Swim Training for Sprint Triathlon

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2011-07-20 3:26 PM


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Subject: Swim Training for Sprint Triathlon

Hey everyone, my name is Lee and I am new to the forum!

I am currently training for a women's sprint triathlon which has a 0.25 mile swim, 10 mile bike, and 3.5 mile run.  I am comfortable with the bike and run, but probably like many other beginners, I am totally lost about the swim training aspect.  I can swim fine, but I am unsure about how I am supposed to train for the swim portion.  

For example, do I need to swim more than 440 yards (0.25 miles which is the triathlon swim distance) in a workout, or is this fine?  Any advice would be so helpful!  Thanks!

2011-07-20 3:31 PM
in reply to: #3606829

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Subject: RE: Swim Training for Sprint Triathlon
Have you scheduled your first tri?  I would use the program tool to get a beginner sprint program for you and print it out...IMO I  would definitely work up to swimming more than that.  My husband and I are training for our first sprint...we started with 350 yards and are now up to around 1000-1200 for a workout.  You have to assess your current fitness level and go from there building slowly to avoid injury.
2011-07-20 3:39 PM
in reply to: #3606829

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Subject: RE: Swim Training for Sprint Triathlon

I'm no coach, but I'll say this...

Since hitting 440 yards in a workout only takes, what, 10 minutes?, you might as well stay in the pool and go for at least 15-20 minutes.  It can only help, and is it really even worth going to the pool/lake, getting geared up, etc, for a 10 minute workout?

And try to get at least one open water swim in before the race.

2011-07-20 3:42 PM
in reply to: #3606829

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Swim Training for Sprint Triathlon

Welcome, Lee

I agree, if you get on a good training plan that will structure all your workouts well and give you an idea of how to train for the swim. The thing about swimming is that (unlike running, for example) you can build it up pretty quickly and do a lot more of it for the aerobic benefit (and you will also get out of the water better prepared for the bike and run to follow).

Pool training is very different from open water; that's why you need to be able to do significantly more than the distance, and as he said above, definitely get some practice swims in open water.

Good luck!

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