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How to prepare for a Triathlon - Part 1 : The Swim

Cirencester (UK) 8 May 2013  -  The first portion of the triathlon, the 1500 meter swim, is traditionally held in open water. Apart from the distance (60 lengths in a 25 meter swimming pool) there are other factors to take into consideration: the temperature of the water, the state of the water and swimming in a crowd.

Even at the end of the summer the lakes in the UK can be pretty chilly. Keeping warm in the cold water will use up the body’s energy. Swimmers will need a reserve and their training plan should be designed for this. Also, the triathlon might take place on a windy day; swimming in choppy water conditions will slow swimmers down and they will have to make sure their stroke technique is still efficient under these conditions. Finally there is swimming in a crowd. The anxiety at the start line will cause some pushing, shoving and splashing, something that a swimmer can anticipate on in his race strategy.

On the internet there are hundreds of instructional videos and training plans, created for the Olympic triathlon swim. Key points are start training early to build up stamina and work on an efficient stroke and body position in the water. At the base of this lies training the mental state: relax in the water and do not panic. Stay focussed and be positive, convince yourself that you can do this.

Source: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com

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