We are doing a ton of work within Ironman training and the more I think about it, the more I believe the weekly open water swims could be the most valuable. I think of the Ironman swim in two ways:
1. It may be the shortest “time section” of the race, but it can absolutely wreck you if you’re not comfortable and ready. I’m on a continuum between insatiable and utter fear.
2. The faster you get out of the water, the fewer people you’ll have ahead of you on the bike course. You’ll also be with faster people who will naturally raise your game.
So, our Coach, Robbie Bruce and his swim clinics, have been a major gift. He’s there four days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) ready to show us everything he knows about swimming in open water. Sundays are at 4 pm, all other days 6 am. He teaches mass starts, sighting, drafting, and anything else that will take your pool training to a completely different level. I’ve been in open water 5 times this year and it has given me unbelievable confidence, along with transforming my comfort and abilities. If you live in Nashville, I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s a video I made as part of the Crushing Iron series that gives you more information.
That is awesome! Swimming is by far my worst of the three both physically and mentally. Once I get into the open water, I forget everything about my stroke and wear myself out with panic.
so true… it’s happened to me many times. it’s always taken me about half the swim to relax enough to remember my form. the more i get into the lake, the more i’m “in form” closer to the beginning. can’t recommend it enough.
The hardest thing is finding local lakes to swim in. I have a tri in a few weeks and it’s still so cold!
Yeah… is there a smaller lake that may be warmer near you? Do you have a wetsuit?
Just got my first wetsuit and can’t wait to try it out. Great idea with the smaller lakes. They are much closer than Lake Michigan!
I just started swimming in a wetsuit… and my coach gave me a great tip… before you dive in…. grab some water with your hand and drop it on the back of your neck to prepare for the shock. That’s the one place you’ll feel it most when you get into the lake. Also splash your face a few times. It’s amazing how much that helps ease the transition into cold water.
That makes so much sense. THANK YOU! I seriously appreciate the tips. I just did a post last week about why I love tri’s. One reason is because every triathlete I meet or interact with is so thoughtful and helpful! This is a great example!