Question with pool swims - Triathlon Week

garrett333 · 04-27-2006, 01:02 PM

I have been training for my sprint tri in a pool with lanes at the fitness center. I have not been using the wall to push off or turn. My logic was that when i get to my first open water swim there will be no walls out there. My first sprint is in a pool however. So my question is should i continue to swim with out the assisstance of the wall to better myself for future open water swims? Or should i practice pushing off the wall so on race day i will be able to use that as an advantage? thanks

jwier92 · 04-28-2006, 07:14 AM

They way I see it, you are practicing form and confort in the pool. In the open water, you do not have to turn around every 25/50 yard either. I do what ever is fastest to get the laps in. I also see a few people that will stop and take a breath and I have in the past while holding onto the wall. Cannot do that either, but there are times when you will miss a breath, due to a arm/foot/big wave, so use the wall and enjoy the swim.

Also with your pool sprint tri, you will save time!

Spike10 · 04-28-2006, 08:42 AM

If you race in a pool use every advantage that the facility will allow i.e. walls and bottom. The best way to train for open water is in open water, sometimes this is not doable due to weather or access to a lake or other open water, in your pool practice treading water in the deep end so you will be comfortable with it in a lake to get your bearings or site a bouy or just get out of the frey for a few seconds.
Spike.

garrett333 · 04-28-2006, 08:59 AM

wow that sounds like great advice! So its not uncommon to stop and tred to do those things in open water? I guess i thought that it was just balls to the walls swimming the whole time! Great insight thanks

sfricks · 04-28-2006, 10:01 AM

There's truely an art to openwater swimming. First NO LANE LINES! You've got 1,5,100,or 2000 other swimmers all headed for the same turn bouy. You'll all be all over each other. Arms, legs, elbows and various coupious other body parts. Secondly, NO LANE LINES! Try to swim 1000 meters with 3 or 4 turns AND the rising sun pounding you in the eyes.

As you can imagine, it's a little more nerve racking but it's what makes this sport so darn wonderful and challenging! If I painted a bleak picture, don't sweat it. Knowledge, preparation & technique will take you all the way.

When you get ready to do you're first open water Tri swim, drop us a line & we'll share some tips on that topic.

Good luck in your tri!

hmullett · 04-29-2006, 05:48 AM

I can't tell you how important "sighting" is for open water swims! At my half IM last year, I swam extra because I overshot two bouys! UGGGHHH! So that added extra time and energy. What Scott said about no lane lines is true and learning to tread water is crucial. Also, I might add that I, before a race, will have friends come and swim with me and simulate the body contact aspect. I remember on my first race how freaked out I was! Good Luck!

Heather