How To Swim For Triathlon In 5 Easy Steps

So you've decided to do a triathlon, and you're putting together a training plan. You feel good about the bike and run- after all, you grew up riding around on bikes and running whenever you got the chance. So training for those disciplines should be easy- just add a little distance and speed at a time.

But how to swim for a triathlon is another world. Since we are not aquatic animals by nature, even those of us who grew up doing some swimming will have a tough time jumping in to a triathlon swim if it has been a while since we were in the water, or if we don't have much experience in the open water.

If this is your first time doing a triathlon or open water swim, there is a lot to do- but it can be simplified and made a lot easier than it might seem. Here are the steps I would follow to make the best of your triathlon swim training:

1. Have tons of patience. You won't see dramatic results in swimming, no matter what your training plan may be. But if you stick with it, little by little, you will be able to achieve an adequate swim stroke for triathlon.

2. Learn the drills. Drills are your key to getting better at swimming. Check out the resources available to help you with triathlon swimming, and start with the basic drills. As tempting as it may be to just get to training, spending that time early on with nothing but drills will pay off much greater dividends down the road.

3. Swim more than you bike or run. If you are just starting out or just getting back to swimming, it's important to "work your weakness," as well as to really get that feel for the water, before you go on to your race.

4. Get a coach. Or get someone that has a little more experience than you to teach you a few things in the water. Swimming isn't intuitive to most people, so it's best to learn from others who can teach you some of the things you will need to know in the aquatic environment.

5. Think "conserve energy," and "stroke efficiency" rather than "swimming fast." The fastest swimmers don't give themselves much of an advantage at all in triathlon by finishing in the front pack. And, if you’re a beginner, going super-fast isn't in the realm of possibilities for your race. Even if you're a more experienced triathlete, working on swimming speed would not be on the top of my list.

The key to how to swim for triathlon is to take a step-by-step approach, and enjoy the journey- rather than getting too anxious to make fast progress. You will enjoy your race no matter how "fast" you go, and will have something to build on!