Concerned about first triathlon on Sunday (Page 2)

Judith,
Chances are good that you can do it, however you need to be aware that OWS is a much different animal than pool swimming.  And a Tri swim is really a different animal than OWS.  OWS is swimming in a lake/pond/open body of water.  You may or may not see the bottom of the swim area, that can freak you out. 

A Tri swim with 30-100 of your "closest" buddies and pals, can get pretty crazy.  It is very easy to get kicked, hit, beat up without trying to be.  That in combo with not being able to the bottom of the lake, freaks a lot more people out.

If you can tread water, float or do the back stroke you should be fine.  Just know that taking your time, and relaxing should be enough to make it.  And that sounds like all you really want to do.

Good luck.

Do it. As long as you have a safety stroke to fall back on, this is exactly the kind of tri for newcomers. I'm sure you'll find it much more supportive than some of the comments on this thread.

I did my first 3 OWS's w/o training in the open water. All I could/did do was breaststroke in the pool, for no longer than the distance of the race (400m). I have no swimming background, I totally freaked out in the water, felt like I couldn't breathe, kept my head out of the water most the time, etc. etc. etc. Not only did I finish, but I was far from last. I barely had a lifeguard ask if I was okay, but had I needed them they were right there. I see no way in which you are endangering yourself or anyone else here. It might not be fun, but it's a short part of the race. You'll make it. Come on, I really wanna read your first race report! A kinda sucky swim will be the last thing on your mind when you cross that finish line!

Some practical tips: get in the water beforehand if you can to warm up and quell any fears. Get comfy with your head under the cold water.  Start out in the back/towards the side and don't let the excitement of the race cause you to bust out of the gates too hard. Have a great time on the bike and the run, bask in the glory of your finish, and then go train in the open water before your next race.

Good luck!  

why do people feel the need to put words in my mouth? I said what I meant and meant what I said. I won't state the obvious, but there are more serious ramifications than a DNF.

Being supportive  has nothing to do with it.

That second line is just absurd.

That's it tho, I give up. Some people just don't get it. Never will.

Your swimming volume and frequency to date haven't been great, but there is one thing to consider and that's the race itself. It's a Danskin. These races are known for having exemplary support, particularly in the water. They even have Swim Angels. Swim angels don't provide assistance, but they do provide encouragement and support in the water. Danskin also makes flotation devices available in case their needed ( although this would disqualify you from official standing as a finisher if they're following USAT rules).

For many races, I'd probably go along with rollinbones and say that not starting would be a viable option but given that it's a Danskin I'd advise that you consider giving it a shot.

If I have questions about my ability to run I know I can walk, If I have questions about my ability to ride I know I can push, If I have questions about my ability to swim I don’t swim. 

Gogga,

It's a tough call.  From what I hear, Danskin takes extra efforts to make first-time triathletes comfortable and successful.  That's good, but consider it this way.

When you enter the water, YOU are responsible for your safety.  Yes, they have lifeguards (I've been lifeguard trained for almost 30 years now, worked as a lifeguard in HS/college), but they may have hundreds of swimmers too. 

If you are comfortable keeping yourself safe during the swim (can calm yourself down, comfortable "floating" on your back with lots of splashing and waves rocking you around) then participate in the race.  If you do, focus on swimming slowly (it's real easy to try going too fast) and keeping calm.  Otherwise, don't take the chance until you've trained specifically for the race. 

The best two outcomes are you finish having a great time and are hooked for life or you finish/DNF with such a miserable experience you vow never to do it again.  As dismal as the second-best outcome is, the remaining outcomes are a lot worse. 

so.. inquiring minds want to know....

did you do the race?