In a crunch

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2008-08-16 9:19 PM

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Subject: In a crunch
OK. Here is the deal. I have a sprint coming up in two weeks. I haven't been swimming at all over the past 6 months. I have been training for marathons and duathlons but have been talked into this race. The swim portion is 500 meters. What can I do in two weeks to prepare to be able to make it through the swim without being completely spent. I haven't been logging my workouts lately, but I have been running ~25 miles a week and biking ~80 miles a week. I haven't been in a pool to train in 6 months. I was not a very good swimmer then either. Any tips would be appreciated.

2008-08-16 9:43 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Master
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Chapel Hill, NC
Subject: RE: In a crunch
I would spend 30 minutes a day swimming, or every other day if every day is not do-able. Start by doing 25's with a 20 second rest. Then try to do 50s with a 20 second rest. Then maybe 50s with a 10 second rest. Gradually increase the distance and decrease the rest. If you are fit otherwise, you can survive this! I'm pretty sure you are allowed to rest at the wall during pool triathlons, so that's always an option too. Good luck!
2008-08-16 9:46 PM
in reply to: #1608364

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Subject: RE: In a crunch
Thanks. Unfortunately, it is an OW swim so there will be no walls.
2008-08-16 9:57 PM
in reply to: #1608364

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Subject: RE: In a crunch
Just get into a pool ASAP...  the longer you wait the less comfortable you may feel.  Seeing as it's a 500m OWS swim, I'd be more worried about your confidence in the water than your actual cardio.  Swimming in a pool is one thing, but swimming in a lake/ocean/river seems to get to people (including myself) more than anything in an event.  Good luck and have fun!
2008-08-16 10:37 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Subject: RE: In a crunch
Swim like the dickens for the next two weeks.

Or, during the race, just grab onto someone's leg, flip onto your back and ride the free wave to the swim finish.
2008-08-16 11:46 PM
in reply to: #1608370

Subject: RE: In a crunch

katybug34 - 2008-08-16 10:46 PM Thanks. Unfortunately, it is an OW swim so there will be no walls.

No, but there are usually boats out on the water and often times (check the race rules) you can rest hanging onto the side of the boat without penalty. If you get in the boat, you're done.

Not a whole lot you can gain in the next two weeks to make up for not swimming for 6 months. Good luck and stay safe.



2008-08-17 5:37 AM
in reply to: #1608370

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Master
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Subject: RE: In a crunch
katybug34 - 2008-08-16 10:46 PM

Thanks. Unfortunately, it is an OW swim so there will be no walls.


Well, still swim at the pool ALOT. Also, if you have never swim in open water, get out and try it at least one time so you don't panic at the race. It can feel freaky to look down into murkey water. It's just something you have to get used to, so do a few strokes, stop and rest, stroke a few more, etc.

Mostly, tho, you need just to plain ol' swim at the pool.

PS: there's no rule that says you have to do freestyle. If breastroke, backstroke, sidestroke, or even butterfly, is more comfortable for you, then by all means, do it.

Edited by keyone 2008-08-17 5:39 AM
2008-08-19 1:51 PM
in reply to: #1608504

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Subject: RE: In a crunch
So I won't look like an idiot doing the butterfly?
2008-08-19 1:54 PM
in reply to: #1614022

Subject: RE: In a crunch

katybug34 - 2008-08-19 2:51 PM So I won't look like an idiot doing the butterfly?

No, but you might end up whacking someone. Butterfly is a pretty aggressive stroke to do in a pack of swimmers and not terribly efficient for long distances.

2008-08-19 2:00 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Elite
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Subject: RE: In a crunch
That would be phenomenal if you did fly.  Do it!
2008-08-19 2:04 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Master
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Subject: RE: In a crunch
Yes don't do butterfly. It is tiring and you will likely hit someone.

Things I would do/consider:

1) Do you have a coach or friend who could meet you at the pool to give you some pointers and honestly let you know if they think you can finish the swim? If yes get him/her to the pool with you and have them give you some drills/things to work on.

2) Is the race wetsuit legal? If they are legal and you want to spend the money, get a wetsuit. It will help keep you afloat and make it easier for you to finish the swim.

3) I would spend as much time as you can in the pool over the next few weeks and work on your form. Go easy and concentrate on keeping your stroke long and smooth. Build your overall yardage each day.

Good luck!

2008-08-19 2:15 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Champion
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Subject: RE: In a crunch

When you swam, what would have been your strategy for a 500 meter race/swim? 

Relax, go easy, and you'll get 500 meters without a problem (but get to the pool a few times in the next two weeks). 

2008-08-19 2:23 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Master
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Subject: RE: In a crunch

You can definitely do the fly if you want. I actually did the backstroke for about 75% of my first tri as I'm not a good swimmer and kept getting out of breath.  Worked fine, I just flipped over every so often to sight. 

Good luck and  get swimming!

2008-08-19 2:32 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Subject: RE: In a crunch
I have two friends who did their first event a few weeks back...neither of which trained for the swim except once or twice and it was 1k OWS! They both did most of the swim on their back's or doing the side stroke. It was slow and painful but it got them back to shore without having to call out for support.

I'll echo others, get in the pool ASAP and as often as possible for the next two weeks. Just swimming some laps and building some confidence will make a world of difference. Depending on your fitness level and how good a swimmer you were when you trained I'd likely start out with the goal of swimming 500 meters minimum at every session. Start out with 25's...move up to 50's and 100's as you feel more comfortable. I'm not sure if you will gain much in two weeks but it can't hurt!

--Chris
2008-08-19 2:54 PM
in reply to: #1608338

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Subject: RE: In a crunch
Definitely have a plan. If you haven't swum(is that a word?) in a while it will be harder than you think. OWS are nothing like swimming in a pool. I always have a plan of swim freestyle for 50 strokes and then breast for 25. So that way I don't panic when I get tired.

GOod luck!
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