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Beginner Triathlon

Nancy
Nancy Sendmail

Is this due-able? -Biathalon swimming question

posted 4 months ago | Report

Hi all,
I'm an avid runner and an aquatics instructor but NOT a swimmer. Right now I can comfortably swim ONE lap (25 meters) in the pool after class. I could do 50 m but I would be breathing heavy (which I don't mind, I'm just pointing it out.)
Exactly 4 weeks from now there is a biathalon 5k run, 1k swim. Do you think it's possible for me to get my swimming up to speed by then and be able to finish?
(I'm ran my 6th marathon in Dec and am also training for my 7th in late April on the side as well. No idea if this info is pertinent but I'll throw it out there.)

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  • Ryan
    Ryan Sendmail

    I'd say you could, but you'll have to reinvent how you swim. If you would be winded after 50m, then that tells me you are trying to power yourself through the water as opposed to learning how to streamline and move through it with as little resistance as possible.
    Check out the Total Immersion videos on youtube - specifically, search for 'total immersion perpetual motion freestyle'. It's a 6 part series of a lecture that explains the philosophy behind the TI system.
    While you wouldn't be able to completely master many of the nuances in 4 weeks, you could certainly pick up a few things (proper body rotation, exaggerating the stroke and slowing it down instead of frantically trying to windmill them in the water) that would go a long way to making a 1k distance possible.
    Note - I'm making a bunch of assumptions about your swim style simply based on the fact that after 50m you'd be winded. Those assumptions may be incorrect.

    posted 4 months ago | edited 4 months ago

  • Joe H.
    Joe H. Sendmail

    +1 on what ryan said. you can do it but you have to work on your form but defintiely think you can do it! good luck and have fun!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ryan
    Ryan Sendmail
    in reply to what Joe H. said:+1 on what ryan said. you can do it but you have to work on your form but defintiely think you can do it! good luck and have fun!

    I see on your profile you are a Rush fan. Friend request sent! :)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Alison P.
    Alison P. Sendmail

    Distance swimming is like running. Rather than going flat out you need to create a rythm that you can maintain. You need to establish what breathing pattern works for you....bi-lateral is probably best if you find this comfortable because if it turns out that the water is choppy (assuming it is open water swim) it is good to be comfortable breathing to either side so you can avoid water coming into your face if necessary. If it is an open water swim you need to be aiming to swim approximately 1.5 to 2k in the pool because it is quite a different medium.
    Best of Luck Nancy....go get 'em girl!!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Nancy
    Nancy Sendmail

    Thanks! I decided against it. Thinking about a Sprint distance tri in May now!

    posted 4 months ago

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