Sprint Triathlon Swim

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2008-10-05 12:01 PM


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Subject: Sprint Triathlon Swim

Hello All,

 I am training to do my first sprint triathlon in 2 months. My biggest worry as I train is that although I am a very strong swimmer, freestyle has never been a comfortable stroke for me. Is it totally absurd to think that I could swim the .5 mile with a very strong and speedy breaststroke?

Thanks for the help!

 

2008-10-05 12:09 PM
in reply to: #1719140

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Swim
Very strong and speedy breast stroke?  Why not?!  Go for it!  If the race is in a pool, like many Sprints I've been to, you can WALK the swim if you want. 
2008-10-05 12:24 PM
in reply to: #1719140

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Pro
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Norwalk, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Swim
whatever gets you to the end, just don't be like the guys i had in the last race i did and swim the breast stroke in the middle of the pack, i got kicked at least 3 times by breaststrokers as i tried to pass, stay to the outside so you don't kick anyone, that would be the polite thing to do, good luck in your first race!!!
2008-10-05 12:30 PM
in reply to: #1719140

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Champion
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Brandon, MS
Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Swim
Perfectly ok.  Just start toward the back if it's a pool swim and to the outside of your wave if it's a mass start in a lake.  You don't have to start there, but it would be a courteous thing to do.
2008-10-05 12:41 PM
in reply to: #1719140

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Expert
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Brookings South Dakota
Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Swim
Whichever is faster and more comfortable for you, go for it.
2008-10-05 3:19 PM
in reply to: #1719140

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Master
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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Swim

I think the american record for 100 yard breaststroke is under 59 seconds. If only I could still swim freestyle that fast.  :-)

Triathlons, as best as I can tell, are not just about how long your swim takes, but also about how much energy you have coming out of the water for the rest of the race. I think your answer lies within that analysis. 

2008-10-05 9:49 PM
in reply to: #1719140

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Master
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Canandaigua
Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Swim

Its Ok to do breast stoke.  The only problem is that the primary movers of breast stroke is you legs.   I would think that you may suffer on the bike and run.  Nice thing about freestyle can save the legs.  If you use a wetsuit you can basically just let your legs drag and steer.  

I would do my best to learn and become better at your freestyle.  If you are in the middle of the crowd you better learn to dinrk a lot of water.  

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