I did it! I actually got in the pool and swam. It wasn't pretty, but it was better than staying home and thinking about how much I need to do some swim training.
I went to the DeForest High School for their open swim, which runs from 7-9 every night. I spent about a half hour "warming up" by swimming around in the deep end, treading water, back floating, etc, waiting for a lane to open up. Once I got in a lane, I managed to swim 14 lengths (25 yards each), for a total of about .2 miles. Of course, I couldn't swim more than 2-3 lengths without stopping and I have a LOT to learn before I'll be comfortable swimming .25 mile in open water. Most of my laps were either freestyle or side stroke, and I think I did one lap of breast stroke in there too. I have NO IDEA how to do any of these strokes properly since I haven't had any instruction since I was a child, so I'm going to need to start hunting on the internet, reading books, and/or watching videos. I'm most comfortable and efficient with the side stroke right now, and next time I may just test myself to see how many lengths I can go without stopping so I have a baseline to work from. Then I can start working on my freestyle with the idea that if I get in "trouble" during the swim I can always resort to the side stroke.
I'm glad I got started. Now I just need to keep going there 2-3 times/week for the next 9 weeks. I'm thinking I'll try some open water swimming in Lake Wingra in about 6 weeks or so. Right now I'm not convinced I need a wetsuit for my first tri, but I'll start watching Ebay in case I can find a great deal.
3 days ago
6 comments:
Nice job Colin getting in the water.
Here's a good swim resource. There are som "free" video clips you may find useful. Many coaches use these techniques for swim training. http://www.totalimmersion.net/
for beginners, the wetsuit keeps you warm. if the water is cold, you'll want a wetsuit. if it is in the mid to upper 70's you can get away without it. 75 -74 and below, for me at least, and the suit is a must!
gotta start somewhere - good job.
First, just wanted to leave a note of thanks for the encouraging comments you've posted on my blog -- they're much appreciated!
Second, try getting in a couple of private lessons in the next couple of months before your sprint tri. There are a lot of coaches available in and around Madison. I've heard one of the best is Lynn at the East Side YMCA. You could also contact SBR Coaching in Verona (www.sbrcoaching.com)or Swimfast (www.swimfastmadison.com/home.htm), or Dick Pitman (www.usms.org/people/01RE7), who runs a master's class at Goodman Pool during the summer and the East YMCA during the winter. This is important, because if you swim w/o instruction, you're just reinforcing bad habits. You'll be really, really surprised at how a little form tweaking can result in easier, faster swimming, regardless of conditioning, etc.
And third, there's a group of us that meet every Wednesday night (and once in a while on the odd Saturday, etc.) at 5:45 at Lake Wingra near the shelter, just to the left of the beach looking out toward the lake. Feel free to join us!
Oh, and one more thing...I think you can also rent wetsuits from Fleetfeet. No need to buy if you're at all on the fence, but I'd rent one and swim in it a time or two before the race just to get a feel for it, too.
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