terrible swimmer

is your swim in the pool?

Define bad.

Bad as in you can't go more than 50 yards without taking an exhaustion break or bad as in you are just slow but can do the distance?


Edited by sand101 2009-09-03 1:16 PM

Edited by lattemom 2009-09-03 1:29 PM

first and foremost, do not think of yourself as a terrible swimmer.  think of yourself as a swimmer, who is training to get stronger and faster.

how far are you swimming currently?  what stroke(s) are you the most comfortable with?

"my first olympic tri is the 27th and there's no way I'll get progressively better by then"  this is not true.  you have some time to at least get more comfortable in the water.  my suggestion would be to go to the pool 4-5 times a week for the next two weeks.  this may seem like a lot but the more often you are in the water, the better you will begin to feel about the swimming portion.  and do not put added pressure on yourself once you are swimming, relax and try to focus on smooth swimming.  even if each session is for 15 mins, its better than not getting in the water at all.

when it comes to race day, i would put yourself in the back of the wave and give yourself some room.  remember there will be people out on the water to make sure you stay safe.  also, if you get tired and need a break you can always roll on your back and float until you catch your breath.  i've also seen people hang onto the kayak/ canoe etc. and then continue swimming.  as long as you don't use the boat/canoe/kayak to push or propel yourself forward, its legal.  remember that you are doing this for charity and it is supposed to be an enjoyable experience and that YOU CAN DO IT.

Since you haven't started logging yet it is difficult to answer your question. Are you a slow swimmer? phobic about the water?  You still have time to practice and get in the OW if you haven't already done that.

What I can provide is moral support.  Two years ago, I couldn't put my face in the water without panicking.  Last year was my first tri season and I spent as much time on my back as doing freestyle to get through it. I never went past Sprints because I simply wasn't good enough or ready.  This year, I'm still slow as a turtle on land, but I have progressed to doing Olys and my first HIM using all freestyle and actually NOT panicking in OW. I usually start at the back of my wave on the outside of the group.  I swim a little more as a result, but the water is cleaner and that helps me settle down.

You can get a lot better in a short amount of time with practice, lessons and determination.  And yes it is common for swimming to be the hardest part of the triathlon for many, even those who do IMs.

I would recommend swimming as much as you can before the Tri.  I started out bad, slowly getting better, learning proper technique, not being in a rush and just learning swim somewhat relaxed.  The more I swim the better I am getting...which is obviously what should happen...and I find I can swim longer distances.

As above posts asked....is it an open water swim(OWS) or a pool swim?  My first will be in a pool on labor day and I chose this since my swimming is my weak link.  Good luck and hopefully the more experienced Triathletes on here can give more concrete advice!