The triathlon and open water swim season is here and I know you keep asking yourself the same questions...
Will I be ready? Did I swim enough? And is there anything I can do starting now that will help me during my first race? Well, there are plenty of things, and believe it or not they are very simple!
1. Swim more frequently without increasing volume. Ask any former competitive swimmer if they would rather swim 2 times a week for an hour or 5 times a week for 20-25min at a time in preparation for their open water swim, and the majority of the time they will choose the option of swimming more frequently to get that “feel” of the water, and for beginners it’s best improving your comfort level in the water. Often you see a greater return in fitness as well! Why? Because the more you do something, the better you will get at it.
2. Consistency is key. Whether you swim 2 or 7 times a week, following a consistent swim schedule trumps a sporadic schedule.
3. Get in the Open Water Often! There are plenty of venues in the Tri-State area including the ETA Coach Open Water Swims (Link: http://www.etacoach.com/openwaterswim.php) and Open Water Swim Clinics (http://www.etacoach.com/openwaterswim.php#swimclinicdates). The more time you spend swimming in the Open Water the less anxious you will feel.
Always remember that everyone is different and will respond differently to various training approaches.
Train smart by swimming frequently and consistently in both the pool and Open Water.
Learn more about the ETA Coach Open Water Swims and Open Water Swim Clinics here: http://www.etacoach.com/openwaterswim.php