KC swimming

I don't know anything about those pools but I go to 24 HR Fitness in Shawnee and it really is pretty good.

As far as learning to swim, take my advice for what it's worth but I was a lot like you about 2 years ago. I didn't do anything special. I just started going to the pool and would keep trying. I literally could only go about 15 yards at first (despite being a 3:15 marathoner) and it was frustrating. I couldn't get the breathing down right but then all of a sudden it just worked. Don't get me wrong, it was the result of practicing trying to breath and finally my body just figured out how to do it. Now I swim fine. Still way too freaking slowly, but fine.

Not sure if this helps but figured I'd throw it out there. You can do it!

Healthridge has private lessons available, although I don't know if they actively promote them. However, I'm sure if you inquire about it they will put you in touch with one of their two(?) instructors I've seen there. I've seen a wide range of ages do private lessons, from younger kids to older adults. I've swam in lanes next to these lessons and you have your own lane and its almost always one on one.

The Masters program has three practices a week but from what I can tell the format revolves more around doing a written workout and less about intensive stroke instruction, so this may not be your bet route - at least initially.

With that said, I used to teach/coach swimming and if you're ever in need of a lesson I'm always willing to help someone learn how to swim or improve their swimming should you join Healthridge.

Edited by Barkeep 2013-12-11 11:20 PM

There is a beginners swimming workshop/class through Sylvester Powell in Mission. They also have a "tri fit" clinic that meets on Saturday mornings. This class is geared toward very new swimmers. My wife is doing her first Tri this year and she's never swam in her life. She is going to do one of these.

Here's a link with some more info: http://www.sylvesterpowell.com/assets/999ef83114ff74905eccb6cfb8c16...

Personally, I swim at a local high school early in the AM. While there is no instruction, just going someplace and working at it would help (if you want more than what is in a weekly class). As was stated by another poster, I think part of swimming is just getting comfortable in the water. This can be a process.

If you look at some of the very basic tri programs (there are some free ones here) there is some basic instruction that (if applied) would help a very new swimmer (one of them starts with swimming 12 or 25 yards, then resting 1 minute, repeat x number of times). Obviously, it progresses from there...but there are some plans that start at the very very basics.

I go to Prairie Life in Olathe. I typically do the masters class T/R at 7. Sometimes I end up doing the T/R morning class at 6. I know they also have a Saturday morning class (7 I think). They all revolve around doing a workout, not much swim instruction.

They also have some classes (SWIFT I think is the name) that are a little more stroke instruction from what I gather. I am sure there are also pirvate lessons if you want to inquire. There is also a tri class on Saturdays- never done this personally. Check the club schedule to see what classes are offered and the little blurb about the class- that may help.

I think like most things, just get in and do it. Improvement will come.

Not sure if price is an issue- may check out the cost to do these programs at different places as well. Some gyms include the classes and others are a pay as you go type thing.

Good luck!

x2 on Prairie Life. Quite a few triathletes swim there and the Tuesday/Thursday night masters swim group is friendly to beginners and has written workouts. AND masters swim is included in membership. Most other gyms charge $25-30 extra for masters swim. Prairie life also has Sat. morning Tri classes where they swim, bike then do run/strength. The guy who runs that has a swim background.

And there's also a monthly "business" meeting with the Tuesday/Thursday night masters group after the workout. Good times.

While I'm not a current member, the Jewish Community Center has a pretty solid masters program and turnout. They swim over lunch, which is sometimes problematic, but they do also have morning sessions (I believe). I also know they give individual lessons frequently. Indoor 25 yard pool and outdoor 50 meter pool in the summer (OHH 50M pool....)

-1 for Prairelife. Reece and Pete swim there.... (kidding, I'm looking at joining as well)

Thanks for all the information so far. I am going to check out Prarie Life sometime this weekend.

Update. Well I got my feet wet this week. Started private lessons this past Wednesday at Prairie Life in Olathe. Learned a ton. Practiced those drills again on my own Friday and just got hammered at a morning class today. Long LONG way to go. Hope everyone is getting some solid winter hours in.

Excellent. Did you do the tri class or masters swim this morning? A few of us swim masters Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:00 PM.

I attend the Prairie Life Center in Olathe and in the past swam at the Y in Olathe. For the first several months I just got into water and tried to improve my distance each time or each week I visited. You almost have to swim 3x a week to start building and seeing any improvements but it will come slowly. I got some good videos/DVD (Total Immersion I believe) at Johnson County library which will help you learn balance and stream lining through the water.

Tri class. I'm a LONG way from hanging with the Masters class.

New to the forum - but appreciate knowing all of this information exists!

I have completed two sprint distance triathlons - the first was 2013 Shawnee Mission on a mountain bike and the 2nd was the Naples HITS triathlon in early January 2014 on a rented aluminum road bike (huge difference over mountain bike).

So now I am HOOKED! I am a very strong swimmer having competed when I was a youngster - I was able to pick it right back up. Would like some guidance on biking (equipment, type of training, etc.) and running. I would like to get faster in each of those portions of the tri. Also does anyone do group training in the spring/summer - would love to be a part of that. I live out in Olathe.

Thanks!

Mike

There are a handful of us that are in Olathe and Southern JoCo that do group rides and runs (sometimes open water swims when we get a chance). Depending on what races you are doing, often there are groups that meet to train on the courses. I know last year several of us met to ride/run the SM Park Course, Ironman KS course, as well as the courses out by longview lake.

I know in the summer some of us have more flexible schedules and try to get some rides in during the week. Others meet up on evenings and weekends. When it gets nicer out, watch the forum for planned outings.