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Triathlon Training- Swim Smart, Swim Prepared.

For those of you gearing up for your next triathlon, we have some swimming tips to help you get started! 

First... be prepared!

Do your research on swimming techniques! You want to know how to work your body underwater in order to gain maximum speed for your race. If this is your first triathlon, don't fret... You aren't expected to become a swim expert over night. Maybe you can find your local swim school and get a few lessons on swimming strokes to help get you started. Swimming works many different muscles, so it's very important to start practicing early. Your body needs time to build that muscle memory.

 Let's talk gear!

You have a few options to choose from for clothing. You can choose to change fully at each leg of the race, partially change or you can dress fully in tri clothing for maximum comfort at each leg without changing.  This is completely your choice. For longer races like the ironman, it makes the most sense to change fully at each leg because it is more comfortable. Tri clothing is typically very snug and it has features that help you stay comfortable and dry like these tri-shorts from REI shown on the left. They have a smaller seat cushion than regular bike shorts making them more comfortable while running and they are fast dry/moisture wicking so they will dry quickly after the water.

Shop Triathlon gear from REI HERE!

Next... practice, practice, practice!

As with any big race, it is important to practice before the day. Practice swimming and find what works for you in the water. Learn what strokes you will use and don't forget to practice in your wet suit. Learn some proper swimming techniques here on YouTube! Often times your wetsuit will feel restricting the first few times you wear it. This makes for trouble breathing and you do not want to encounter this obstacle the day of the race. We highly recommend taking your wetsuit out in open waters (if accessible to you) and swim in it to break it in!

Feel free to change up your swim strokes. You don't have to stick to just one! You will build more muscles this way too and it will help with your agility in the water. As we mentioned above, take a few swim lessons to help prepare you.

Last, but not least... rest up!

Resting your body is crucial before a big race, but too much rest can hurt you! The week before the race you should do lighter workouts with one heavy mid-week workout to keep your muscles revved up. Get a massage, roll out your muscles, prepare your clothing and gear. All of this should be done the week before the race so you can focus your energy on your body. At this point all of your training should have prepared you. It's time to rely on your body and put mind over matter!

Don't overthink it, don't over rest it. Trust yourself and all the time you have spent preparing and let your body do the rest! You can do it!! We believe in you. Just. Keep. Swimming!

For all your cycling tips for your big race, head on over to ProjectMTB's blog post HERE!

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