Argh - swimming is NOT like riding a bike...
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Gotcha! Not up on the lingo yet
Westfields is what I am signed up for...
https://rev3tri.com/westfields/
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What I have been watching/reading has a focus on using arms more than legs to save them for the rest of the course... focusing on proper form for that reason. I didn’t drag my limp lower body or anything, just didn’t rely on my legs for propulsion just to see where I was at and what I could (or could not) do in the water. Totally a “test the waters” swim session. I’m not trying to argue, nor am I setting anything in stone, just trying to figure it all out as I go. I have never done a multi sport event like this before so it will for sure be a learning process for me.moonangel12 wrote: »
More pool time would be ideal, but not much of an option in this season of life, especially with my daughter’s reaction to chlorine. Homeschool mom of 4, my husband is gone 12 hours a day, in school, preaches, etc. so evening time is family time as we can get it and not where I can leave for a couple hours multiple times a week (nearest indoor pool is 30+ minutes away).Do more exercises in, not out of, the water. Don’t not kick them during the swim (esp since they keep help keep your hips up and swimming really is a fluid, rhythmic full body motion not a disconnected bottom vs upper bifurcation). Strengthen them if they’re weak.
Leg strength isn’t an issue, just trying to use them as little as possible... I don’t want to overcompensate my weak upper body by wasting lower body energy to keep me going, if that makes sense. I want to work on proper form, but also realize I am lacking in the strength department for that.
Not using them still a bad idea imo (& my master swim coach’s/former Olympian) but if you’re set on it good luck.
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I do water aerobics and increase speed as I go along.0
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moonangel12 wrote: »Leg strength isn’t an issue, just trying to use them as little as possible... I don’t want to overcompensate my weak upper body by wasting lower body energy to keep me going, if that makes sense. I want to work on proper form, but also realize I am lacking in the strength department for that.
A lot of improving your technique is about reducing drag. If you are not going to use your legs at all you might want to look into a leg buoy (I think someone posted one above?). Legs don't count for much of your total propulsion swimming but if they are sinking it will definitely increase your overall drag.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/blog/7-not-so-secret-ways-of-reducing-drag-in-your-freestyle-races
Also I know a lot of non-swimmers who don't have very good ankle flexibility which is important in swimming.
https://www.swimmingscience.net/ankle-swimming-flexibility/0 -
moonangel12 wrote: »
What I have been watching/reading has a focus on using arms more than legs to save them for the rest of the course... focusing on proper form for that reason. I didn’t drag my limp lower body or anything, just didn’t rely on my legs for propulsion just to see where I was at and what I could (or could not) do in the water. Totally a “test the waters” swim session. I’m not trying to argue, nor am I setting anything in stone, just trying to figure it all out as I go. I have never done a multi sport event like this before so it will for sure be a learning process for me.moonangel12 wrote: »
More pool time would be ideal, but not much of an option in this season of life, especially with my daughter’s reaction to chlorine. Homeschool mom of 4, my husband is gone 12 hours a day, in school, preaches, etc. so evening time is family time as we can get it and not where I can leave for a couple hours multiple times a week (nearest indoor pool is 30+ minutes away).Do more exercises in, not out of, the water. Don’t not kick them during the swim (esp since they keep help keep your hips up and swimming really is a fluid, rhythmic full body motion not a disconnected bottom vs upper bifurcation). Strengthen them if they’re weak.
Leg strength isn’t an issue, just trying to use them as little as possible... I don’t want to overcompensate my weak upper body by wasting lower body energy to keep me going, if that makes sense. I want to work on proper form, but also realize I am lacking in the strength department for that.
Not using them still a bad idea imo (& my master swim coach’s/former Olympian) but if you’re set on it good luck.
personally as an experienced triathlete - i think that is some of the most horrible advice that continues to perpetuate the tri world...if you want the pros swim (Andy Potts, Lucy Charles etc) - they kick for their entire swim - they don't focus on using arms more. <off my soap box>4 -
Then this is what I am posting here for! Evidently I haven’t been getting the best info (not sure where I saw/read it, but it made sense the way it was explained). Any videos you would recommend to watch for basics on form? I am not expecting to smash the swim leg between now and April, I just don’t want to embarrass myself
and unfortunately it will be with limited swim sessions, I am hoping to get to the pool every two weeks at least. Not ideal, but I can’t jeopardize my daughter’s airways, especially this time of year, so I will have to find creative times to go... 0 -
deannalfisher wrote: »moonangel12 wrote: »
What I have been watching/reading has a focus on using arms more than legs to save them for the rest of the course... focusing on proper form for that reason. I didn’t drag my limp lower body or anything, just didn’t rely on my legs for propulsion just to see where I was at and what I could (or could not) do in the water. Totally a “test the waters” swim session. I’m not trying to argue, nor am I setting anything in stone, just trying to figure it all out as I go. I have never done a multi sport event like this before so it will for sure be a learning process for me.moonangel12 wrote: »
More pool time would be ideal, but not much of an option in this season of life, especially with my daughter’s reaction to chlorine. Homeschool mom of 4, my husband is gone 12 hours a day, in school, preaches, etc. so evening time is family time as we can get it and not where I can leave for a couple hours multiple times a week (nearest indoor pool is 30+ minutes away).Do more exercises in, not out of, the water. Don’t not kick them during the swim (esp since they keep help keep your hips up and swimming really is a fluid, rhythmic full body motion not a disconnected bottom vs upper bifurcation). Strengthen them if they’re weak.
Leg strength isn’t an issue, just trying to use them as little as possible... I don’t want to overcompensate my weak upper body by wasting lower body energy to keep me going, if that makes sense. I want to work on proper form, but also realize I am lacking in the strength department for that.
Not using them still a bad idea imo (& my master swim coach’s/former Olympian) but if you’re set on it good luck.
personally as an experienced triathlete - i think that is some of the most horrible advice that continues to perpetuate the tri world...if you want the pros swim (Andy Potts, Lucy Charles etc) - they kick for their entire swim - they don't focus on using arms more. <off my soap box>
I agree completely. I think this myth has persisted because so many newbies are trying to soccer kick their way through the swim. Tri club leaders may find it easier to tell people not to kick rather than teach proper kick in a group setting. A correct kick and correct form will conserve energy rather than expend it.0 -
Maybe there are salt water pools in your area, they are usually more gentle on lungs, eyes, and skin. I believe LA Fitness uses them.
I'm in the no kick club mainly because I didn't have time to learn it and my natural technique threw off my rhythm and exhausted me. If I changed anything on my first tri it would have been to save my bike legs for running. I totally blew out my legs during the bike and it killed my run.
Yes! I found one, and was super excited at first! BUT, it’s 45 minutes away, $140/month for the family, and an annual contract
I don’t mind the cost or distance during the cold weather months, but once it warms up we will be on the river, not at an indoor pool.
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1) slow down
2) breathe every third stoke (so you alternate sides)
3) don't lift your head. do look forward underwater when not breathing. The waterline should be on your forehead above your goggles.1 -
That makes sense... I will see if I can channel my old stroke/form next time, maybe with that not being on my mind I won’t struggle quite as bad...I agree completely. I think this myth has persisted because so many newbies are trying to soccer kick their way through the swim. Tri club leaders may find it easier to tell people not to kick rather than teach proper kick in a group setting. A correct kick and correct form will conserve energy rather than expend it.0 -
I have been swimming for quite a while. What helps me is getting into a pattern of breathing. Your breathing in swimming should be just like your breathing in every day life. You should always either be breathing in or breathing out. LAT1963 recommended every 3rd stroke. I think that would be ideal for me, but for some reason, I always suck in water when I try to breath from the right side. So for me, I am always breathing every 2nd or 4th stroke. I often alternate between 2nd and 4th strokes during my swim depending on how I feel. There is no cookie-cutter answer. You just have to find what works best for you.
I'd like to ask a question if I may. I would like to break into the sprint triathlon scene too. I'm fine on the bike and in the water, but haven't done any running in 3+ years. Any training plan recommendations for the triathlon?0 -
Most of the Sprint Tris I looked at were 5ks so my first thought is a C25K program...I have been swimming for quite a while. What helps me is getting into a pattern of breathing. Your breathing in swimming should be just like your breathing in every day life. You should always either be breathing in or breathing out. LAT1963 recommended every 3rd stroke. I think that would be ideal for me, but for some reason, I always suck in water when I try to breath from the right side. So for me, I am always breathing every 2nd or 4th stroke. I often alternate between 2nd and 4th strokes during my swim depending on how I feel. There is no cookie-cutter answer. You just have to find what works best for you.
I'd like to ask a question if I may. I would like to break into the sprint triathlon scene too. I'm fine on the bike and in the water, but haven't done any running in 3+ years. Any training plan recommendations for the triathlon?
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moonangel12 wrote: »
What I have been watching/reading has a focus on using arms more than legs to save them for the rest of the course... focusing on proper form for that reason. I didn’t drag my limp lower body or anything, just didn’t rely on my legs for propulsion just to see where I was at and what I could (or could not) do in the water. Totally a “test the waters” swim session. I’m not trying to argue, nor am I setting anything in stone, just trying to figure it all out as I go. I have never done a multi sport event like this before so it will for sure be a learning process for me.moonangel12 wrote: »
More pool time would be ideal, but not much of an option in this season of life, especially with my daughter’s reaction to chlorine. Homeschool mom of 4, my husband is gone 12 hours a day, in school, preaches, etc. so evening time is family time as we can get it and not where I can leave for a couple hours multiple times a week (nearest indoor pool is 30+ minutes away).Do more exercises in, not out of, the water. Don’t not kick them during the swim (esp since they keep help keep your hips up and swimming really is a fluid, rhythmic full body motion not a disconnected bottom vs upper bifurcation). Strengthen them if they’re weak.
Leg strength isn’t an issue, just trying to use them as little as possible... I don’t want to overcompensate my weak upper body by wasting lower body energy to keep me going, if that makes sense. I want to work on proper form, but also realize I am lacking in the strength department for that.
Not using them still a bad idea imo (& my master swim coach’s/former Olympian) but if you’re set on it good luck.
How do you think you can focus on proper swimming form without kicking?
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Most of the Sprint Tris I looked at were 5ks so my first thought is a C25K program...
I was thinking about that, but I was hoping to find a training plan that would incorporate all three components. Otherwise, I had just planned on doing each (swim, bike, & run) twice a week.
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I'm not a Tri, but have been swimming for 23 years. I've found that instead of concentrating on your inhale, concentrate on your exhale. Then I'd look at core work, especially planking. Then I'd do some work with dumbells to strengthen your arms. Coordination will come, and I second getting lessons or advice from an expert watching you swim. Good luck.1
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Most of the Sprint Tris I looked at were 5ks so my first thought is a C25K program...
I was thinking about that, but I was hoping to find a training plan that would incorporate all three components. Otherwise, I had just planned on doing each (swim, bike, & run) twice a week.
while i haven't used this one specifically (I used their half iron plan, not their sprint one) - these is pretty simple:
http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms/10wtp.pdf1 -
Most of the Sprint Tris I looked at were 5ks so my first thought is a C25K program...
I was thinking about that, but I was hoping to find a training plan that would incorporate all three components. Otherwise, I had just planned on doing each (swim, bike, & run) twice a week.
This is another source for training plans, including free ones: https://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp.
I used to like this site a lot, haven't hung out there for ages, so cant speak for it now, but I've used their plans for oly tris.0 -
@mhdashler - In addition to the online sources mentioned above, if you want a hardcopy plan, Joe Friels book "Your First Triathlon: race ready in 5 hrs per week" has a complete guide to how to start preparing for a race, including exercises, workouts and training plans for Sprint and Olympic distance races.
Re: swimming, I agree with @snowflake954 that a focus on exhaling is very helpful. That's why a lot of new swimmers like the "Bubbles... Bubbles.... BREATH" mantra. It helps to concentrate on exhaling bubbles rather than trying to hold your breath and then your lungs are empty as you turn your head to inhale. When done in sync, this avoids the need to finish exhaling when your head is out of the water, then "gulp" for air before continuing.
Curious about what my mfp tri friends think, but regarding the "kick vs no kick" approach in triathlon swimming, my guess is that it comes from the fact that 1)in triathlon training and racing, a wetsuit will allow you to float, so you don't "have" to kick in order to move, and 2) for many triathletes coming from a non swimming background (like me) weak kicking and poor kicking can use a lot of energy, so they try to "save their legs" by limiting their kicks. This can present other problems like sinking legs, poor body position, lack of rotation, etc. With that said, learning to kick is key to developing a good swim stroke.
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@mhdashler - In addition to the online sources mentioned above, if you want a hardcopy plan, Joe Friels book "Your First Triathlon: race ready in 5 hrs per week" has a complete guide to how to start preparing for a race, including exercises, workouts and training plans for Sprint and Olympic distance races.
Re: swimming, I agree with @snowflake954 that a focus on exhaling is very helpful. That's why a lot of new swimmers like the "Bubbles... Bubbles.... BREATH" mantra. It helps to concentrate on exhaling bubbles rather than trying to hold your breath and then your lungs are empty as you turn your head to inhale. When done in sync, this avoids the need to finish exhaling when your head is out of the water, then "gulp" for air before continuing.
Curious about what my mfp tri friends think, but regarding the "kick vs no kick" approach in triathlon swimming, my guess is that it comes from the fact that 1)in triathlon training and racing, a wetsuit will allow you to float, so you don't "have" to kick in order to move, and 2) for many triathletes coming from a non swimming background (like me) weak kicking and poor kicking can use a lot of energy, so they try to "save their legs" by limiting their kicks. This can present other problems like sinking legs, poor body position, lack of rotation, etc. With that said, learning to kick is key to developing a good swim stroke.
what's the saying - you can't win a tri on the swim but you can lose it - IMHO, many triathlete's don't spend near enough time in the pool - its always seen as the hardest part of the training vs. the running/riding which you can easily do from home1
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