No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?

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2010-02-07 4:04 PM

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Russell, KS
Subject: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
I recently moved to a little town in Kansas where the only pool within 30 miles is an outdoor pool run by the city. It does not open until Memorial Day.

Here are the facts I have at hand:

1. I am heavily in debt and basically broke. I am going tri because I love it and it keeps my sanity.

2. There is another indoor pool in the local city hotel that is only 10 meters long, so basically not suitable for lap swimming. The fee is $35 just for the pool, which seems stupid to me since you can't do laps..but it is there.

3. I do have access to a weight room for $10 a month.

4. I'd like to do my first tri in mid June, but if this is not possible, then July.

I want to make the best of this that I can.

Is there anything outside of the pool I can do to prepare for the swim before the last weekend in May when the pool finally opens up?


2010-02-07 4:24 PM
in reply to: #2660032

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Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
It depends on your goals and swimming ability, but if you are just looking to complete a sprint distance triathlon and have decent swimming ability (you can swim 800-1000m without stopping relatively easily), then I wouldn't worry too much about the swim. You would probably be fine starting to swim when the outdoor pool opens so that you can just work on getting your feel for the water back. On the other hand, if you have trouble swimming the length of the pool or short distances, you may need to reevaluate your goals for this season.
2010-02-07 5:35 PM
in reply to: #2660032

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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
Well, apart from moving, there is a way to make the hotel pool work for you:
https://www.aquaveeonline.com/store/index.php?cPath=1

I haven't used it, but basically it is a bungie cord that you attach to the side of the pool so you can swim endlessly without moving ahead, making the pool act like an infinite pool.
2010-02-07 6:16 PM
in reply to: #2660032

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Montgomery, Tx
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?

look back at last years ironman in Kona and see the Sailor who trained for swimming mostly by doing weights.  Also, at my second job there is a guy who said he has not swam except for races in the last 3 years.  Pretty sure he only does sprints, but that is still pretty good.

2010-02-07 11:58 PM
in reply to: #2660032

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Elite
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Alturas, California
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
I drove 100 miles each way last year 2x per week for this reason.  I found a very expensive alternative to moving in my avitar.   If it were just a sprint I would say don't bother, but if training for an IM... with no swim history... that is another matter.
2010-02-08 6:11 AM
in reply to: #2660032

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Southern Ontario
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
grnidone - 2010-02-07 4:04 PM

2. There is another indoor pool in the local city hotel that is only 10 meters long, so basically not suitable for lap swimming. The fee is $35 just for the pool, which seems stupid to me since you can't do laps..but it is there.


Something to think about ... I did all my training last year for my HIM in a 15 meter pool.  Not the most wonderful way to do it - but it can be done.  I even did some workouts in a friend's backyard pool when my pool was closed down.

What is your swimming background?

Edited by Silver_wlf 2010-02-08 6:12 AM

2010-02-08 7:59 AM
in reply to: #2660032

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Champion
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Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
You live in TX water will warm up with weather. Is there a local lake/pond that you can swim in? We in MA often start open water swimming in May. I'm doing a HIM in TX in April. Can't you find a local place to do open water swimming this spring?
2010-02-08 8:11 AM
in reply to: #2660032

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Master
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Central Indiana
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
No idea if they are any good, but there are indoor swim training systems.

This one is about the cost of a dozen swim sessions at your local hotel's small pool-

http://www.haloswimtraining.com

Again- I have NO personal experience with it.  Just a thought for the land-locked triathlete.
2010-02-08 11:22 AM
in reply to: #2660032

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Russell, KS
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
>Live in Texas

Actually, no I moved from Texas to Kansas. A lot colder here.

The swim lines are something I never thought of. That might be a possibility to use in the hotel's pool until I can use the large pool in May.

I'm only doing Sprints, but I'm not a good swimmer at all, so it is something I need to practice.

I think I'll try the lines with the hotel's pool and then do the regular swim in the city pool.

THANK YOU...I can't tell you how much this helps me out!
2010-02-08 11:39 AM
in reply to: #2660032

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Ft Campbell, Kentucky
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
I just got my super swim pro in the mail. I am going to try it this weekend.

I only have a short 8-10 meter pool to swim in, so I figured I would try this.

I will post a review on it in a week or so.
2010-02-08 7:46 PM
in reply to: #2660032

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Expert
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: No Pool Until Memorial Day...What do I do?
Business travel ... the Kempenski at Munich Airport has a 17 meter pool and I've logged ....hmmmmm..... probably over a thousand laps in that pool during last two years. So maybe Munich is not in the company sales plan, but you get the point.

Also, Orlando in the plans? I did this Sara McLarty swim camp at National Training Center and it makes for a really, really nice break from cold Maryland (or Kansas) weather. And it will make you faster.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=194358&posts=2&start=1

Finally, maybe you could date a soldier from Fort Riley? Military bases usually have great rec facillities.

Good luck with your training.

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