I was just approached to swim the 500 yd portion of a sprint tri in 5 weeks. I have never swam open water before. What are the things to look out for? How do you train it in the pool? If i'm shooting for 8 min 500 in open I need to average around 48 for my 50's... how much time will I lose by swiming open vs in the pool?
Thanks!
Tri relays are so much fun! If you can only train in a pool - I suggest practicing sighting by picking an object on the opposite side of the pool (like a starting block) and lift your head out of the water to find your object every 4-6 strokes. Do some free sets without flip turns (I do it like ***/fly turns but not pushing off the wall, hope that makes sense). Familiarize yourself with the race course, most races have a map on their websites. If you are going to have a mass start at the Tri, just be patient when they start the race, prepare to get bumped into. There will also be individuals who take it out super fast and then slow back down, some who draft but as the race progresses - things smooth out and you can get into a groove without too many people "bothering" you. For your first time (if you have the mass start), go where you feel comfortable or start at the side of the pack - less thrashing to deal with. If it is going to be sunny, wear metallized goggles to block the sun. Have a great time!!!
Tri relays are so much fun! If you can only train in a pool - I suggest practicing sighting by picking an object on the opposite side of the pool (like a starting block) and lift your head out of the water to find your object every 4-6 strokes. Do some free sets without flip turns (I do it like ***/fly turns but not pushing off the wall, hope that makes sense). Familiarize yourself with the race course, most races have a map on their websites. If you are going to have a mass start at the Tri, just be patient when they start the race, prepare to get bumped into. There will also be individuals who take it out super fast and then slow back down, some who draft but as the race progresses - things smooth out and you can get into a groove without too many people "bothering" you. For your first time (if you have the mass start), go where you feel comfortable or start at the side of the pack - less thrashing to deal with. If it is going to be sunny, wear metallized goggles to block the sun. Have a great time!!!
