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Discussion: open water vs. pool
Subject: open water vs. pool By: Elizabeth C. Written on: 2006-06-14 09:30:32 Message: Does everyone usually swim faster or slower in open water? I swam my first open water yesterday (first time in a wetsuit also) and seemed to swim a lot slower, although I took no breaks and did minimal breaststroke. It took me 20 minutes to swim 1000 meters, I usually do 800 meters in 14 minutes. I'm also not sure if I measured correctly as there's not an easy way to measure mileage in open water.
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Julia S. Written on: 2006-06-14 09:44:29 Message: How did you measure the distance in the open water? I've been trying to find a way to measure, but didn't have too much luck. Thank you. P.S. The results of my first race showed that I swam way longer in the open water as compared to the pool. The waves were pushing me back. But that's again just me, a beginner in swimming.
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Elizabeth C. Written on: 2006-06-14 10:01:12 Message: I went to google maps and measured their inches=miles with a ruler.
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Marty D. Written on: 2006-06-14 11:14:12 Message: I'm definitely a lot slower in open water, than in the pool. I am hoping to work on my form to get a lot faster by the next race. Marty D
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-14 12:00:12 Message: Wind, waves, other people in the way, current, water temperature. visability, swimming straight or not, and making efficient use of the wetsuit are all variables that you get in open water. One day to the next can be very different. On monday I swam the first 900 meter length in one of my slowest times ever coming back was my fastest ever. Why I am not sure. Could have just needed the warm up, and I think a bit of a breaze had something to do with it. One thing for sure the more I swim in open water the better it gets, Just keep triing. Measuring for the open water takes trigonometry or GPS or surveying equipment. There are some on line satelite mapping programs that can get a reasonably good measurement.
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Robert M. Written on: 2006-06-14 13:02:19 Message: I just did my first tri this past weekend and I felt more loss of strenght in the open water than just lapmswimmming in a pool.
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Don N. Written on: 2006-06-14 13:32:54 Message: I have always found open water swims challenging. Mainly because what Ronald F. said, all the extra elements make it even more difficult. However, It is good to go out and practice open water swims before your race a few times so you are more comfortable in that environment come race day. Plus the buoys in the water that mark the swim course, make the course seem shorter than you may think it would otherwise be (because the surrounding water everywhere). When I first started swimming earlier this year I could barely swim 100 meters in a pool. Now my pool swimming has dramatically improved over the past few months, mainly because I swam and focused on my technique. Drills are a must in the pool, but in open waters just focus on your technique you have learned and sight out your target and you should be fine. Just remember to go at a comfortable pace when you first start off, then gradually increase your effort this not only helps conserve your energy but builds confidence as well.
Subject: RE: open water vs. pool By: Karine L. Written on: 2006-06-14 13:38:05 Message: I was wondering the same thing... In the pool, for 800 meters I was around 17:30. I did my first tri last Sunday & in open water (lake) finished in 15:55. I don't know, I think I pushed myself harder on a race day. Or maybe all the turn in the pool were messing up with my pace???
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