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Not really sure what I've gotten myself into... but looking

aggiesrar05
aggiesrar05 Posts: 335 Member
edited November 12 in Social Groups
Hi all,

So... for the past 4 or so years I've been running and riding and training for half marathons and endurance rides. During training for my last half marathon I got bored and decided that I wanted to attempt a tri. I grew up swimming recreationally so figured I have a couple months I can train and this will be fun!

I'm signed up for my first sprint tri (with a pool swim) in June and then another sprint tri with an open water swim in September. So far I am having a great time with the training, but the swimming is kicking my butt. My form is not right and I have issues with lifting my head all the way out of the water when I breathe. I was talking to a lady at the gym who made it look effortless (I feel like I squirm around like a dying bug) and she told me that instead of staying horizontal I need to rock my body from side to side and touch my chin to my shoulder. I worked on that yesterday and it's getting easier but does anyone have any tips remedy the pulling my head all the way out of the water to breathe? Preferably without getting water in my ears... how do you prevent that also?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Replies

  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Total Immersion (videos/books) has kind of a mixed reputation in the tri community but it helped me a lot with my body positioning and some form issues. Swim lessons are really the way to go though.
  • realredhead79
    realredhead79 Posts: 28 Member
    SWIM LESSONS!!! It's nice to have someone SEE what you're doing and tell you.
    I am a sucky swimmer. Used to just be HORRIBLE at it, but now I just suck.
    We had a free trial class at the YMCA, at 0530 three days a week where we would be shown drills and have time trial swims.

    I had the same problem with the head tilted up to much. I'm still working on it, I have found that if I concentrate on my form, I am less tired AND I'm faster! This is my second tri season. I'm looking forward to March 31. It's the first tri I did last year and get to compare my times this year!! Totally excited!!!!

    Good luck!!
  • realredhead79
    realredhead79 Posts: 28 Member
    Oh, EAR PLUGS!!! You can wear them in races too. I LOVE THEM!
    I read somewhere that putting a tennis ball between your chin and chest while swimming can help you with the head thing.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Oh, EAR PLUGS!!! You can wear them in races too. I LOVE THEM!
    I read somewhere that putting a tennis ball between your chin and chest while swimming can help you with the head thing.

    I just keep a bottle of those swimmers ear drops in my gym bag at all times.
  • rob_v
    rob_v Posts: 270 Member
    See if your local gym/pool offers Masters Swimming. It has done wonders for my swimming. (http://www.usms.org/)
  • ironholgs
    ironholgs Posts: 46 Member
    swimming lessons / masters sessions are the way to go.

    TI book / DVD also helped me when I was first getting into swimming, made a lot of sense.

    I always swim with ear plugs, it's a balance thing - at the end of open water swims I always used to stagger around drunk and fall back into the water, someone suggested ear plugs and now I just get to my feet and run out of the water without any embarressing dance / fail movements.

    Maybe I'm just unbalanced ;-)
  • Drudoo
    Drudoo Posts: 275 Member
    Just keep in mind that you're not actually taking your head out of the water when swimming. When turning to breath, one eye will be above the surface and one below. And yes, you do more of a roll side to side when swimming.

    If you're not up for buying books/DVDs, there is a wealth of information on YouTube.

    Take your time! It does not come easy but keep at it and one day you'll realize how far you've advanced!

    Good luck!
  • aggiesrar05
    aggiesrar05 Posts: 335 Member
    Thanks all!

    I've been reading and watching pretty much everything I can get my hands on. I do see some improvement every time I'm in the pool, so I'm getting there!

    I took yall's advice and will be starting swimming lessons in the next couple of weeks. After I finally got my point across that I don't need "how not to drown" swimming lessons, I found a class that works with students on an individual basis. I think that will help tremendously.
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