If you haven’t gotten in the pool since last season, it’s time again to hit the pool. I find that many people focus on swimming last because 1) they don’t feel comfortable in the water; 2) they find that swimming is their weakest sport; and 3)swimming is based on technique unlike any of the other two disciplines.
As much as you may or may not like it, triathletes should swim at least two to three times a week. The off-season is a great time to work on your stroke and as you get into the season, the focus should be on endurance and speed.
Here are some tips to get you going in the pool.
- Warm up before swimming by doing some light exercise or stretching.
- Start with basic strokes such as freestyle or backstroke and work on improving your technique.
- Focus on good body posture, including keeping your head, neck, and back in a straight line.
- Keep your arms and legs moving in a synchronized manner to increase efficiency and speed.
- Practice breathing techniques, such as taking deep breaths and exhaling underwater, to improve your endurance.
- Incorporate different types of kicks into your swimming routine to work for different muscle groups.
- Use swim aids like kickboards and pull buoys to help improve specific areas of your stroke.
- Set achievable goals for yourself and track your progress over time.
- Take breaks as needed.
- Stay hydrated during and after your swim.
- Seek out lessons from a qualified swim instructor if you need additional help or guidance.
There are lots of US Master Swim programs in every major city across the country. Look at their website and find a program in your city.