General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How long would it take? Rss Feed  
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2011-03-03 5:19 AM


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Subject: How long would it take?
Hello everyone,
I'm a 20 years old guy. I used to be a cyclist but about 5 months ago I decided to try my chances in triathlon. I wasn't a competent swimmer and I'm still not. I've learned swimming as a child but 5 months ago local coach decided that in fact I'm a terrible swimmer and I should take lessons. So I did and it was well worth it. I attended to that swim class for 2 months and after that he said you're ok now, go train. I found a workout schedule for triathlons and started training with it alongside my cycling training. 
I asked that coach how long would it take for me to be able to swim 4 kilometre and he said it would take at least a year. I achieved that in 3 months so I'm not going to count on his estimations from now on. Anyway, albeit I'm training for an Ironman, I would still like to have a fast 1500 swim. I'm swimming 1.5 km in 29 minutes now. (Horrible I know) However I have 2 goals on that for the future. Firstly, I would like to achieve to swim it in 25 minutes, then in 20 minutes. I swim 4 times a week, at least 3 km in one session. 
My PBs are;
50m: 37 secs
100M: 1:35
200M: 3:30
400M: 7:20 (It's been a month since I tried this, so I expect a few second improvement)
So here is the question. How long do you reckon will it take to reach those 1.5 km in 25 mins and 1.5 km in 20 mins landmarks. Is it possible to achieve both in 2 years or am I being overly optimistic?
Thank you very much in advance.


2011-03-03 9:25 AM
in reply to: #3380494

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Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: How long would it take?
It's possible in two years, sure.  Swim a lot.  Swim with those who are somewhat faster than you and will push you.  Some additional coaching would be helpful too.  At your current rate, I have no doubt you can get under 25min.  Getting to 20min may take more commitment.  How much more depends, though, as some people just progress faster/slower than others.
2011-03-03 9:31 AM
in reply to: #3380494

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Eastern WA
Subject: RE: How long would it take?
if you forget about the time goals and just focus on getting more efficient in the water, and enjoying swimming, then the times will drop, and i think they will drop faster than two years if you swim 12k-15k a week
2011-03-03 9:31 AM
in reply to: #3380494

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Expert
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Chugiak, Alaska
Subject: RE: How long would it take?
If you can nail down your form - sure its possible.  I would suggest more lessons to get as efficient as possible. Once your stroke is there then swim lots and you will have to push yourself quite a bit. But yeah you could do it with lots of sets and little rest!
2011-03-04 2:52 AM
in reply to: #3380494


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Subject: RE: How long would it take?

Thank you all for your motivating comments. I'll focus on my stroke and form. I'll find a better instructor and learn more about swimming technique.

2011-03-04 5:46 AM
in reply to: #3380494

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Subject: RE: How long would it take?
I have only been swimming for about 6 months now and have gone from not being able to do the freestyle stroke for more than a few pool lengths to swimming 1500 meters under 30 minutes.  My PB in the pool is 26:05.  I have found that I made huge progress untill I got my time under 30 minutes.  Ever since then I have kind of plateaued.  It sounds to me like you are swimming quite well for a newer swimmer though.  I think as already mentioned, you really need to focus in on form.  do stroke drills, spend a lot of laps just going slow and focusing on form.  Good luck!


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