Swimming how to get started when it's cold

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mrmcmasty

2008-09-08 8:59 AM

Regular

186

SW VA

Subject: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

I am new to the sport. Began swimming in a continuous pool until I got to chapter 13 of total immersion that said... "dont swim in a continuous to learn" so I have been swimming in a pool now for about a month and have done two open water swims.

Yesterday I had a new experience with swimming COLD WATER... When I jumped and tried to start swimming I couldnt get my breathing under control, i could inhale, I couldnt exhale so I definately could not freestle swim. So I spent the first 200 to 300 yards side stroking and breast stroking... it seemed that once I warmed up, I was good to go and I finishedthe swim with no problems.

So how do you overcome that initial (YIKES its cold and I cant breath) without sidestroking for 200 yards.

My first tri is in two weeks. "outback biglick in VA'

Thanks for any advice.

Mark

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matt3liv

2008-09-08 9:11 AM

in reply to: #1657618

Master

2356

Fenton, MI

Subject: RE: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

Assuming we aren't talking about extremely cold water, acclimate to the temp. You'll get used to the temps and not have that reflex. Its sort of like gasping for breath when you hit cold water.

At least that's what works for me.

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mspina

2008-09-08 9:16 AM

in reply to: #1657618

Regular

176

Winchester, MA

Subject: RE: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

If the water is that cold at the race, get in before hand to acclimate to it - try to do some warm-up swimming, or at the very least, splash water on your face to try to get over the "YIKES it's cold and I can't breathe" sensation.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of tri!

mrmcmasty

2008-09-08 9:31 AM

in reply to: #1657618

Regular

186

SW VA

Subject: RE: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

I should have clarified the water really wasn't all that cold (72/73) I'm just a wuss and the indoor pool I swim in is usually 78 to 80... yes I was wearing a wetsuit, it's just that first two to three minutes in the water...

Thanks for the feedback!

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matt3liv

2008-09-08 9:35 AM

in reply to: #1657618

Master

2356

Fenton, MI

Subject: RE: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

Well then, acclimating to the temp is the answer.

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MrSolis

2008-09-08 9:42 AM

in reply to: #1657707

Folsom, CA (Sacramento Area)

Subject: RE: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

mrmcmasty - 2008-09-08 7:31 AM

Thanks for the feedback!

72-73 isn't really that bad and it should take just a few seconds for your body to get used to it specially with a wet suit on. Your reaction may be more mental than physical. In a race situation all you have to do is warm up a few minutes before start time (even if it is side swimming) and you will be ok. In a work out situation, just get in and start splashing around. Force your body to calm down and your heart rate to slow down and then start swimming.

good luck in your race

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E=H2O

2008-09-08 12:08 PM

in reply to: #1657618

Master

1325

Lake Oswego, OR

Subject: RE: Swimming how to get started when it's cold

I always splash cold water on my face and neck, my arm pits and groin right before I get in. This seems to prepare my body for the sudden change of temperature. The other side of the coin is the mental aspect. No matter what the actual temperature is, how you respond also has a lot to do with your mental attitude. Get in cold water (whatever that means to you) repeatedly and develop conifdence that you can handle it.

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McFuzz

2008-09-08 1:04 PM

in reply to: #1657618