Swim Question: I Can't Even Swim 40 Meters Yet

author : Tri Swim Coach
comments : 2

My problem is I can only swim about 30-40 meters without having to rest. What is the best way to improve this? I need to get from 40 to 750 meters in 6 months.

Member Question

"Hello, I am currently training for my first tri this upcoming summer. My problem is I can only swim about 30-40 meters without having to rest. What is the best way to improve this? Any of the training plans I have found start with being able to swim 400 meters. Is it realistic to go from 40 to 750m in 6 months?? How much should I aim to improve weekly/daily or in how long?? "
 

Answer

The answer to your questions is that improvement will depend on the individual. There’s no real way to tell how long it will take but it is definitely within reason to get from 40 to 750 meters in 6 months. However, you will need the proper technique to not only finish the swim, but to then be able to bike and run to finish your triathlon!

Here’s a 5-step approach to building up your swim to be able to do the workouts to train for a sprint-distance tri:

  1. Take a lesson or series of lessons with a qualified instructor/coach. [.....]

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    date: December 19, 2007

Tri Swim Coach

I'm at http://www.TriSwimCoach.com- a resource for beginning through intermediate level triathletes looking for help with swimming. The site features a free email newsletter offering tips and articles on triathlon swimming. I have also written an electronic book titled “The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming” and created "The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD", both available on www.triswimcoach.com.

For a 20% DISCOUNT on Zoomers Z2 fins and Freestyler paddles, go to www.finisinc.com and use discount code ‘aggies20’ at checkout!

avatarTri Swim Coach

I'm at http://www.TriSwimCoach.com- a resource for beginning through intermediate level triathletes looking for help with swimming. The site features a free email newsletter offering tips and articles on triathlon swimming. I have also written an electronic book titled “The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming” and created "The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD", both available on www.triswimcoach.com.

For a 20% DISCOUNT on Zoomers Z2 fins and Freestyler paddles, go to www.finisinc.com and use discount code ‘aggies20’ at checkout!

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