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
WOW! What a group! Thanks to each of you for responding -- I feel that I have a bundle a information to work with, and more importantly, relieved that I am not an anomaly.
I am probably nervous about the open water swim (not really very cold water at this time of year) which causes stress and and I will work at your suggestions of calming myself mentally. I will definitely try to expel all the old air -- I think that may be a very good tip for me -- and keep my breathing rhythm similar to my pool swims. I think I may be trying to breath too soon and not in synch with my stroke. And of course will be working at swimming more often in open water. I do not do flip turns, so get the benefit from those mini rests that make a big difference in comfort level.
The dizzy thing -- I actually don't think I drink much water before my swims and will see if hydrating more will help. (and hope I don't fall splat at the finish line!!):eek:
Thanks for the thoughts again Kim -- I like the "whatever works thing" and will tuck that under my cap each swim. And indeed, I have become hooked on triathlons and am sorry that there are no more in my area after this weekend.
Thanks again to each and all of you. I'm glad you are there;)
Nancy
WOW! What a group! Thanks to each of you for responding -- I feel that I have a bundle a information to work with, and more importantly, relieved that I am not an anomaly.
I am probably nervous about the open water swim (not really very cold water at this time of year) which causes stress and and I will work at your suggestions of calming myself mentally. I will definitely try to expel all the old air -- I think that may be a very good tip for me -- and keep my breathing rhythm similar to my pool swims. I think I may be trying to breath too soon and not in synch with my stroke. And of course will be working at swimming more often in open water. I do not do flip turns, so get the benefit from those mini rests that make a big difference in comfort level.
The dizzy thing -- I actually don't think I drink much water before my swims and will see if hydrating more will help. (and hope I don't fall splat at the finish line!!):eek:
Thanks for the thoughts again Kim -- I like the "whatever works thing" and will tuck that under my cap each swim. And indeed, I have become hooked on triathlons and am sorry that there are no more in my area after this weekend.
Thanks again to each and all of you. I'm glad you are there;)
Nancy
