Please help!! - Triathlon Week

jmsazboy · 07-16-2005, 12:59 PM

I am runing a sprint in two weeks and I can still BARELY finish a 400 meter!! I can run 15 miles without any issues but for some reason, I am a dead man after 100 yards of swimming. I plan to buy a wetsuit which should make life a little easier but I have got to be ready in two weeks to do the mini-400 meter swim they have us doing and I don't want to have to get towed in by the Kayak!!

I plan to try Pyramid training four days a week to see if I can get ready. I almost drown today in my first open water. I am a bulky-type body, I am 6 feet and about 215 and I am not that fat, seems like I sink every since I lost some weight (40 pounds over the last six months). Also, what should a person eat before swimming? I swam today on an empty stomach which I think may be why I ran out of gas as well.

I am brand new to this and I am having a great time, but I am tired of giving everyone a ten minute head start while I breast-stroke the last 150 yards.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

John

sfricks · 07-17-2005, 10:06 AM

It's difficult to tell exactly what you're doing by your description. I can tell you I've witnessed people (including my wife) try to swim way too hard without good technique. This results in poor breathing rhythm which in turn leads to an oxygen deficiency which will pretty much stop you in your tracks (or wake) when your heart rate gets too high. If you can run 12 miles you obviously have a great foundation, therefore you should be able to swim 2000+ meters without floundering. My recommendation would be to find someone who's very adept at freestyle and have them give your technique a look. Barring that, I'd try slowing down a little and focus on form. I read this great quote somewhere: "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast". My 2 cents! :) Good luck!

imhooked · 07-17-2005, 05:53 PM

Scott gave a great answer. Find a coach, go to a clinic, etc. to help with your stroke. Just a thought, but if you haven't spent much time in open water, I would get a couple more swims in before the race. Going from the pool to open water is daunting and it's easy to panic and your heart rate goes thru the roof! Been there, done that! Get used to the open water and get ready mentally as well as physically. Know in your mind that you have to start at an easy pace until you settle in and you get your stroke down. Focus on your form. Fast turnover with your arms doesn't mean you are going faster - probably just working too hard. If you can't find a coach, look at Total Immersion. They have books and DVDs that are pretty good. Good luck with your race... let us know how it goes.

julian · 07-18-2005, 12:02 AM

I had a similar problem when I first took up the sport,I didn't think the swimming would be a problem.
Like you I would get tired arter 100m so I went along to my local swimming club and they showed me how to breath properly and to slow down my stroke, it has worked!

Good Luck

Cheers
Julian.

DenverBrad · 07-18-2005, 11:28 AM

I am definitely a beginner in the pool but have been taking some lessons. So far the key things I have learned include: 1.) Try not to fight the water. I know it sounds rediculous, especially when you feel like you would gladly take a floating ring if someone would throw it to you, but it's true. I am definitely more at ease when I concentrate on form rather that speed. 2.) Make sure to keep your head low enough in the water. This helps to keep your legs up by leveraging the air located in your mid section. I am tall like you and used to feel like I was kicking like mad just to keep my legs afloat. 3.) Take a breath after each stroke. Forget about waiting for three or four strokes. Maybe when we are more proficient we can attempt that. 4.) Don't be afraid to do the back stroke. Let's face it we aren't going to look like Michael Phelps our first time out anyway. 5.) Make sure to rotate your hips during a stroke. I agree with the comments about the Total Immmersion book suggestion. It really helped me. However, take my suggestions for what they are worth. I'm a beginner too. Good luck.