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Discussion: fear of swim portion
Subject: fear of swim portion By: mischa berg Written on: 2005-04-06 12:25:21 Message: My fear of the swim is having all of these bodies trying to swim over me. I have been told this is what it is like. I once had a friend that panicked in the ocean and was pulling me under. Fortunately we both made it out okay, but I guess I now have a bit of a phobia of being pulled under. Any suggestions on how to avoid this? Is it best just to start in the back? If so, how do I avoid swimming on top of a slower swimmer in front of me? Are there any rules in the water that I should be aware of?
Subject: RE: fear of swim portion By: Jon F Written on: 2005-04-06 12:57:11 Message: Hi Mischa, You are not alone -- may new triathletes fear the swim. I recommend swimming to the outside (so if the first turn is to the right, swim on the left of the pack and vice versa) - you might add a little bit of extra swim but it can get crowded by the bouys. I would also consider getting a good wetsuit -- helps with bouyancy and you will float easily in it. (see www.ontri.com/gear.html for 10% off) Finally, relax! Stay calm in the water and just swim at your pace. If you get some feet in your face just move outside a bit. You will burn more energy panicing than you will swimming to the outside. Enjoy! -Jon
Subject: RE: fear of swim portion By: John Day Written on: 2005-04-09 16:46:15 Message: Mischa- You are not alone! I remember freaking out so bad that I swam on my back for several races before I calmed down. Trust me, after a few races the anxiety of being "swum" or is it "swam" over will go away! I actually enjoy the contact now. I know that sounds weird but I like the washing machine effect of 1,000 rabid swimmers all going for the same goal. It is euphoric. Just try and focus on your breathing pattern. Stay calm and comfortable and realize that 2 extra minutes on the swim will not kill you. You will actually feel better on the bike if you are not worn out of that panicked feeling in the water. I really do agree with Jon F that it is okay to "hang back" a bit and just enjoy the experience of going at your own pace. Trust your training! Also, if you can, go out in the open water and train some there as the lane lines don't exist in the lake! That way, when your head is down and all you see is brown, you won't feel so panicked. In all the races I have done, nobody has ever tried to pull me under. I have been kicked in the face, the back the neck, etc., but you are so amped that it will be okay. If someone is slow and in front of you, just swim to their side. As far as rules in the water, I don't know of any. Just be a nice person. You can draft- which means getting right behind someone and let them "pull" you through their slipstream. It actully sounds weird, but it does work. You do go faster when you can stay with someone who is right in front of you. Now don't "draft" on the bike unless it is a draft legal race. You will get penalized- which is not a good thing. Good luck. -John D. of Salt Lake City
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