New to Tri- - Triathlon Week

taova · 02-20-2005, 06:05 PM

Hello everyone at Triweek.

I am new to the Tri gig, but excited to get started. I have trained for running and biking for some time, but this swimming thing is a little different. Anyone have any advice on how to get started on an efficient swimming program? I appreciate the help.

pyschosyd · 02-21-2005, 02:09 PM

Good to hear there is another convert! woohoo
You have come to the right place. I'm relatively new to the tri game myself. If a swim coach is a possibility try one of them out. Hands on coaching is your surest way to an efficient stroke. However, if you aren't interested in a personal coach, I'm sure there are plenty of people who can give you some good training tips. There is some excellent literature out there as well. I'm currently stuck on Joel Friels 'triathlon training bible' It has everything you could ever want to know.
goood Luck
Syd

Spike10 · 02-21-2005, 02:16 PM

Hello Taova, the best advice I can give you since you live in Denver (very close to me) is get to a pool, because of the weather thing. It should have lanes so you won't have to worry about the kids playing Marco Polo right on top of you, and this place should have on staff a swim coach to help you with technique and strokes. Most places with pools with lanes also have qualified staff to help you and most are very helpful and glad to answer any questions.
Good Luck.
Spike.

Annie_777 · 03-01-2005, 09:33 PM

Hi there,
Am also new to tri but particularly new to swimming! Have always been a bit shy of the water but figured the only way to beat it was to get in and do it. So far I have only been swimming for approx 2 weeks, around 3 times per week and just focusing on technique and, my biggest problem; breathing. I have always found that even swimming 25 meters feels as though I've done a huge sprint! So I have not been focusing on distance but just making myself get in and swim for at least 30 minutes and I have to say, so far so good... Have been thinking about doing a program through Total Immersion (once I find the time!) to make sure I am doing things right - will let you know if I find it much help :0)

SkiCoach · 03-02-2005, 11:36 AM

If you don't have time to do a Total Immersion program then just buy the book and DVD/Video. It is by far the best thing you can do for your swimming, besides actual swimming. The drills in the book are super for getting the technique down before adding the distance. Once you do start getting more distance and time get your self some workouts from the 100's online and have fun!

Annie_777 · 03-02-2005, 06:52 PM

Thanks for the tip - am willing to try almost anything at the moment! Best of luck with your own training - hope you make some good progress :)

AudreyJ · 03-03-2005, 06:15 AM

I am an avid total immersion girl - it helped me so much. I started off just learning the concepts and drills from a friend, then took a look at the book, then paid for a two hour private session. Improvement - about 300%

As far as the breathing, I experienced the exact same problem as some of you described. I felt efficient in the water, yet, after 50m, my heart rate was through the roof. There are two parts to the solution that I found - 1.) continue to concentrate on technique. 2.) swim fast with a partner. Seeing someone next to me encouraged me to keep going. I remember the first set of 10x50m...I thought I was going to die. But you push through it, and your body learns to calm down. I compare it to the start of any race...when you start you're jumpy, excited, and your heartrate jumps. Give it a few, and you calm down and settle into a groove. Unfortunately for us non-swimmers, this feeling is a bit unnerving under water. Just push through and keep swimming!

Annie_777 · 03-03-2005, 05:05 PM

Hi Audrey :-)
Many thanks for the help! It's really encouraging to hear that it gets easier from someone who has been in the same boat... I have noticed that if I try to relax and focus on not taking huge gulps of air and keep an even pace it makes it feels easier to cover the distance - I just have to be patient and persist and it will eventually come together! (touch wood!)