Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times

Jul 31, 21 14:10

Post #1 of 23 (1166 views)

Hi all

I'm a 44 (soon 45) year old, male, who swam competitively when young (to club standard but not county). I did some masters swimming in my 20s (not quick at all for age but I have reasonable technique compared to average person), and then gave that up and became a MAMIL and did loads of social cycling with friends (albeit quite intense). I then stopped that and did a load of running (not in a club).

So I'm a social athlete. My 1500m swim time is around 25 mins, 10km run around 42 mins (did a 1:32 half) and 40km flat ride on bike is around 1 HR 10 mins (riding on roads with traffic. Never done a time trial).

I'm thinking of giving a triathlon a go. I don't want to spend silly amounts. I'm happy with my normal road bike (Enigma Evade). What would I need to buy? Simply a Tri suit?

I have a Garmin 935 watch and 530 edge cycle computer. I use Garmin Connect and Strava. But neither offer amazing swim analysis of my pool swims. Garmin connect on web at least gives me splits of each length (app doesn't though) but it's still a bit basic. Had a look at Training Peaks which doesn't seem to offer analysis by length (unless I manually press the lap button each length and I don't want to do that when tumble turning).

What website or software do people use for swim analysis?

Thanks in advance for help

Last edited by: Feistyram: Jul 31, 21 14:11

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Jul 31, 21 14:26

Post #2 of 23 (1150 views)

First off, Welcome to Slowtwitch! You will find a lot of good info on this forum.

Specifically what are you looking for in a swim analysis? For my longer swims, 400s and above, I will look at splits only on GC. Especially on 1500’s, I will also look at each 500 to get a more macro view of whether I’m descending each 500, staying steady or fatiguing. Beyond that, I look to my masters coach.

There are a plethora of better swimmers than me who should weigh in though.

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [scooter23] [ In reply to ]

Jul 31, 21 15:47

Post #3 of 23 (1120 views)

Our club use swim smooth, it works for us

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Earthwormjim] [ In reply to ]

Jul 31, 21 15:56

Post #4 of 23 (1116 views)

Gear: to get started, if you have running and cycling kit all you need is a Tri suit and a budget wetsuit if your tris are in UK open water (guessing you are In uk due to use of phrase MAMIL) I would also highly recommend joining a club if you have a local one. Triathlon gets expensive but it doesn't have to.

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Jul 31, 21 22:24

Post #5 of 23 (1061 views)

From the equipment side:

Essentials:
Trisuit
Race number belt
Wetsuit (depending on the water temp at your race)

Basic "go faster" stuff:
Clip-on aerobars
Wetsuit
Elastic laces for the running shoes
Aero helmet

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 7:04

Post #6 of 23 (1008 views)

An experienced, qualified swim coach.

http://www.magnoliamasters.com
http://www.snappingtortuga.com
http://www.swimeasyspeed.com

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [SnappingT] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 7:12

Post #7 of 23 (1001 views)

SnappingT wrote:

An experienced, qualified swim coach.

I could rejoin my Master's Club. But to be honest, I prefer doing my own thing. I'm doing this for enjoyment and to keep a reasonable level of fitness.

I just am a bit of a data junkie and enjoy looking at splits etc and working out if I start to drop off, whether I maintain a consistent pace etc. None of this analysis makes me go quicker. I just find it interesting

Analysis for cycling and running is pretty good (smashrun also excellent for running). Swim seems to be a bit underserved on data analysis

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 7:14

Post #8 of 23 (998 views)

Titanflexr wrote:

From the equipment side:

Essentials:
Trisuit
Race number belt
Wetsuit (depending on the water temp at your race)

Basic "go faster" stuff:
Clip-on aerobars
Wetsuit
Elastic laces for the running shoes
Aero helmet

Thanks. Replies convinced me to just get a trisuit (I have a decent wetsuit actually) and some elasticated laces and a race number belt

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 11:10

Post #9 of 23 (948 views)

No watch on the market offers real swim analysis.

Form Goggles
Phlex Swim
Triton Wear
FINIS tracking goggles...

Triton wear is probably the most advanced of the lot.

I have used Phlex... software is great. The hardware hasn't been reliable. I'm trying out Tritonwear starting in the next week.

___________________________________________
http://en.wikipedia.org/...eoesophageal_fistula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)

Last edited by: realAB: Aug 1, 21 11:13

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [realAB] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 12:20

Post #10 of 23 (923 views)

Can I ask a really stupid newbie question please.

I get that a tri-suit allows you to wear the same gear for all 3 legs but is the pad noticeable during the run?

Wondering if an alternative is to wear jammers on swim, put cycling shorts over top for bike leg and pull on cycling Jersey, then whip off cycling shorts and put running shorts on for run so it would be less restrictive

I get this would add maybe 30 seconds to overall time but if run more comfortable I might make up time?

Or are trisuits really comfortable for run?

As starting out, thought I'd ask before I buy.

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 12:22

Post #11 of 23 (921 views)

Never had an issue with any suit in the last 10 years.

Your idea is asking for chafing.

___________________________________________
http://en.wikipedia.org/...eoesophageal_fistula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)

Last edited by: realAB: Aug 1, 21 12:22

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [realAB] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 12:26

Post #12 of 23 (916 views)

That makes sense. Thanks

Will get a Tri suit

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 12:27

Post #13 of 23 (914 views)

Feistyram wrote:

Can I ask a really stupid newbie question please.

I get that a tri-suit allows you to wear the same gear for all 3 legs but is the pad noticeable during the run?

Wondering if an alternative is to wear jammers on swim, put cycling shorts over top for bike leg and pull on cycling Jersey, then whip off cycling shorts and put running shorts on for run so it would be less restrictive

I get this would add maybe 30 seconds to overall time but if run more comfortable I might make up time?

Or are trisuits really comfortable for run?

As starting out, thought I'd ask before I buy.

Not a stupid question. Would only be stupid if you thought it but didn't ask it.

Tri suits get the job done and comfortably. I've never noticed the pad in training or racing.

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Tri2gohard] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 13:34

Post #14 of 23 (895 views)

So I'm an odd body shape (short and puny torso; but long legs and just over 6ft overall). In cycling gear I'm usually a medium shorts and small top

Looked at trisuits and sizing doesn't really work on first few I've seen so I guess 2 piece is the way to go

Any good brands. Googling just makes it seem like there's so much choice it's hard to know where to begin

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 14:28

Post #15 of 23 (879 views)

For trisuits, a one piece is going to be better for swimming, and less restrictive at the waist (kinda like bib shorts). A two-piece is better for pit stops. I use a 2psc for most races since all my races are wetsuit legal. For tri shorts I'm partial to De Soto and Castelli, YMMV.

The pad in a trisuit is minimal compared to cycling shorts and really isn't noticeable. Having the pad there also means you don't have a center seam (that most jammers have) rubbing you on the bike/run.

Lots of quality brands out there (De Soto, Zoot, Santini, Pearl Izumi, Castelli, etc. etc.). Just avoid the cheap suits off amazon/.ebay (ex. Sparx, Zimco, etc.); IME they have good construction, but poor seam placement and pads (not really made by/for athletes) and chafe badly.

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 15:22

Post #16 of 23 (857 views)

Thanks

In a 2 piece suit do you still wear the top under the wetsuit or just put it on post swim? Former saves a few seconds in transition In guess. Latter might be less restrictive during swim

And I guess with latter approach you don't really need a tri-top? Can just put on a cycling top (which would double as running top)?

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [realAB] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 15:50

Post #17 of 23 (845 views)

realAB wrote:

No watch on the market offers real swim analysis.
Form Goggles
Phlex Swim
Triton Wear
FINIS tracking goggles...
Triton wear is probably the most advanced of the lot.
I have used Phlex... software is great. The hardware hasn't been reliable. I'm trying out Tritonwear starting in the next week.

Bo - I am shocked that you would bother with any "swim analysis" software!!! I mean, you count your strokes, right??? And you can feel it in your muscles when you're slowing down, right??? Plus just a glance at the pace clock, or a cheap Timex Ironman watch, will tell you whether you're slowing or not with certainty. So, I'm just surprised that a swimmer of your pedigree would even think about using any of this tech stuff. :)

"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 15:56

Post #18 of 23 (839 views)

Feistyram wrote:

Thanks

In a 2 piece suit do you still wear the top under the wetsuit or just put it on post swim? Former saves a few seconds in transition In guess. Latter might be less restrictive during swim

And I guess with latter approach you don't really need a tri-top? Can just put on a cycling top (which would double as running top)?

The tri top goes under the wetsuit. This saves time in T1, and doesn't really add to the shoulder restriction considering you already have a couple of mm of neoprene on (compared to a thin layer of spandex).

Traditionally, cycling tops have not worked well for tris. Until recently they were fitted, but not second skin tight and flapped in the wind (a tri suit is really a skinsuit). Cycling tops also had high cut armholes that chafed when running (not designed for swinging your arms). Modern cycling tops are now much closer in fit to skinsuits (ex. Castelli aero race [below]) and might work.
Personally, I race in Under Armour HeatGear sleeveless tops. Stretchy, thin, cool well, widely available, and $25USD.

A less well suited cycling jersey (looser fit, wrinkles, more drag):

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 15:57

Post #19 of 23 (838 views)

In a 2 piece suit do you still wear the top under the wetsuit or just put it on post swim? Former saves a few seconds in transition In guess. Latter might be less restrictive during swim

---

Yes, you wear top under the wetsuit. Trying to put on a top after the swim is an un-fun adventure fueled by frustration. You won't even notice any restriction (assuming you have an appropriately fitting top). The goal is to do as little extra work as possible in transition.

Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 1, 21 17:11

Post #20 of 23 (815 views)

You can check out Triton Wear. They keep updating their analytics. You can look at turn times, time underwater, so you can look at your actual swim speed between the turns, etc.

Tim

http://www.magnoliamasters.com
http://www.snappingtortuga.com
http://www.swimeasyspeed.com

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 2, 21 8:30

Post #21 of 23 (747 views)

Feistyram wrote:

So I'm an odd body shape (short and puny torso; but long legs and just over 6ft overall). In cycling gear I'm usually a medium shorts and small top

Looked at trisuits and sizing doesn't really work on first few I've seen so I guess 2 piece is the way to go

Any good brands. Googling just makes it seem like there's so much choice it's hard to know where to begin

I'm the wrong person to ask. I'm as average as they come(though a bit slim nowadays in America), so everything fits easy right off the rack. I use Synergy wetsuit, buoyancy shorts, tri shorts, and Trisuit. Easy to order from Amazon, easy to return if need be and inexpensive. Durability hasn't been an issue for me either.

I think other people can give you better guidance on this.

Good luck.

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Tri2gohard] [ In reply to ]

Aug 2, 21 11:20

Post #22 of 23 (710 views)

Thanks very much everyone for so much helpful advice

Re: Intro and couple of questions on a) gear; b) Best website to view/analyse swimming times [Feistyram] [ In reply to ]

Aug 3, 21 5:46

Post #23 of 23 (629 views)

Apologies for a further question this time about measuring training stress and fatigue.

When I cycle I use a HRM (chest) and when I run I use the wrist based HRM on my watch (During a Tri I can simply use the HRM on the watch in both legs).

I have a pretty good idea of my threshold heart rate and use this to help pace myself. I don't have a power meter on bike or Stryd etc

Is there a website where you can estimate training stress using heart rate data alone (and even some notional calculation for swim stress). I can get a TSS for running off watch but think most websites require a power meter to calculate TSS for cycling?

Our Partners

transition-DOT-area-AT-slowtwitch-DOT-com

Advertise with us

©1999-2024 Slowtwitch, Inc., and Slowtwitch.com
Reproduction of material from any Slowtwitch.com page
without written permission is strictly prohibited.