I suck at swimming... - Page 2 - Triathlon Week

05-19-2008, 05:26 PM

There are two things I see here:

First is becoming a better swimmer. The best way to do that is hire a coach
or take a class. Most YMCA's have classes although they will focus on
techniques better suited for 50 meter - 100 meter swims/races. See if you
can find someone who understands long distance races. But anything is better
than nothing. Triathlon technique is slightly different (as Capt said - less
kicking etc). Triathlon swimming is all about technique - not power. I was
always a big runner/biker and thought I could muscle through swimming - NOT!
Books like Total Immersion will help also if you can't find a coach or
class.

Second is becoming a better open water swimmer. You can only do this once
you do the step above. You need to feel comfortable and confidence in your
lap pool swimming before you will feel comfortable in a mass of people
thrashing about during a race. As Robert Duval said in Days of Thunder -
"Racing is bumping". It's just something to get used to. When I started open
water races, I always swam on the outside to avoid congestion and slowly
worked my way towards the pack as my confidence built up. If you can
practice with some friends that's great. Another option is bring your kids
to the pool and let them play in the lane you are doing your laps in. It
does help you to avoid people and get used to being bumped. They key is to
be able to relax which just takes time and practice.

There is no silver bullet to do this. It takes just time. It took me about 3
years to go from barely finishing 50 meters in a pool to being competitive
in Sprint and Olympic distance swims. Just keep practicing and making
improvements. Some weeks I feel like I am really "getting it" and other
weeks I feel like I am getting worse. Either way, I keep swimming.

"Capt. America" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. ..
> thanks for all the responses! i've watched the videos and looked at the
> snorkel option. a buddy at work also mentioned it may be useful to train
> with fins as well to help work on the breathing and upper body motion. may
> try it.
>
> "Ira Hart" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].edu> wrote in message
> news:rs6li.818$uf2.453@llnews...
>>
>> I've been learning to swim freestyle over the last few years as well.
>> It's not like biking and running where you just get out there and do it.
>> I think it's more like skiing or golf. There are lot's of fine points
>> that you have to put all together. I've taken a few masters classes at
>> the local YMCA which have been helpful.
>>
>> Try to break it down and work at one thing at a time. Maybe start with a
>> kickboard. go slowly and practice staring at the bottom of the pool
>> blowing bubbles. Try to rotate your whole body to one side to breathe.
>> DONT lift your head. just get as much of your mouth to the side into the
>> air as you need to and breathe.
>>
>> I find watching some of the videos of good swimmers on Youtube helpful.
>> Here's one. You don't need to go as fast as this Olympian freestyler to
>> start out though!
>>
>> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>> Capt. America wrote:
>>> I've read a couple books on swimming. one was specific to triathlon
>>> swimming. I've tried the exercises and although probably haven't given
>>> it a real spin, I am terrible. I can't breath. I can never seem to blow
>>> out under water and can never seem to get my mouth above the water to
>>> breath. I get way out of breath. Anyone have any good advice on how to
>>> be an "okay" swimmer. I'd like to NOT do the backstroke on my next
>>> tri...
>
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