What Not To Do In Your First Triathlon Swim
My first race was an unbelievable event for me. I am still feeling great almost a week later and have intensified my training to improve for my next one. One of the best ways to improve is to learn from ones mistakes. While I did very well and exceeded my expectations there were a number of opportunities for improvement that have nothing to do with fitness. Racing experience and strategy can help shave minutes off your overall time.
My biggest challenge was the swim as it can be for many triathlon novices. I have had months to prepare in the pool and multiple sessions in open water swims and swim clinics. None of which adequately prepared me for the intensity and crowded swim of a triathlon start.
One mistake that could have been avoided was a cold start. Before the start I should have got in that water and did some swimming! Since I was not warmed up, nervous and anxious at the start I really did not get into a rhythm until more than half the swim distance was completed.
The biggest mistake I made with my swim was where I was in the start. I was way to far inside and to close to the front. I would have been much better off to the outside and behind the fast swimmers. This basically made what should hav
e been a easy swim much more difficult. Pick a sport you are comfortable and project your line. I also recommend talking to the people around you to find out their swim pace as well. This will help you pick your entry into the swim.
Another error I made in the swim was standing up to early for my exit. I think this happened for two reasons: I was totally gassed, and the second reason was taking bad queues. I think I was just over anxious to get out of the water because the swimming conditions were not the best. I should have continued in my swim until I felt bottom with my hands then got up into 
my exit.
There were many lessons learned in my first triathlon and this exercise of post race analysis will help me correct some of these mistakes. My goal is to improve and become a better athlete and to be able to race in progressively longer distances. To summarize here are a few points for potential improvement in my next race:
- Good warm-up
- Better starting point
- Shorter exit point
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This post has one comment
August 29th, 2009
I am getting ready for my 1st. T.
Your comments about the swim event were very helpful. If the swimming part is a mass start can you wait behide the clock and let the group get going and then pass the clock and enter the water? It was my understanding that your time dosen’t start until you cross the line. I am nervous about all the elbows and legs flying around. Heard there are many injuries. Also, where can I find bike groups and swim groups to practise with.