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A swimming quandary...
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 2009-08-04 12:47 PM |
Extreme Veteran  325   Victoria |  Subject: A swimming quandary...Hey guys and gals! So I've been doing triathlon for about 2 years, and have just started becoming more serious about it. I know some of you will instantaneously click on my training log to see my hours, but I use a log-book that I can take with me, with no worries if I have internet or not. It's just really easy for me. That said, let's get down to business. With my newfound seriousness, I have gotten some offers to train with some of the best in the sport, in swim/bike/run. I would love for my focus to be long-distance, but my swimming background puts me in fairly comfortable circumstances to train draft-legal short course. For the sake of myself and my new training partners, no names will be revealed, but I have been swimming lately with some of the best in sport (draft-legal short course). Now the quandary begins... They want me to start doing 5-6 swims a week with them, including some open water. While I agree this could be very beneficial to me, the fact is, it's taking time away from my weaknesses, the bike and run. The last 6 weeks have been devoted to the bike/run, and I was actually out of the water for that entire time, until recently, where I started being invited to the aforementioned swims. I want to train for long course, but it's SO hard to pass up this opportunity to train with these guys, and I feel like their experience, and ability to help me network with people inside the industry, will prove absolutely invaluable if I choose to try and make triathlon my career. I know this seems like a big thing to be posting about in an internet forum, but to be honest, I'm super nervous to bring these things up with the newfound swim training partners. Like REALLY nervous, since I don't want to seem ungrateful for their invitations.Any input would be absolutely fantastic! Thanks!!! Derek Edited by DerekWL 2009-08-04 12:51 PM |
| 2009-08-04 12:55 PM in reply to: #2327280 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: A swimming quandary... Do you want to be a triathlete or a swimmer? They want me to start doing 5-6 swims a week with them, including some open water. While I agree this could be very beneficial to me, the fact is, it's taking time away from my weaknesses, the bike and run. While it might be flattering, if it doesn't fit into your training schedule... you can't do it. What's wrong with swimmign with them 3 of those days? Can't there be a compromise? Really it's all about priorities and what matters more to you. Good luck deciding! |
| 2009-08-04 2:40 PM in reply to: #2327306 |
Extreme Veteran 325 Victoria | Subject: RE: A swimming quandary... Thanks for the reply! My aspirations are to be a professional triathlete, specifically in over-distance (half/full IM). Swimming is definitely out of the picture. You're spot-on though, I really need to think about my priorities, which are to maintain my swim fitness/speed, and to build my fitness and speed in the bike/run. To be honest, I just feel weird saying "No" to this group. I am flattered and everything, but it's not about gloating, it's about how much experience these guys have in and around the sport. I just really hope I can still take advantage of it while I only train with them a limited amount of time. I am just REALLY worried I am going to regret cutting back time with these guys. I'm also worried I'm going to start competing more and more in long course triathlon, and realize it's short-course draft-legal racing that really suits my competitive style. I'm just super worried about burning bridges to say the least. Anyways, thanks for helping me think this over a bit more! Derek |
| 2009-08-04 3:05 PM in reply to: #2327643 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: A swimming quandary... If they are professional athletes... they should understand you wanting to persue your tri goals. If you explain to them what you hope to do.. and how swimming with them 3 days a week will help you aspire to those goals, I bet they will support you. Why wouldn't they? DerekWL - 2009-08-04 2:40 PM Thanks for the reply! My aspirations are to be a professional triathlete, specifically in over-distance (half/full IM). Swimming is definitely out of the picture. You're spot-on though, I really need to think about my priorities, which are to maintain my swim fitness/speed, and to build my fitness and speed in the bike/run. To be honest, I just feel weird saying "No" to this group. I am flattered and everything, but it's not about gloating, it's about how much experience these guys have in and around the sport. I just really hope I can still take advantage of it while I only train with them a limited amount of time. I am just REALLY worried I am going to regret cutting back time with these guys. I'm also worried I'm going to start competing more and more in long course triathlon, and realize it's short-course draft-legal racing that really suits my competitive style. I'm just super worried about burning bridges to say the least. Anyways, thanks for helping me think this over a bit more! Derek |
| 2009-08-04 3:39 PM in reply to: #2327280 |
Champion 7558  Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: A swimming quandary... I think they're drumming for some Pro N00B to kick around in the races... First step would be to talk this over with your coach, not a bunch of rank amateurs. |
| 2009-08-04 4:03 PM in reply to: #2327854 |
Extreme Veteran 325 Victoria | Subject: RE: A swimming quandary... Hahaha Well... They probably wouldn't have to try too hard to kick me around in races. Regardless, I would talk this over with a coach, except for the fact that I dont have one. Finances being a MAJOR issue at the moment (just graduated from Uni, paying off student loans on a part time work schedule, paying bills, keeping equipment in good condition), I just can't afford a coach. I've been training my FACE OFF to get noticed by someone, and I am doing my best to network. It's worked, and I've talked to 2 coaches that may be starting mentor/training teams of mostly younger long course athletes. Until that surfaces though, which may not be until the 2 aforementioned coaches have completed IM Hawaii and had a few weeks of rest, I am on my own. And even then, I have no idea what will pan out. As KSH has said, I will talk to this group, and see what kind of answer I will get. Besides, I've seen plenty of experienced people post on these forums, not to mention the benefits of being able to sort through a thought process with others to come to an educated decision. I'm just as much of a rank amateur as anyone else! Thanks! Derek |
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