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Beginner Triathlon

Melanee L.
Melanee L. Sendmail

EEEKKKK! There's something in the water!

posted about 1 year ago | Report

Hi Guys,

I just got back from my first open water swim and it was ALOT scarier than I thought it was going to be. I was prepared to feel scared when looking up from the middle of the lake and seeing how far from shore I was... that wan't the problem. I started having all of these irrational fears about sharks, alligators, underwater zombies, and plants that eat people. (Emphasis on irrational)

How do you all deal with the limited visibility underwater and the crazy thoughts (if you have them)? I was able to suck it up and do a few laps but the possibility of having a serious problem, like a panic attack, during the race with all the bodies around is seeming like something I need to proactively deal with. Any tips, tricks, or empathy are much appreciated!

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  • Rina M.PRO
    Rina M. Sendmail

    Normal reaction. First time I took my swimmer daughter to practice Open Water Swimming she got scared when she saw a crab! She kept at it and even did a 20k swim in a lake once. Won the event too!
    Number one: Never swim alone! You can find out by people who work at the beach,lake, pond, what is under the water or by googling for information. On race day, everyone will be swimming in the same water so no need to wonder what's under but what's around you.
    You'll get used to it!
    Happy Swimming!
    :+)

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Lauren S.
    Lauren S. Sendmail

    I dont think that you are having crazy thoughts. I do not do well in water like lakes, and oceans because of the same things you were thinking minus underwater zombies.. Mine would be all of the above and coming across some sort of human body part..No joke..I cant stand not to be able to see what Im swimming in or what is down there. I think Rina gave a good tip is to swim with someone.. They can help you calm down and maybe give you some tools to help when you have those types of moments

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Ingrid A.
    Ingrid A. Sendmail

    I feel that way too! A lot of us do and I think of the same creepy things you do. Lol! Swimming with at least one friend helps because you will be busy staying together and race day is sea of swimmers. It helps me to focus on my breathing and strokes so I can be done soon.

    posted about 1 year ago | edited about 1 year ago

  • PeneloperaePRO
    Peneloperae Sendmail

    Hi Melanee. You are not alone! I agree with the others in saying definitely never swim alone (that's just good sense no matter what your state of mind). During my first open water practice swim I basically hyperventilated due to the cold and then got into a panic with some "underwater" irrational fears! I decided that I obviously had some serious mental work to do. That was 10 years ago now (phew!) and I'm glad to say that it's a done deal. Interestingly, during a race there is usually too much else going on to fear the underwater "creatures" and "monsters". That being said, the thing I found really helpful was a suggestion made by Dave Scott (in his triathlon training book) - during the swim your only focus should be on good form, breathing in a relaxed manner on each stroke, and look up at the sky with each head turn. I also close my eyes as much as possible while my head is submerged and then focus on seeing the sky with each breath. The other thing I do is I prepare a catchy song to have in my head during the swim....I play it over and over in my mind and force myself to focus on it. Hope that helps. Oh, it is also very helpful to think of how this is a known silly thing we do with our minds in water - we are in it together and we can overcome it....no harm in being irrational sometimes....you can always do the backstroke and imagine you are in the pool!

    posted about 1 year ago

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