Any triathletes here?

Originally Posted by hammondc

I have no idea. I am staying out of the way and allowing 10-12 mins. I am a weak swimmer. I just simply do not do it much. I am swimming everyday other day now to try and get ready. It is a 25m pool I am swimming in, so 20 laps just seems sooooo far.

My guess is that you'll be somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-15 min, honestly. My last race last year was a 1/4 mile swim, and I did it in 9:36. In the race I did Sunday, it was a 1/2 mile swim, and my time was 19:01. I'm a middle of the pack swimmer.

As was said, don't worry about the others around you. The main thing I can say is what was told to me before I did my first...trust your training. Focus on yourself, as well, and pay no attention to those around you in the water, unless you're using them for sighting purposes (rather than trying to locate the buoys on your own). You will get hit, kicked, and bumped. Know that going in, and do your best to not let it completely throw you off. Simply try to just bounce off and keep going. Obviously, the swim is the most difficult part of a tri for most people (I'm no exception). Do what you can to block out the people around you and focus on your stroke and breathing. If you can do that, you'll be just fine.

I'm definitely no expert, but I've learned a few things in the races that I've done, and if I can pass that knowledge on to help others, it makes me feel good.

I love doing these races, and the physical and mental challenge of them is simply awesome.






...and yes, I know I'm completely insane. That's why I fit in so well here.