First tri swimming question

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First tri swimming question Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2004-02-10 4:55 PM

Member
38
25
Denver, CO
Subject: First tri swimming question
I have read somewhere on this site that 1st time tri competetors should stay to the back of the pack (for the swim) on their first tri. I jsut read about the trials & tribulations of being back there and the abuse you can receive back there. My question is what times are the faster swimmers posting on the swim portion? Or a better question might be that right now I'm at about 25 minutes for 1500 meters, where should I put myself for the swim?

Thanks all!

2004-02-10 9:59 PM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Central Louisiana
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question

I attended a swim clinic last spring for triathletes.  The coach told us that we should line up to the outside left for the start on a clockwise course and to the outside right on a counter clockwise course and take the angle to the first buoy.  His theory was that if you are faster, you will have clean water going out and if you were slower you could fall in place after the start.  I have used this technique and it has worked well for me and other triathletes I know use the same approach.  My 2 cents!

2004-02-10 10:16 PM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Expert
644
50010025
Evansville, IN
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
good advice Michael, thanks for the tip. Makes perfect sense to me.
2004-02-10 10:19 PM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Master
1494
1000100100100100252525
Kingston Ontario
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
I remember doing what Michael said during my first tri, and it worked well. I didn't get whacked, and I had lots of space and less wave action.
JB
2004-02-10 10:38 PM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Expert
636
50010025
Torrington,CT
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
You know the only thing I'm really nervous about is the swim. I hear such horror stories. I like the advice about staying on the outside. That is what I'll try for my first outdoor tri.
Thanks for the good advice.
Evelyn
2004-02-13 2:56 PM
in reply to: #6762

Member
38
25
Denver, CO
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
Thanks Michael, I'll give it a tri (sorry had do it)

2004-02-13 8:04 PM
in reply to: #6762

Subject: RE: First tri swimming question

Thanks Michael for explaining this a little better than things I have read about the start. As simple as it is, and as obvious as I should think of it (!) swimming toward the first buoy was not in my brain when starting from the outside. Makes so much sense, but I just sort of swam forward rather than at that more advantageous angle. I will definitely be trying this.

Nancy

2004-02-14 12:44 AM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Central Louisiana
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
At the swim clinic the coach/teacher was giving some statistics about how the distance wasn't that much difference and that the clean water made it worth while.  I just like the fact that while everyone else is slugging it out, I am falling into my pace. 
2004-02-14 2:54 AM
in reply to: #6801

User image

Veteran
126
10025
Pittsburgh, PA
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
Thanks for the tip Michael!
2004-02-14 4:00 AM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Veteran
222
100100
SF East Bay
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
That sounds like a good plan on how not to get abused in the swim, I am gonna use it. Has anyone had their goggles knocked off and is it worth it wearing a 2nd pair just in case. I am blind enough w/o my glasses, no goggles would just kill me.
2004-02-16 12:31 AM
in reply to: #6762

Member
38
25
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
That is great advice from Micheal, just want to say "Watch it!" if it's an ocean swim and there is any kind of longshore drift, if this is the case (figure it out while warming up) becareful not to line yourself up to have to battle against the water i.e starting out far on the left or right and having to swim against it.
In some Ironman events they ask you to stand in groups for your estimated swim time, then you are in a group with others of similar ability, not for the short course though.


2004-02-16 8:01 AM
in reply to: #6801

User image

Resident Matriarch
N 43° 32.927 W 071° 24.431
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
great advice Michael! That's exactly how I've done it inthe past and it worked well every time.

2004-02-16 10:38 AM
in reply to: #6762

User image

Veteran
249
10010025
Lubbock, TX
Subject: RE: First tri swimming question
I would think that "open water" swimming (ie. lake or ocean) would be more difficult regardless of the other competitors merely for the fact that you are no longer swimming in a controlled enviroment. Things like currents, chop during a windy day, drift, or merely swimming of course(since there no lane lines) can all add to your swim distance. These are codntions you normally wouldn't have while swimming indoors with marked lanes protected with lane ropes. I also think that the "drafting" you experience indoors in a controlled lane is even less likely outdoors.

On the upside, you are more bouyant in salt water than fresh water.
2004-02-16 12:07 PM
in reply to: #6762

Subject: RE: First tri swimming question

The triathlons I swim in are in fresh water lakes -- so no additional bouancy for us!!

You are so right about all the differences between pool and open water swimming -- add to your list the need to "sight" for the markers, and no push form the end of the pool! Even this little bit of a push not only gives you a fraction more distance, but that miniscule rest you get at the turn is a huge help.

This is why it is so important to get some open water practice swims in before your race. I did not get nearly enough of these in last season, but plan to do a lot more this year.



Edited by Nancytris 2004-02-16 12:08 PM
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First tri swimming question Rss Feed