New memember. Race in 30 weeks. I stink at swimming!
I have just joined and have been looking through all of the information here. Awesome site!
I have decided to do Memorial Hermann Iroman 70.3 Texas on April 10, 2011.
I like the looks of the OS program, but I am a very weak swimmer. I have done 3 sprint tri's and want to take the leap to HIM. The problem is that my swim is very, very weak. I'm concerned that if I follow the OS program I won't have enough time to get my swim up to speed before the race.
Thoughts on how to proceed?
PS. I plan on joining. I won't have a problem being active on the forums which I think will be one of the main benefits of being a full time memeber.
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There's a swim hack in the wiki which outlines an add-on to include swimming in the OS if you are concerned. Once you join you should have full access to the wiki.
Welcome!
What Jennifer said!
Plus, if it makes you feel better, I didnt start swimming until 2007, about two years before IM CDA. With the knowledge and help from the team, I was able to make great improvements, so feel free to ask questions. I think the biggest thing for me was focusing lots on technique, not just volume or intensity. Welcome on board!
Not sure if this is the place to ask. Do I have to wait for my 5 day trial to expire or can I just pay up and get going?
I dont think you would have to wait, but I would email Rich or Patrick and they should set you up. Or, you can post your question in the Admin forum.
And swimming -- As one of the few swimmers allowed to swim in the OS, I can tell you the current thought is quality over quantity. Check out the swim hack, but also consider getting yourself good private lessons and practice, practice, practice.
Another cool thing I have used in swimsmooth.com. I dont think you need to pay for anything with all the knowledge base we have here, but the animated swim program is cool for visualization purposes. Like Beth said, unless your aiming to break in the 1hour or less IM swim, technique is wear the biggest improvements will come.
And just to FYI, I still swim a couple of times a week just for relaxation and form. No "working out."
Eric,
I am not a fast swimmer but do not have a problem with comfort or distance in the water once I get a few weeks of swimming in. I just swam IM Canada and did a 1:30:XX, which was a 1 min PR for me. I was coming off 3+ years of not doing tri's and no swimming other than being at the lake once a year over that stretch. I started swimming 14 weeks before my IM and only did swims 3X a week 6-8 times otherwise it was 2 swims and I PR'ed.
My previous IM I had an apartment with a pool so 3X week over the winter, not to many drills and not enough structure. Basically self directed very poorly.
I have questions to your very very weak swimming:
1) Do you have distances and times from the sprint tri's? Have you done 1000yd/m in a pool what was your time?
2) Also include your bike and run times. This will give a reference to your return on investment from swimming versus biking and running.
3) Are you comfortable in the water or just slow?
If you need to get in the water to increase your comfort level/peace of mind then by all means use the swim hack and get in the pool.
From my perspective I still have lots of gains to be made on the bike and run so will not be swimming again this OS. Having said that at some point I will choose a late season IM like Wisconsin and focus on swimming for 1-2 months to help me in that area.
Gordon
1. My sprints had 500m swims. Unforunately, I do not have swim splits for those. The furthest I have gone in a pool is 800m but I did not time it. I am basically, doing drills and stuff to try to gain some confidence. I had one race last year with splits, but my T1 got lumped in with my swim.
2. There is no doubt I am weak in all areas. My last race with splits showed bike at 17.4mph over 30K and run at 9:50/mile over 5K. I was battling a foot injury, but it is what it is.
3. Not comfortable and slow.
@Eric and Michael: please listen to this podcast about swimming in the OS.
Joining Early: at this time we don't have an option for you to end your trial early and join. We appreciate your enthusiasm, but making that happen creates some messy admin back here for you us. So please just sit tight, your trial will expire, you'll be billed and we'll get you started. Thanks!
Trust in the system guys, RnP have it dialed in. Before I joined EN, I had done one open water race, a sprint, and I thought I was going to die. I posted about my problems here.....I will have to find it. here:
http://www.endurancenation.us/en_forums/showthread.php?t=6657&highlight=open+water+swimming
It was most useful to get everyone's feedback. Using their guidance, my T-pace has gone from 2:11 in 2/09 to 1:41 now. That with just doing some drilling through the last two OS seasons.
Eric,
As Greg has pointed out trust in the system, it will get you through the half. Listen to the podcast then make a decision. IMO, if you are time constrained you will definitely be better served focusing on the bike and run in the OS.
Also the OS is a time to get SAU's (Spousal approval Units) banked up for spring when we can get out and do cool stuff. Otherwise, give a few friends a call.
Gordon