My wife and I did our first triathlon(sprint distance) yesterday. I gotta say, I am addicted. However, I freaked out a bit in my first open water swim(500 yds). I was able to calm myself down each time I became nervous but to be completely honest, the swim SUCKED! Ive always been a decent swimmer in the pool and found out saturday how different ow is. Only similarity was that I was wet on both occasions. I completely abandoned my pool technique and for all intensive purposes I dog paddled 500 yds. When I did freestyle, I swam with my head out of the water the whole time. Have any of you accomplished swimmers experienced this? I got nervous and let it ruin my swim. I found a new love in competing and would like to work up to an olympic/half ironman distance, but ive got to get past this unknown fear. Will this come with time and more ow training? Thank you guys a ton for any response.
Wes
Here is a recent thread on qualifying for OW swims in triathlons:
Triathletes should be certified by USMS (SCAQ) - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
I'm glad you discovered early the differences between pool and OW swimming. OW clinics for tris are ever more popular. If there is not one in your area, perhaps you could start one, or ask a local US Masters Swimming group if they offer one.
Here is a recent thread on qualifying for OW swims in triathlons:
Triathletes should be certified by USMS (SCAQ) - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
I'm glad you discovered early the differences between pool and OW swimming. OW clinics for tris are ever more popular. If there is not one in your area, perhaps you could start one, or ask a local US Masters Swimming group if they offer one.
