My running and cycling are, er, OK. But my swimming is a bit dodgy. So before the London tri I've decided to take some swimming lessons.
My question is... at this stage, should I work on improving breast stroke, which I can do, or learning front crawl, which I am hopeless at?!
I've heard swimming breaststroke in a wetsuit ain't ideal. Thanks
0 ·
Comments
it's all in the timing.
a few pointers from a decent coach and you'll be away.
just kidding!!
2 lengths!!!
We manage about 2000m's in the mornings and i seem to get out fairly fresh now as before i needed gas and air.
I only need to be able to do 750.
But that's 750 metres a. without stopping for a rest b. without pushing off every 25 metres and c. wearing a wetsuit which with my currently flab endowed torso renders it rather impossible to breathe.
oh and d. while getting kicked in the face by front crawling competitors, apparently.
And im sure you have'nt that much?!
Eeek!
So how do you swim in a straight line? Is it a closely guarded secret or something that happens by accident? Find someone good and hold on to their ankle with your teeth?
I had the same problem. In the beginning I was not able to do 50m crawl. Then I practiced with a pool buoy and focused on long stroke. I find swimming with the pool buoy is very similar to swimming with a wet suit. I hardly use my legs, someone told me I should just keep them relaxed, they will be required later.
Good news is you HAVE to use a wet suit in London tri (whatever the temperature will be like on that day). In other events wetsuits are not allowed if the water is too warm. In addition there is no current or tide in the dock, it's dead easy, just swimming along the rope. No sea lions, sharks, other big fish, very very easy and safe.
Then I read a book called Total Immersion by Terry Laughlin, this gave me a bit of idea about technique. There are master classes too.
Yes, I agree practice orientation. The water in the dock is quite dirty (very very deep green) and you usually can't see anything. Maybe look around every 50 strokes (but don't stop), there are big yellow ballons, this will help you.
Apparently there are lessons at my local pool, plan to give one a try next weekend.
My crawl technique definitely needs work.
Also practise open water not just for the sitting but it's a very different experience and that takes time to get used to.
Roger
I've seen many triathletes take 30 seconds or so out in the middle of the race to do breastroke.
No problem in a wetsuit if you get a thinner one in the legs to make them less buoyant.
Advantages are breathing every stroke is great for people with dodgy sinuses, sighting the shortest route is easier and getting into the slipstream of other competitors as they come by is easier.
We shouldn't be put off from competing just because we can't crawl.
Rob
to be able swim in a straight line with no problem. I finished the swim still feeling fresh and able to do a good bike, run, so if your crawl is not so good then I reckon it's good option.
I saw quite a few people with poor crawl technique exhust themselves and I can't imagine they had an easy time for the rest of the race. A few minutes are easily made up on the bike.
I would probably feel safer doing breaststroke given that I have only got a few months in which to learn a proper crawl technique.
I will just have to experiment a bit!
I hope my new road bike will save me a few mins... If I ever get used to the aggressive riding position. But that's another thread entirely.