New swimmer - Triathlon Week

ballyard7 · 10-12-2006, 07:16 AM

I am new to the tri scene. I have just started training to compete in tri's for the 2007 season. I have been a runner all my life and have been running strong for the past few months. I started swimming last week for some cross training to the end of my running season (15K in about 4 weeks). I have always considered myself a decent swimmer, but after a few times in the pool i have a different perspective.

I can hardly swim 2 lengths of the pool (1 length = 25m). It's not my body getting tired as much as it's running out of air. I figured that by being a runner i would have good lungs built up, but apparently not. I have been working on breathing out while my head is in the water. Half the time i turn my head to breathe i suck in small amounts of water which makes me cough. Also, every time i turn my head to breathe my ear fills up with water.

1.) Does anyone have any suggestions on breathing better and swimming better?
2.) Did anyone else start off this bad at swimming?
3.) Is it common for people to use ear plugs in triathlons?

Thanks for the help in advance,

John

sfricks · 10-12-2006, 08:32 AM

John,
Welcome on. Lots of great advise here on Triweek. As far as your swimming:

1) Try concentrating on breathing out. That's right, out. Focus on clearing your lungs. Forget the inhale portion. Trust me, it will take care of itself.
2) Everyone started off swimming this badly. Keep at it. It's likely just a technique thing, not a fitness thing.
3) My wife wears ear plugs on the swim, but she's not a serious competitor. I don't know anyone who hammers that wears them. I'd say unless you physically need them, forget it. You'll be plenty busy with all the other stuff going on to worry about tickling in your ears.

Spike10 · 10-12-2006, 10:23 AM

John, I wear ear plugs when I swim only because as a child I had really bad ear infections and I have the scars to prove it. Water in my ears is not only annoying but it hurts too. Scott is right about the exhale, if you get it all out then the lungs will do the rest without you, if you still have trouble with water getting in try rotating your body more to where the air is. My personal advise is to get the book "Total Immersion for Triathlons", I have the first TI book and DVD and it helped me greatly.
Good luck and welcome to the site.
Spike.

caged wisdom · 10-13-2006, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballyard7

I am new to the tri scene. I have just started training to compete in tri's for the 2007 season. I have been a runner all my life and have been running strong for the past few months. I started swimming last week for some cross training to the end of my running season (15K in about 4 weeks). I have always considered myself a decent swimmer, but after a few times in the pool i have a different perspective.

I can hardly swim 2 lengths of the pool (1 length = 25m). It's not my body getting tired as much as it's running out of air. I figured that by being a runner i would have good lungs built up, but apparently not. I have been working on breathing out while my head is in the water. Half the time i turn my head to breathe i suck in small amounts of water which makes me cough. Also, every time i turn my head to breathe my ear fills up with water.

1.) Does anyone have any suggestions on breathing better and swimming better?
2.) Did anyone else start off this bad at swimming?
3.) Is it common for people to use ear plugs in triathlons?

Thanks for the help in advance,

John

john-it is completely normal to feel awkward when first starting off. "total immersion" is an excellent guide. one suggestion may also to be find someone in your local area ( a highschool or club swim coach) who would be willing to give you a few lessons. of all three aspects of triathlon, swimming is the most diffecult to learn, but once the technique is correct, the improvements will be very fast. as far as water getting in your ear, it happens to me evry now in then. if it is a chronic problem for you, then train with ear plugs, nothin wrong with it. i have seen several people use them in races. also, you being fit runner will make a huge difference once you get the technique down and some yards under your belt!! the off season is a great time to work on your swim stroke.

good luck
chris

hmullett · 10-13-2006, 05:16 AM

I trained and race for the first two years with earplugs. Also, finding a coach for a few lessons is great. Try to get into a masters swim program when you build a little stamina in the water. You'll really learn a lot from these people. Good luck!

Heather

cdmorten · 11-25-2006, 03:36 PM

Definitely jump into a Masters Swim program. I was exactly like you. I read Total Immersion and that helped, then I'd swim about 3 times per week for about 20 minutes and thought I was training hard.

Then I joined the masters program and have been doing it for about 4 months. I go 3 times per week and we work out for an hour. I just went to the pool yesterday and easily swam 1 mile. I'm pretty sure I could have done another but I didn't have time. I used to struggle to go 500 yards. In my masters class, I've never swam more than 400 yards at a time, but we do a lot of intervals.

Robyne May · 02-16-2008, 02:14 AM

Be patient and it will come, practise , practise, practise.
There a some really good drills to help you . Remember not to exhale all of the air too quickly under the water, trickle the air out . Practise breathing to the side with a kickboard whilst doing a catch up stroke. Breathe every 2nd. stroke, then for another lap breathe every 3rd. stroke and so on.
I always wear ear plugs in training and racing.
You need to feel comfortable and I hate water in my ears. Plus they help stop ear infections .
Good luck.