Runner new to Triathlons (poor swimmer) - Triathlon Week

Indy Tri-Rookie · 05-12-2008, 12:25 PM

I just completed my first half-marathon and plan to train for my first sprint triathlon. I am aiming for one 12 weeks from now. I am confident in my running and biking, but I am a horrible swimmer. I have a lot of trouble with breathing/rhythm. Any advice would be very much appreciated!

sfricks · 05-12-2008, 02:41 PM

I won't re-invent the wheel in this thread. Search the forum for LOTS of useful information on beginning swimming. I will say that swimming is the one discipline where having a coach can make a BIG difference. Good luck!

OTs1stsprint · 05-13-2008, 12:47 PM

I have been struggling with swimming as well for the last 3 months. I had a friend who used to swim coach me and talked to the local swim instructor at the YMCA. They recommended the catch-up drill and finding my rhythm for my arms and legs. The catch up drill has really helped me and I can now swim 500+. Best of luck to you!

Indy Tri-Rookie · 05-14-2008, 04:57 AM

Thanks OTs1stsprint! I just went to the Y this morning to see what I could do in the pool by myself...it was ugly. I feel like i am drowning halfway across the pool. I have contacted the aquatics director at the Y and hopefully she can help. Any other success stories from horrible beginning swimmers would be appreciated...I need some hope after this morning.

speedracer · 05-25-2008, 10:53 AM

My first sprint is in July and I as well am a poor swimmer. I got together with a friend that is a swimming coach and is teaching me rthym techniques and how to better breathe. He recommended 2 times per week in the water training at least for about 3 weeks and you can judge from there how much more you need.

sfricks · 05-27-2008, 05:55 AM

Search this site for information on beginning swimming. I posted a pretty long article on the subject a while back. The jest of the post was that you're problem probably is a result of 1) anxiety 2) technique and 3) over-exertion. When you get anxious your feel out of breath. This is a vicious cycle and once it starts you're doomed. Relaxation and comfort in the water is priority one.

Try this: Get a mask (preferably with a nose pocket) and snorkel and "snorkel" the length of the pool. You should go easy enough that you're completely relaxed and comfortable. You're not swimming, you're snorkeling. Do this by floating as horizontally on the surface as possible, relaxing and breathing through the snorkel. FORGET KICKING at this point. Just gently use your arms to propel yourself forward. This should get your over your anxiety. YOUR'E NOT GOING TO DROWN! *note* Use your arms to move FORWARD, NOT UP. Don't press down in the water. Now try the same without the snorkel being careful not to get too excited. Relax and go easy. Eventually you'll progress to goggles and you'll be swimming with the big fish. Good Luck!