First OWS

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2009-07-01 9:16 PM

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Subject: First OWS
I am doing my first triathlon this coming weekend and am freaking out about the open water swim. The swim is only 500m. I have done a few OWS at a local swimming beach, but seem to get winded much quicker than in the pool. Any first times tips, hang back, swim on the outside? I have a long sleeve wetsuit, but have only swam in it twice, so would you recommend wearing it for the race? Thanks.

2009-07-02 8:05 AM
in reply to: #2257282


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Subject: RE: First OWS
Relax
Be Patient
2009-07-02 8:09 AM
in reply to: #2257282

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Pro
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Baton Rouge area
Subject: RE: First OWS
Go out slow.  Get in the water ahead of time, splash your face, and breath slowly.  In your excitement/anxiety you are probably starting off way too fast.

Good luck
2009-07-02 8:45 AM
in reply to: #2257282

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Expert
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St. Paul, MN
Subject: RE: First OWS

Before your wave starts, get out in the water.  Get water into your wetsuit to help you acclimate to the water temperature.  Submerge yourself completely.  It's no fun running into the water when you're dry and then having a hard time breathing because you're body just isn't ready for the temperature change.

Aside from that, as other people have said, take your time, relax, and stay out of the middle of the pack.

2009-07-02 1:11 PM
in reply to: #2257282

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Master
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Lake Norman, NC
Subject: RE: First OWS
  1. If it's wetsuit legal, it will help.  Know what the water temp will be.  If it's over 80 you could easily overheat in a wetsuit.
  2. Warm-up first!  Before the start, swim out 100m and back.
  3. Bumpin' and rubbin' mean nothing.  Just maintain your stroke and do your own thing.  Don't get freaked out by contact with others.
  4. If you have a favorite workout song, listen to it before on your mp3 player.  Get the song in your head.  Sing it in your head before the start and especially at the start.  Start swimming to the song.  For the first 50m just go at the pace of the song.

    Most OWS panic is right at the begining.  The warm-up swim and starting while thinking of a song and not the swim or race will calm you down.  You won't start out too panicked or with bad form.  After 50m or so, you're in the groove and can then think of swimming and turn on some speed or whatnot.

 

2009-07-02 5:36 PM
in reply to: #2257282

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Expert
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Fort Wayne, IN
Subject: RE: First OWS
My biggest problem has been having trouble gauging my speed.  There generally aren't clear references liek the bottom of a pool to figure out how fast you are going and I tend to start out way too fast and get winded and don't get into a good pace until the second half of the swim.

2009-07-02 5:49 PM
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El Segundo, CA
Subject: RE: First OWS

x2 on getting into the water beforehand.

Before your wave starts, identify fixed points you'll use for sighting (i.e. buoys, features on the shore, etc.) during the swim.

Personally, I always wear earplugs during OWS. They keep out water and dampen sound, which I've found to be calming for the nerves.

2009-07-02 9:15 PM
in reply to: #2257282

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Veteran
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Newburgh, Indiana
Subject: RE: First OWS
Did my 1st OWS 3 weeks ago.  All the practice at my local gym pool went out the window when the gun went off.  All the comments in this thread are right on the money.  Start out slow slow slow and settle in.  Remember there is no black line to see and do a warm up swim.  

My first OWS I went out way to fast and was in bad O2 debt in the first 100 yards.  I also was not prepared for all the thrashing and kicking.  I also DID NOT do a warm up swim. 

My second OWS 2 weeks ago was much better than the first.  I warmed up, started at the edge of the pack and focused on MY stroke and tempo.  I swam the same distance as the week before and 2 minutes faster.  

Hope that reinforces what everyone else is saying  

2009-07-03 6:20 AM
in reply to: #2257282

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Regular
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Subject: RE: First OWS
This may be too late, but if possible get out and swim a little portion of the course, a day or two before race day. Take it in steps. Go out far enough where you can not touch the bottom and swim parrallel to the shore, then back to the beach. Catch your breath and go back and do it again. Now the next time go out a little farther (almost to the point of no return). Focus on breathing (look at sky and take deep breath-exhale in water).

Now the most important thing - STOP READING ALL THE FEARS ASSOCIATED ABOUT OWS. YOU'LL SOON BUY INTO IT AS WELL. BTW, I've been there before.

Take some very deep breaths on race day away from the starting line. Stay off to the side or back and let it rip.

tom
2009-07-03 7:16 AM
in reply to: #2257282

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Butler
Subject: RE: First OWS

Definately get in the water before hand if you can especially if it is cold.  Take it slow, start outside and at the back.  Your time will be slower but you will finish.

Another thing that helps me if it is cold is wearing a nose plug.  If the water is cold apparently I start to breath too fast with air going in and out of too many holes.  If I block off one it helps.

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