snail wrote:
Aeroman wrote:
Furthermore, I'm doing 2.5-3k swim in each session, including drills.
Sometimes I have a major problem with keeping up the tempo while breathing normally. Even though I breathe properly, at some point I'll get out breathe and I have to stop for moment. I'm afraid that when I swim, my legs (I don't kick a lot) will gradually sink which will decrease my speed and I will have to kick hard in order to get my body in a flat horizontal position, which will waste my oxygen.
I have a zero experience with triathlon and I don't know what will happen in the pool, since there will be a lot of people swimming in the same lane.
Ah ok that clarifies things a lot for me - thanks for the response. What type of drills are you doing? Re: breathing, I noticed you mentioned breathing on one side in your old posts... do you still do this? When do you breathe (every 2, 4, 6 stroke? Or odd numbers if you breathe bilateral?) Do you hold your breath when you're swimming?
Some people can swim very well with minimal kick but I know that I need to kick to actually propel myself... I'm not a coach by any means but perhaps try a handful of sessions where you're kicking a bit more and see if you still have the sinking leg issue? Also, I have found for myself that if I lift my head up instead of to the side when I'm breathing - my lower body sinks. So when I tilt my head to breathe, I always make sure that my other ear is submerged (a tip I got from a swim coach) and not out of the water.
I've never done a pool tri before so unfort I can't give much advice re: the environment in the pool - but I'm sure others would be more than happy to give you some pointers.
The swim, for many triathletes, is the most intimidating part of the race - so I can only suggest to take it easy when you start and to remember that you've done the training so you can certainly complete the distance. The swim can be more psychological than physical for some people and the most important thing I reckon, aside from doing the proper training which seems like you've done - is to feel confident in your abilities.
I usually breathe on every second stroke. I do a variety of drills, but mainly they are focuses on the uppper body, which I don't really know whether its a good thing or not. I do catch&pull drills with snorkel, catch up freestyle, rotator kick, single arm drill for balance and control etc.
I think you're absolutely right. The swimming part is mostly psychological thing. Once you clear up your thoughts, you can focus on the goal, by eliminating your fears with your strenght and hard will.
Thanks a lot for your input and for taking the time to respond. I 'll let you know of the outcome!