any tips for tri-swimming?

maybe get a session with a swim coach?

Slow down your pace, try to get as long a stroke as possible and practice breathing bilaterally (every 3rd stroke).

You haven't left yourself much training time so you need to get into the water as much as you can between now and then. On race day be realistic, if you're getting tired on the swim switch to breaststroke of get on your back and (as the head coach of my tri club likes to say) count the clouds.

I've got one coming up in 6 weeks with an open water swim, I may just cheat a little and wear my wetsuit even though the water won't be that cold...

If you are struggling doing freestyle (front crawl) then you could alternate with a few laps on your back to catch your breath?

I doubt VERY much that they will let you swim back stroke in a pool-based tri race. You will have a minimum of two, possibly three or 4 people in a lane. Back stroke would cause carnage is isn't usually permitted.

Check beforehand which strokes are permitted.

Get a couple of technique lessons, slow it down... you're better off stopping at the end of a length for 10 secs to catch your breath than go on your back in a pool-based tri. Open water would be different.

often pool based tris are started in waves, based on time... usually the slowest going first.

have they asked you what your projected time for the distance will be when you entered?

usually people of similar pace will swim together, so you can avoid people having to overtake others too much.

Best of luck. :drinker: It it your first?

Though bilateral breathing is best, if you are a beginner and having trouble catching your breath, every second stroke is fine too. Get in the pool as much as possible between now and the race. Find out what the rules are for your race and develop a strategy in the pool for when you get tired. Are you familiar with recovery stroke? It could quite helpful. Slow and steady in the pool. Take your time and feel your movement in the water. If someone you know is a great swimmer, take them with you and have them give you tips to improve your stroke in the pool. Best of luck in your race!

I second the idea of stopping for 10 sec after a lap rather than doing backstroke. Also to check what strokes will be allowed. If you are going to continue to do triathlons, I would say the $ spent on 30 minutes with a swim or tri coach would be well worth it. It really shouldn't be too expensive, most gyms with a pool have a swim coach or trainer who could help you.

As a general note, try to use your arm and core muscles as much as possible to save your legs for the bike & run. The kick is important but your pull from your arms is what will really power you through the water. Focus on pulling hard underwater and reaching far forward when your hand enters the water. You also have the advantage of walls, use them to get a good push off and streamline (hands pointed like a rocket above your head, shoulders tight near your ears). It's virtually no effort but will save you a few yards of having to effortfully swim.

Be sure you are breathing out all your air while your face is in the water. You should be blowing bubbles the whole time.That way, when you turn your head to breathe, you are using all the time to take in clean, fresh air.