freaking out about the swim portion!

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2009-07-24 1:41 PM


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Subject: freaking out about the swim portion!
Hi, I am freaking out a bit (ok, a LOT!) about the swim portion of the NYC tri!  I've done 3 other sprint tris a few years ago in lakes and had bad panic attacks during the swim. I wound up thinking about turning back and floating on my back to calm down most of the swim, rather than just focusing on my stroke and going fast! 

I know most people freak out about the swim.  But I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to calm down and not let your mind get to this panic phase while you are mid swim.  My fear is that I will get so nervous and pass out and drown! This is so stupid and irrational, I know!  I could cry thinking about it, though. 

Can anyone tell me if the safety boats are close together? The tris I did, the next safety boat was pretty far away from the other, therefore, I'd panic until I got to the next boat.  Also, how far from the seawall is the lane?  I would feel safer knowing I am close to shore, even though I know the current is not as strong and things will be floating there.  Is there a way to swim right next to the seawall? Thanks!

I know I will get over this fear and get through it but I want to think about a strategy how to deal with the panic. I'd feel safer knowing that I can always be rescued or swim to shore if anything happened (which I know won't!)

2009-07-24 1:50 PM
in reply to: #2306229

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Subject: RE: freaking out about the swim portion!
#1 Have confidence in your ability to complete it
#2 Take your time (relaxed and smooth strokes)
#3 Position yourself accordingly (wait 10-15 seconds before you start; avoid the commotion)
#4 http://broadbandsports.com/node/23772/>
YOU CAN DO IT!
2009-07-24 2:14 PM
in reply to: #2306229

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Subject: RE: freaking out about the swim portion!
Ok, judging by your name...you are female, you will have the benefit of probably the most strong current of the day, that being said, there are two things to keep in mind, you cannot turnback, the current is too strong and you could probably not swim and float the whole swim in a half hour max, not taking one stroke. I assume you will be in a wetsuit, you virtually cannot sink in a wetsuit, it is against the laws of physics, wetsuits are buoyant and keep ypu on top of the water.

that being said, we are all nervous, but you will not find an more swimmer friendly swim in almost all of Triathlons. There will be peeps doing this swim in the same time it takes them to do a sprint swim.  Trust your abilities, swim YOUR race, whereever you feel more comfortable, and in 20-30 something minutes it will be all done, and you will be on the way to your bike!!!

Most of all, relax and have fun, and think of the beer tent at the end, that is what i am going to do!!!

Good luck

2009-07-24 3:13 PM
in reply to: #2306229


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Subject: RE: freaking out about the swim portion!
Hi!

As everyone said the most important thing to do is be relaxed.  I'm a swimmer (just did my first triathlon) and my observation was that the slower more relaxed swimmers looked much safer than those thrashing about and building themselves into a frenzy.

I'll be a volunteer at the swim start for the NY tri so you can send me a message if you need any info after I've had my briefing tomorrow.

Best of luck!  After doing my first tri I realize that I'm very, very lucky I was a swimmer as a kid.  That said, I do have my own fear - the bike.

Edited by tritime1 2009-07-24 3:13 PM
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