Todd's Tri Turtles - (Beginners, Sprint, 5K, 10K) - CLOSED (Page 5)

Scrolled through these and noticed a lot of people fairly green to swimming, but didn't notice if anyone had posted the link to the 0-to-1650 in six weeks site: http://ruthkazez.com/ZeroTo1mile.html

It's probably the best site for beginner workouts. You'll see a lot of references to it on this web site. The first set of workouts does exactly what it says, gets a person from not swimming regularly to swimming a mile in six weeks. I've done it as have many others. It really works!

I swim a lot and think that a triathlete needs to be able to swim a mile, even if their event is only a sprint of 400 yards. Open water is very different from a pool - the lack of a stripe on the bottom makes it hard to swim straight, so the distance may be marked as 400 but you'll really swim like 500 or more.

Also, if you can swim a mile, you'll have a lot more confidence that you can conquer the shorter distance, and confidence is very important.

Hey Rennay! I'm a Dietetics student too! Love your blog

Corbet, be careful with taking to open water to soon, especially a river becuase they have currents, even if you can't see it.  I would say to make sure you are comfortable in your ability, and I will never suggest open water swimming by yourself.  If you are open water swimming you need to have someone with you.  As far a water temp. is right to start swimming without a wetsuit is relative to each individual and alot of times the location they live.  I'm from Texas and therefore not very use to cold weather, therefore I'm not crazy about cold water.  I can tell you that one tri I did without a wetsuit the water temp was 65 on race morning and I did it without one.  It took my breath away for the first 100 but was only a 500 yard swim.  I can tell you if it was a longer swim I would have wanted a wetsuit on.  Like I said, you will get different temps from everyone, but I think wetsuit rules are a pretty good mark for most people:

• Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76.1  degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) or colder.

• Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 83.8 degrees  Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius).

• Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures between 76.1  degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) and 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8  degrees Celsius) will not be eligible for Age Group awards, including World  Championship slots or Rolldown slots.

Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman-70.3/racine/athletes/faqs.aspx#ixzz2Snbwyif7

I just finished a beginner swim class in April and the verdict is that I need remedial beginners swimming (I have to laugh at this to keep motivated ). The next class at my pool doesnt start until May 20th. I was trying to just practice what we learned, but I'm getting no where fast. Glad to hear that a private lesson helped. Off to research if that's an option and cost...

Oh, and thanks for the links to ruthkazez. Good stuff!

Thanks! 3 x week is what I'm committed to. I will learn how to swim and swim well! {<--on repeat in my head}

Dawn, I also found this to help me pass the time and enjoy swimming a little more.

H20 Audio - You just pop your I-Pod Suffle inside it, attach it to your googles and swim to your favorite songs.  I can tell you that it really helped me stay motiviated in the pool.

OK, need some advice.

The Aquatics woman from the YMCA e-mail me back to let me know that they will not be offering a 7-week group stroke clinic due to lack of interest. She did offer me (3) 30 minute private lessons for the same price as the clinic ($65). The lessons are usually $30 for 30min so I guess I am getting a deal.

She said they may offer the clinic again over the summer. I guess I am do the 3 lessons and then strike out on my own. What do you guys think?

I definitely have the time to practice, even if I have to get to the pool at 5am. I suppose I can learn enough in the 3 lessons and then some self study to sat least get the basic technique down. If its a total bust I'm only out $65.

Mike and Jason, lessons are a great place to start, you'll get heaps of tips and info and analysis of your technique. It also gives you that bit of extra push to get in the water and practice! 

I'm hoping to find an adult swim class local to me, even though I've been swimming for years I feel I need someone knowledgable to look at what I do and tell me how to do it better. We're always learning and developing.

Oooo! That's niiice!