General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2015-03-12 1:10 PM

User image


46
25
Subject: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?
I've been training for my first triathlon (sprint) for about 6 weeks or so now. When I started the swim training, I sucked. I'm a good swimmer and have good form, but was shocked that I could barely make it 50 yds. before I was out of breath. So 6 weeks in to this training, I'm so upset with my progress that I start doubting whether I'd be able to do the tri. As of a week ago, I was to the point where I could swim only about 100 yds & then need a 30 second break before the next 100yd set. I felt WAYYYY behind in my progress.

So I had been swimming in a pool with warmer temps the whole time. There are 2 pools at the YMCA where I work out...one geared more for family activities...family swim, swim lessons, etc, and one that was built more for swim team practices & meets. The family oriented one is warmer, the other, cooler. Anyways.....this past Sunday was the 1st time I swam in the cooler temp pool and suddenly I'm able to do 30 laps with no exhaustion. (probably the happiest moment in all this training!). Is this just a coincidence, or does the water temp have an effect on swim endurance?


2015-03-12 1:17 PM
in reply to: interspace8

User image

Member
1748
100050010010025
Exton, PA
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?
Water temps do effect performance. However going from 4 laps to 30 laps sounds like it was a mental block for you. Go back to the warm pool you should still be able to swim 30 laps, just not as fast.
2015-03-12 1:19 PM
in reply to: interspace8

User image

Regular
606
500100
Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?
Gasping for breath happens with all new lap swimmers. Most people can swim, but never really swim in a line. You probably just started breathing better. The trick is to breath out when your face is in the water. Otherwise, you'll try to exhale and inhale all at once, leading to the gaspy gasps.
2015-03-12 1:45 PM
in reply to: #5100273

User image


88
252525
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?
"Water temps do effect performance. However going from 4 laps to 30 laps sounds like it was a mental block for you."

I agree 100% with Mike's statement.
2015-03-12 3:13 PM
in reply to: interspace8

User image


1300
1000100100100
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?

The warmer family pool is more for comfort and the cooler pool is so people don't over heat while training or meets.  I'd be shocked if the warmer pool was hot enough to prevent you from doing 30 laps but that would be based on the actual temp and your effort.  Anything's possible I guess. 

2015-03-12 5:58 PM
in reply to: interspace8

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?

Our Y has a similar setup.  The regular pool is kept at 77-79, the other at 86-88 (only 20 yard and shallower).  One time I had to swim in the warm pool as something was going on in the other and only did about 10 laps and said "that's enough" and got out.



2015-03-13 7:01 AM
in reply to: Goggles Pizzano

User image

Master
8247
50002000100010010025
Eugene, Oregon
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?
The only reason I can think of that would cause such a dramatic difference is if the warmer pool is not as well ventilated. If you have asthma, it's possible the effect would be that noticeable. I know for me there's an ideal range of pool temps in which I do my best swimming--a bit cooler for distance stuff, and a bit warmer for sprints. Too warm and the perceived effort definitely goes up. Too cold and I tend to cramp easily or just feel tight and uncomfortable. I've also noticed that I'm less likely to struggle with breathing in moderately cool water than very warm water, and need to breathe less often at the same pace/effort. I've always assumed it was some version of the dive reflex (cold water triggers a slowdown in heart rate, etc. in mammals), and/or our (unheated) pool tends to be better ventilated when it's cooler, which is usually true with the local climate.
2015-03-16 12:42 PM
in reply to: Toffels

User image


46
25
Subject: RE: Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm?
Thanks everyone for the input! I have yet to get back in the warmer pool, because I'm having such good success in the cooler pool. (Yes, maybe it is all mental...I don't want to jinx myself) I also have such limited time to train so I can't afford a terrible swim workout. Anyways, I'm just thrilled where I am in my progress. : )
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swimming performance - cool H20 vs. warm? Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

warm up/cool down

Started by Karolstopa
Views: 708 Posts: 2

2014-02-08 7:02 AM Hot Runner

"Cool Down" of "Warm Down"

Started by 2453V
Views: 1356 Posts: 19

2012-01-24 8:54 AM axteraa

Cooler and humid or warmer and dry??

Started by natethomas2000
Views: 727 Posts: 6

2011-09-09 10:42 PM Experior

Pull vs. Swim performances

Started by Plissken74
Views: 1265 Posts: 11

2009-12-25 8:03 AM Thrash1

Warm Up/Cool Down???

Started by sealiongirl
Views: 1394 Posts: 11

2008-11-26 11:08 AM momo
RELATED ARTICLES
date : August 11, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 1
Dean from Fitwerx answers a BT member question about what kind of bike should be the "next bike."
 
date : May 1, 2006
author : KevinKonczak
comments : 0
Discussions on periodization, tubular vs clinchers, swimming cadence, 650's vs 700's, plan priority, RAAM after double IM and swim training before race day.
date : September 3, 2005
author : Jen Doyle
comments : 0
Often athletes forget the fitness basics such as warm up and cool down. We know they are important, but we want to get into the meat of our workout without wasting time.