General Discussion Triathlon Talk » About starting a swim program Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2003-05-25 5:37 AM

Subject: About starting a swim program
I am a 27 year old former rower in college who has done NOTHING as far as working out/cardio for the years since graduation. In the past few months I have gotten back to the gym and bought a bike/started running(all the good stuff). I found your website in looking for ways to start training for 3 spring triathlons on Key Biscyne FL this summer(the Triathlon Trilogy). If you have any info/suggestions on how I can start (especially training for the swim). I have access to pool and open water (Florida Bay) to work with but nowhere in the area of knowledge as far as where to start. Thanks for your time Cory



2003-05-25 5:38 AM
in reply to: #9

Subject: RE: About starting a swim program
ok cory. assuming u r relatively versed in a few basic swim strokes, ie the forward crawl foremost, sidestroke, breathstroke etc., pick out the easiest one for u to do. for me it was the breastroke. First of all, i am also assuming that u will not be able to do more than 1 forward crawl lap without leaving u breathless at this point - am i correct? so first, get yourself to the point where u can do your easy stroke for about 20min straight. u can rest between laps until u get up to about 20min straight. When u r at 20 min, start adding a lap of forward crawl in between your easy strokes. do a few of them interspersed between your easy stroke OR whatever u can do while still being able to finish 20min and not feel like u have had a heartattack. then just start adding another lap of the forward crawl every week or two until your doing all forward crawl for 20min. eventually get that up to 30min to be on the safe side. u must do the forward crawl though - it is the fastest stroke once your good at it , it is very difficult to build up endurance BUT all of the sudden u will find it effortless and all the struggle will pay off - u will even like it, its true, its true. also www.trinewbies.com has beginner swim programs. although u have to know the meters that u swim in your pool or ocean, thats why i never did most swim programs and came up with my own - i wasn't about to count meters...and i don't count miles either - just laps and minutes. oh yeah, u mentioned about swimming in the ocean - unless it is really calm like glass, DON'T start your program in the ocean, even seeemingly little waves will take a lot of energy out of u. hope this helps - it may seem a little simple or crude, but it works. keep in touch regarding your training. i'm glad to help on anything. ron

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