Staying On Course

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2009-06-22 9:34 PM

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Indianapolis
Subject: Staying On Course
Did my first OWS at Eagle Creek this last weekend and though the event was great, I nearly got lost in the swim.  I've only trained in a pool and previous tri was Carmel in a pool.  For some reason I didn't think staying on course would be a big deal and didn't even think to visualize, strategize, nothing.  I eventually ended up on the far left boundary at the first right turn where a spotter told me to "turn right".  I nearly hit 56th st!

Anyway, i'm curious if anyone has any rules of thumb, or simple strategies I can employ for my next OWS race which is next month in Minnesota.  Can we swim in Eagle Creek to train to get used to this?  Any help is appreciated...

nryan63

2009-06-23 8:30 AM
in reply to: #2235802

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Muncie, IN
Subject: RE: Staying On Course
I always have an escort when I swim open water just in case there's a problem and because it's hard for boat drivers to see swimmers.  I don't know if you can OWS in Eagle Creek.  I just find something on the shore or something that's not moving and keep swimming toward it until I need to make a turn or adjust my positioning.  I only breathe on my right, so sometimes this presents a problem.  It IS worth your time to stop for a moment and get a good look at a landmark if you think you're swimming off course.  A few seconds in an OWS is not really going to matter, but swimming 100's of extra yards because you went off course will matter.
2009-06-24 9:06 PM
in reply to: #2235802

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Apex, NC
Subject: RE: Staying On Course
I phoned Eagle Creek last summer and was told that distance swimming like we're looking for is not an option.  If anyone has different info I'd be interested since I live very close.

As for sighting, I am dangerous with 3 races under my belt.  I will say though that I have practiced sighting in the pool and I think it has helped.  After a similar experience at one of the Eagle Creek races last summer I began to practice lifting my my head and sighting two or three times per lap in the pool.  After practicing this my next race, an olympic with an OWS, went much better,
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