On Sunday, I did another Open Water Swim clinic. It was at the same location as the other clinic, but taught by a different instructor. While I loved Dawn’s clinic 2 weeks ago and plan to attend her next clinic, I just wanted to get a different perspective on how to deal with my OWS struggles.
This was a MUCH bigger clinic. So very many people. It was overwhelming at first, but then I realized the numbers are a good thing. This way, I would get to experience swimming with people and running into people while swimming. Not something I really got at the last OWS practice.
We broke into three groups (well, four). Beginner, Intermediate (split in half) and Advanced. I went with Intermediate. I’ve done Open Water, I’m not horrified by the concept, I just need tips on getting acclimated.
At first, I felt like there was a lot of talking and not a lot of swimming, but I liked the instructor. She gave tips on how to get in the water and how to deal with any panic that goes through your body. IronGirl Columbia is a water start (though people do stay back on the boat dock), so I will already be in by the time I have to start swimming. It’s hard to make that first jump into cold water, but I have to remind myself that I HAVE to do it.
Then we did some swimming. I was definitely in the last quarter of the pack on this one. It’s so frustrating to be such a slow swimmer. I’m not sure what it is – if it’s technique or strength or body position or all of the above. Either way, I’m working on all of those things, so I’ll get there. But in the meantime, I just have to remember to not go out on a full out sprint. That’s where I get myself into heartrate trouble. I have to find a comfortable pace and just swim. I’m not out to win. I’m just out to finish strong. And for now, that means getting my body through the swim and then working hard on the bike and run.
Swim waves should come out sometime this week. Can’t wait to see where I’m starting!
I am DYING to do a triathlon. I know I can handle the running and biking portion of the race, but I’ve never been a strong swimmer, so that’s totally been holding me back. You’re totally inspiring me to do something like this and get over my fear! 🙂
Jennifer L. Nelson recently posted…Weekly Workouts and The Scariest Run of My Life
Just get out there and do it! I signed up for my first knowing that I could swim in the pool but knowing I had to train for the OWS part. It’s still my most challenging section, but I love working on it.
I admire anyone who tackles a tri, especially with an open water swim! I think it’s neat that open water swim clinics are offered. You are right, you WILL get there….just give it time!
Karen recently posted…ABC, This Is Me!