Comments on: Can I Learn How To Swim In Time To Do A Triathlon Next Spring?

By: Richard C

Richard C — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:05:14 +0000

Take private lessons. Running and cycling backgrounds do not transfer over to swimming…you’ll realize that when you try your first laps. You want to be competitive, so you’ll need great dedication to become proficient enough in this new discipline. Spend the extra money for individual lessons and the goal can be obtainable.

By: jpgrier1

jpgrier1 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:28:20 +0000

Good advice from Richard C and rwd. Either get a personal trainer or start training with a masters club. Just don’t try to figure out how to swim on your own. Whichever way you go make sure you mention that you have NO swimming instruction. Most coaches actually like swimmers who don’t have a lifetime of practicing a poor stroke, and will figure out a workout to suit your needs. Everybody (even Michael Phelps) had to get into the water one day not knowing how to swim. You’ll start out doing slow and short stuff, but if you stick with it your goal of a mile swim leg in a triathlon will be within reach.
Best of luck!

By: Ranger44

Ranger44 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:09:01 +0000

“Is it possible to learn how to be a strong enough swimmer to achieve this goal?”
It is if you dedicate enough time to it. You have to learn three things. How to physically swim correctly and then learn how to pace yourself. The pacing part will take care of itself. But, proper stroke technique requires a lot of practice. You will have to burn it into your brain and that happens with practice.
The other element you need to learn is to feel at home in the water. I am the same on land or water. It’s all natural to me. I don’t even think about it when I jump into a pool.
There are people for whatever reasons who never ever feel at home in the water. Hopefully you won’t be one of them.

By: rwd

rwd — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:39:05 +0000

Yes, it can be done. I am nearly finished with my triathlon season, and I know of at least one teammate that went from not being able to swim last fall to confidently swimming over 1 mile by mid-summer. It is hard to predict how easy or difficult it will be for you, because some people need to deal with panic issues before they can handle lessons in form and technique.
I suggest that you find a local Masters swimming group and swim with them. There is usually a wealth of swimming advice offered by friendly people in a Master’s swimming group, and often there are triathletes in there, too. If you are truly starting from square one, I suggest that you contact the Master’s swimming group and explain your situation. I’m sure they can hook you up with private instruction somehow.
Check here for a master’s group near you:http://www.usms.org/placswim/
A few things to keep in mind that are in your favor — USTA rules allow you to walk (if the depth allows) during the swim, and you can also hold onto course monitor canoes and/or kayaks (as long as you are not making forward progress while you hang on). And wetsuits add a LOT of buoyancy, so it you wear one, you will NOT sink.
Good luck! I’m pulling for you.