck.
2015-02-16 5:49 PM
in reply to: Iron0331

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas
Welcome! I HIGHLY recommend you find a good swim coach pronto. Swimming is all about technique and better to get that down than practice bad technique. There are tons of threads on this forum advising of good swim coaches in the area.

Good luck and happy training!


2015-02-22 3:28 PM
in reply to: erin116

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Subject: RE: Noobie From Houston Texas

FYI - I am a noobie from a running background that too didn't know how to swim and also is doing a 70.3 Triathlon as my debut the end of April.  :-)

My first day in the water 7 weeks ago I could only go about 35 meters with out panicking for air and having to stop to catch my breath.  I am now swimming 1000 meter freestyle with out any trouble and will be doing longer open water swims starting in another 4 weeks.  

No one was born knowing how to swim, cycle, or run.  They all can be learned.  On any given day you likely to only PR in one of them so it is okay if you have a weakness because you can shine in other areas of the Triathlon.

 

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