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Newbie swm cap issue/questions
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 2009-06-19 12:08 PM |
Extreme Veteran  317  Chelmsford, MA |  Subject: Newbie swm cap issue/questionsFirst tri is in 22 days so I've been using this time to get used to OWS and the gear I'll be using in the race. My first ever OWS attempt was last Sunday and I did not manage very well. I kept sucking water like I had never been in a pool before but I chalked it up to the open water, murk, cold, nerves, swim cap, swimming in a lycra shirt, etc. On Wednesday I went to the same pond and did 600 yards easily. I figured I was just more calm with the other major difference being not wearing a swim cap. Fast forward to today when I decide to head to the pool and get used to the swim cap. It was like I'd forgotten everything about how to breathe. I was getting mouthfuls of water every 3rd or 4th breath and my pace was crap. Is this a common problem? Anything to be done except practice? I'm theorizing the issue is that covering my ears screws with my balance so I can't tell when my face is out of water to inhale. The other issue could be the fact that my bare head is covered so I can't feel the waterline. At this point looking for any advice. Being a man who shaves his head the concept of wrapping it in a cap is new to me and it's clearly caused some issues. |
| 2009-06-19 12:10 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
Champion 8766     Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions I don't put my swim cap all the way down over my ears like you see on the Olympics. Only about half my ears are covered. Any further down and I'm uncomfortable. Now, not uncomfortable like you described...I mean it just bothers my ears. I can't even imagine a swim cap would cause the problem you're talking about... But, if that's the only different factor, try not pulling the cap down so low...leave it high enough over your ears that the water is still free to come and go. |
| 2009-06-19 12:14 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
Master 1572 PA | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions it would drive me nuts if it was over my ears. I cover about 1/3 of my ear. You should start training with a cap so it becomes a non-issue. |
| 2009-06-19 12:17 PM in reply to: #2229177 |
Champion 10020 , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions You can wear it with your ears totally uncovered. I bet you'll get used to it quickly, just try to relax. Good luck! |
| 2009-06-19 12:19 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
Sneaky Slow 8694 Herndon, VA, | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions Beej - 2009-06-19 1:08 PM I'm theorizing the issue is that covering my ears screws with my balance so I can't tell when my face is out of water to inhale. The other issue could be the fact that my bare head is covered so I can't feel the waterline. In all honesty, I think this is all mental. The more you think about where the swim cap is, and your balance, etc., the more it's going to eff with your mind, and the more angst you're going to have about it. I'dl just put the swim cap on whereever it feels comfortable, do your best to forget about it, and swim. |
| 2009-06-19 12:42 PM in reply to: #2229195 |
Extreme Veteran 453 Long Island, NY | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions newleaf - 2009-06-19 12:19 PM Beej - 2009-06-19 1:08 PM I'm theorizing the issue is that covering my ears screws with my balance so I can't tell when my face is out of water to inhale. The other issue could be the fact that my bare head is covered so I can't feel the waterline. In all honesty, I think this is all mental. The more you think about where the swim cap is, and your balance, etc., the more it's going to eff with your mind, and the more angst you're going to have about it. I'dl just put the swim cap on whereever it feels comfortable, do your best to forget about it, and swim. X2 |
| 2009-06-19 1:21 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
| 128 | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions Beej - 2009-06-19 12:08 PM First tri is in 22 days so I've been using this time to get used to OWS and the gear I'll be using in the race. My first ever OWS attempt was last Sunday and I did not manage very well. I kept sucking water like I had never been in a pool before but I chalked it up to the open water, murk, cold, nerves, swim cap, swimming in a lycra shirt, etc. On Wednesday I went to the same pond and did 600 yards easily. I figured I was just more calm with the other major difference being not wearing a swim cap. Fast forward to today when I decide to head to the pool and get used to the swim cap. It was like I'd forgotten everything about how to breathe. I was getting mouthfuls of water every 3rd or 4th breath and my pace was crap. Is this a common problem? Anything to be done except practice? I'm theorizing the issue is that covering my ears screws with my balance so I can't tell when my face is out of water to inhale. The other issue could be the fact that my bare head is covered so I can't feel the waterline. At this point looking for any advice. Being a man who shaves his head the concept of wrapping it in a cap is new to me and it's clearly caused some issues. Yeah, its the swim cap. Seriously? |
| 2009-06-19 2:41 PM in reply to: #2229195 |
Extreme Veteran 317 Chelmsford, MA | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions newleaf - 2009-06-19 1:19 PM In all honesty, I think this is all mental. The more you think about where the swim cap is, and your balance, etc., the more it's going to eff with your mind, and the more angst you're going to have about it. I'dl just put the swim cap on whereever it feels comfortable, do your best to forget about it, and swim. Oh I'm sure it's mental. I just wasn't prepared for the very strong and real sense of disorientation. I've been swimming 3x a week for the past 10 weeks and sometime in there with the help of an instructor swimming became fun and not about fighting the water. At times it's even felt natural. Hence, my surprise that a cap made me feel so very different. Thanks to those who suggested trying to wear it mid or above ears. It didn't occur to me to do that. Next swim I'll give that a go. It seems silly, but I've never had to wear a swim cap before. |
| 2009-06-19 2:55 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
| , Arizona | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions Whoa... I hadn't even thought about that being an issue. I was just going to wait for my first tri to get a swim cap since they give you one, but it sounds like I should try one out before just in case. I know I know... never try something for the first time on your race. I can't imagine now many mistakes I would make if I had decided to do a tri and not discovered this website! |
| 2009-06-19 3:02 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
Expert 1040 SF Bay Area | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions I pull mine down as far as it will go before I start swimming. When I get out, it's about an inch above my ears and nearly popping off. I don't really care that much. |
| 2009-06-19 4:40 PM in reply to: #2229156 |
| Regular 227 NorCal, near Lake Tahoe, Ca | Subject: RE: Newbie swm cap issue/questions I find it really irritating to have over my ears. I tuck my cap behind my ears. It's still not comfortable, but it's much better. |
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