Subject: RE: Backstroke for a pool swim? Kaileydog1 - 2008-03-06 10:03 AM Hello - I will be doing my very first Tri Sprint this summer (my first race of any kind ever!) and the swim is the hardest part for me to get a handle on. A question for the experienced triathletes... what are your thoughts for doing the backstroke if the swim portion is in a pool (and any stroke is allowed)? Hey! Great job entering your first race! Yes, the backstroke will be done by people in the pool swim (and outdoor swims for that matter). It is a means of collecting your breath and settling down. It is not recommended, but it is certainly allowed. Just remember to breathe and calm down as much as possible. For what it's worth, in my first ever tri, I hyperventilated (nerves, going out too fast, not enough training, etc) about 100m into the 350m race. I flipped over and backstroked for about 30m to get my breathing and heartrate in check, then I was good to go. So, it is completely common. Practice a lot prior to the race, and see if you can't develop a rhythm. The main thing is to finish the swim safely. You will see people stopping and hanging onto the wall, breast-stroking, backstroking, etc. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Especially in the water. Relax, swim at YOUR pace, and don't be afraid to do whatever it takes to keep your head above water. Chris |