Patrick Marsh Macro Thread
Hi Patrick,
This is your very own “Macro Thread” where you and I can discuss any questions you may have about the Triathlon Season Roadmap (TSR) that I created for you here. This is also a space where we can discuss any big picture, season planning, race schedule and other related issues you may have going forward.
Welcome aboard!
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There is a Swim Across America (SAM) open-water swim on June 24th. This is a month before my inaugural IM at LP. Should I sign up for this long (3-mile) open water swim?
Swimming is by far my biggest limiter in triathlon. I did an un-coached HIM in September of 2016. My swim was 45 minutes. I ended up zig-zagging a bit but I have been and continue to be a slow swimmer. I am an adult-onset swimmer and have severed AC ligaments in each shoulder (type-3 separation in college rugby/triathlon bike crash). I typically maintain ~2:00/per 100-yard pace in the pool. That was my pace last summer, and it is back where I am this winter after doing eight swim sessions that consist of lots of drills. I have also been doing the core workouts during the OS.
Relevant facts to consider:
Pros:
- Accomplishing a 3-mile swim would improve my confidence for IMLP
- It would be a big goal for me to focus on to prep for IMLP
Cons:
- I would need to raise at least $500 for charity (not an insignificant amount)
- In the month prior to this SAM open-water swim, I will have done the Quassy HIM and the EN IMLP Camp
- I have access to a good open-water venue in my town (a beach on LI Sound)
- In two weeks, I will do the EN swim camp
- Also, this weekend I will do a 4-hour swim clinic with Sheila Taormina
However, I just don't get to the pool enough nor have a flexible enough schedule to permit for any group swims, so I swim alone twice a week with little third-party feedback. Thus, I have little confidence in my ability to improve my swim pace significantly over the next ~180 days. (I feel like I would need to give up cycling and running completely and devote myself to swimming full-time for several months to make a difference.) I have also looked into private lessons, however I live in one of the most expensive parts of the country and am getting some eye-watering quotes from local triathlon coaches.
The other alternative is to accept that I am going to be slow in the water (a 90-minute IM swimmer) and cut my losses by focusing on cycling and running. This has effectively been my strategy.
Curious what your thoughts are. Thanks for any insights you can provide.
- Patrick