Three Ways for a Beginning Triathlete to Improve Their Swim Training

Just starting out as a triathlete can be exciting yet stressful. Normally, it seems as if people just entering the sport believe that they can handle the bike, manage the run, but will have a terribly tough time with the swim. Swimming in a pool can be hard enough, but jumping out into the open water can cause fits of anxiety.

To help quell those fears, keep your initial approach simple, and don't be afraid to seek help when needed. As long as you have selected appropriate races for yourself, with most newbies needing to "get their feet wet" with a sprint distance competition, you can adequately prepare for the swim. If you are not a true swimmer, and most aren't seeing as they probably had some swim lessons as kids at some local YMCA or at a neighbor's pool, then learning to cut through the water needs to be your biggest concern as you embark on your first race. If you can't finish the swim, you can't even get to the other stages.

So, keep these three simple pieces of advice in mind. Leave your ego at home, know that you need assistance, and have fun. Triathlon is a life-long sport that is welcoming and supportive. Reach out to those around you and you'll be rewarded.

1. Swim slowly and with a goal: Trying the fly through the water creates bad habits for novice swimmers, so be slow and methodical. Focus on form and efficiency. Time is not a consideration early on, so get comfortable in the water and learn to swim properly. Get in the pool with a goal in mind, a few small ideals on which to work. Do not try to tackle every element of form in one workout. Keep it simple, keep it manageable, and keep it consistent.

2. Involve different strokes: The freestyle can get tough, especially if you are not deeply trained, and the breathing action can cause difficulty for the less experienced in open water. Prepare yourself to use alternate strokes during your first race. Practice going to the breaststroke or backstroke when needed, just to rest yourself, regain your composure, and pace your breathing. There is no rule about the stroke you use, so have a few tricks in your bag. It will help to set your mind at ease.

3. Have a coach watch: Get someone who really knows how to swim properly analyze your approach. Have them watch you swim, then watch them swim. Even a little videotaping of your stroke will help. You can see the way it should be versus the way you're doing it. Getting solid, experienced advice will make you get better faster.

Overall, your first swim experience in a race is about comfort and confidence, not speed and place. Let yourself become a swimmer before holding yourself to impossible standards. Over time you'll find that you will become more efficient and productive in the water, thus making yourself into a far better triathlete.