I am looking at doing my first Triatholon this June. I am a good runner and cyclist. Trying to get back into swimming. I am a decent swimmer. I just started swimming again last week after a few years off. Just put up another thread in the workout thread asking for a good workout routine. Anyway I just wanted some advice on open water swimming and group swimming if anybody has any. I am pretty good in the pool but have never really swam open water or in big packs like you would in a triatholon. I believe the swim portion of the Tri will be in a fresh water lake. If anyone has any advice and knows about Triatholons feel free to offer some advice. I would appreciate it.
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Former Member
If you are going to be wearing a wetsuit in the swim portion (which is allowed up some water temperature) you need to practice swimming in the suit. Like salt water, it changes the way you swim.
Someone mentioned swimming with your eyes closed, which is a really good idea. I was going to say try swimming without your goggles or practice fixing your goggles, because it is likely that they will get messed up in the mass start.
Another thing that seems to freak people out at the start/finish is weeds in the water. It's not too bad with a wetsuit on, but it can be kind of creepy when slimy stuff seems to wrap around your legs or ankles. (Okay maybe that's just me).
If you are going to be wearing a wetsuit in the swim portion (which is allowed up some water temperature) you need to practice swimming in the suit. Like salt water, it changes the way you swim.
Someone mentioned swimming with your eyes closed, which is a really good idea. I was going to say try swimming without your goggles or practice fixing your goggles, because it is likely that they will get messed up in the mass start.
Another thing that seems to freak people out at the start/finish is weeds in the water. It's not too bad with a wetsuit on, but it can be kind of creepy when slimy stuff seems to wrap around your legs or ankles. (Okay maybe that's just me).
