I don't know why, but when swimming in the lake, I get this somewhat claustic feeling about not getting enough breath. I am a pretty strong swimmer, and have no doubt I can finish the .5 miles in the triathlons I am doing (my second one to happen this Sunday), but I stop stroking and do a slow *** stroke just to calm myself. This would be OK, but I seem to need to do it quite often. I wonder if this is a problem for others? Granted I have not swum in open water very ofen, and with winter on its way I will probably put that off until late Spring.
Another question: At the end of the swim, as I am standing up to exit the water, I most often have a dizzy feeling and that I am going to fall over. Is this just something to live with? Or is something else going on?
I appreciate this forum and all the advice and help I have gotten in the past. Especially the tips for doing my first triathlon in June. I used ALL the tips, and they helped a lot.
Thanks,
Nancy
Parents
Former Member
Hi Nancy,
I was just thinking about you the other day -- wondering if you were still pursuing the triathlon dream!
As I mentioned before, open water is a very different swim experience than the pool. You could be reacting emotionally to the open water and making your breathing shallow. Tom's suggestion to make an effort to expel the air is a good one. Rather than think about taking more air in, think about pushing more air out. The increased intake will follow naturally.
Your beathing may also be the cause of your dizziness. I often felt a little lightheaded after the swim (I used to call trans 1 the "dizzy transition" and trans 2 the "wooden transition" -- built in excuses for why they were slow ;)) However, if you think there is any reason your dizziness could be medical -- check it out!
It's hard to swim in open water! There's a lot to think about: waves and other water conditions, other swimmers, sighting (the hardest thing, I think!) The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. Remember the mantra: Relax, stay focused, keep pushing! (also: whatever works!! that means take those breaststrokes as needed!)
Good luck with your race!
Kim
Hi Nancy,
I was just thinking about you the other day -- wondering if you were still pursuing the triathlon dream!
As I mentioned before, open water is a very different swim experience than the pool. You could be reacting emotionally to the open water and making your breathing shallow. Tom's suggestion to make an effort to expel the air is a good one. Rather than think about taking more air in, think about pushing more air out. The increased intake will follow naturally.
Your beathing may also be the cause of your dizziness. I often felt a little lightheaded after the swim (I used to call trans 1 the "dizzy transition" and trans 2 the "wooden transition" -- built in excuses for why they were slow ;)) However, if you think there is any reason your dizziness could be medical -- check it out!
It's hard to swim in open water! There's a lot to think about: waves and other water conditions, other swimmers, sighting (the hardest thing, I think!) The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. Remember the mantra: Relax, stay focused, keep pushing! (also: whatever works!! that means take those breaststrokes as needed!)
Good luck with your race!
Kim
