A swimming question??

[Leanne]

I know all this stuff is about running, but it is TRI and run, right? Is a swimming question ok?
My hubby and I are brand new to this world of sport, and completed our first give-it-a-tri this summer. We have three planned for this year (2 GT and one sprint) My running is getting better (I'm up to 7k) my cycling is ok (I have nothing but hills to train on!!) but as much as I love to swim, I can't seem to get any faster. And as I found out my first time training in open water (Lake Ontario to be exact!!) my time there is much slower than in the pool.

I would love to hear any suggestions you might have for improving my swim time. I can currently do 1000m in about 24 minutes.

Thanks!!

[Sandy]

Hey Leanne,

Congratulations on becoming a triathlete and yes swimming questions are more than welcome.  BTW 24 mins for 1000m is a pretty respectable time.  To improve your swim for the open water there are a couple of things you can do.  #1. have a triathlete assess your swim style as swimming for swimming and for triathlons are different in that triathletes kick less to save the legs for the bike and run.  This makes form much more important as in time spent on your side in the roll, balance of the body upper to lower. 
#2. Total Immersion has some great drills for triathletes and you can pick up either a book or DVD to help you out.  I found the most helpful one was Pressing your Bouy.  This drill teaches you to press your chest down which pops your butt and heels up so you aren't dragging your lower body through the water.
#3. This one is for spring....get into the water for some swimming.  We have a group that goes to Roblin Lake once it warms up to do some open water swims which can be very helpful in getting comfy in the water.

Hopefully some of our triathletes will pop in and give you some other tips!

Good luck and happy swimming!

[Leanne]

Thanks Sandy, I'll take you up on that group swim thing. Where is Roblin Lake? I figure any lake has to be better to swim in than Lake Ontario. I swear, it felt like there were 10ft swells the day of our race!! My husband compared it to being stranded from a shipwreck. All you could see were waves and heads bobbing in the water!!!
He actually got the TI swimming book and DVD because he had to teach himself to swim in 5 months. (I was SO proud of him!) I never really looked at it because I've always been a swimmer and just needed to get back into it. And its funny you mention kicking less to save the legs for the run and bike...I just do it that way because I'm lazy!! Never thought it would actually be beneficial!!

I will check out the drills and check back here...

I am loving this new way of life!! Just did it to try and motivate myself to lose weight...never thought I would actually ENJOY it!!!

[Jon]

Hi Leanne,

First, as a fellow triathlete, let me say I am thrilled to see a non run specific question on the forum!!! 

As for swim improvement, from my experience two things have been the biggest factor: 1. TIME 2. TECHNIQUE
The first one is easy (sometimes frustrating, but....) Just be consistent in training and try to get in the pool 3-5 times a week.  Better to do 3x20min than 1x60' session.
Second, TI is a great teaching tool - definitely worth a look.  I would also recommend going on You Tube a doing a search for 'proper freestyle technique' or 'Grant Hackett swimming'.  I am a visual learner and watching underwater footage of a great stroke really helped give me something to think about in training.  When in the pool, it may be helpful to stop whenever you feel tired or your mind wandering... better to be fresh and do shorter sets, so that you can practice good form, and not poor or tired form.

Well, thats my 2 cents on swimming -the good news is, its in many ways the least important of the 3 disciplines, so don't stress if your feeling a little slow in the water, it just means there will be more people for you to pass on the bike and run!!   
All the best with your training, you have entered into a great sport and if you stay with it, you will reap many benefits!  Don't be shy to ask a 'tri' question...your not alone 
Cheers,
Jon

[Leanne]

Oh to dream of swimming 3-5 times a week!! Alas my schedule does not permit, which is why at this point I probably won't ever do more than a sprint! But thanks for the other suggestions for technique. I'll fire up the ol' dial up and see what I can find! And if swimming is the least important, I'm doomed. I won't be able to catch up to anyone til the run....how about starting up a duathlon that's swim run swim. Or run swim run. Leave those crazy bikes out all together!!!

[Jane]

I think they have one don't they?  Or was it swim bike swim?  Or bike swim bike? 

[patti]

I would be so with you Leanne for a Swim, Run Swim.  I hate the bike!!!

patti

[Jon]

"I would be so with you Leanne for a Swim, Run Swim.  I hate the bike!!!

patti"

_________

Ladies, I can't believe my eyes!  I won't lie to you, it pains me to read such silly talk, but I won't hold it against you..at least I'll try not too!!    Seriously though, what's wrong with the bike?  Its the only event of the 3 that you can coast (do nothing) and still make progress.  I guess the traffic might be a safety concern, but I find most races are well marked and taken care of.  Really if there is anything I can do to help sway you to at least not hating the bike let me know, and I'll try 

Cheers.

[Leanne]

Ah Jon...just like my hubby. He is a cyclist at heart. 
 I suppose I don't hate the bike, but I certainly can't 'coast' through that portion as you suggest. I think because it is the one part that involves me propelling something other than my own body, I feel a little less in control. Plus, I'm a little bit chicken when it comes to the speed thing. 

But not to worry....I love the concept of the TRIathlon, so I am trying hard to learn to love my bike. (but Patti, if you hear of a swim run swim, you let me know!!! )

[Jon]

Leanne,

Glad to hear it.  I haven't figured out how to coast through the whole bike thing either, but it is a nice feeling when your going down a nice hill, to be making progress and not really having to work for it. 

I'll have to sort that Patty out sometime..she should not be spreading such unwarranted hate 

Cheers.