i need to decide weather or not to commit to joining 2 friends in a mini triathalon -- we'd be doing this as a relay team. (actually, i think i can do it, just have to see how serious the other two team members are). i am to be the swimming leg. the swim is .5 mile across a lake (880 yards). we don't need to be competitive, we just want a work out goal so that we stay motivated.

i swam this morning for about 20-25 minutes and did o.k., but, took a few breaks by the side of the pool (not an option out on the lake on race day). i also ended up on mostly doin the side stroke.

the race is in 7 weeks! i can commit to swimming 4-5 days a week.

does anyone have any experience doing a distance swim event? how long did it take to build up the endurance you needed to swim .5 mile? any problems with the crowd in the water? any general advice?

here is a training schedule that i found on-line. do you see any glaring errors or ommisions?

first month
Swim the distance in any combination you want at first, working your way up to 800yrd. Ex. swim 1x300,1x200,3x100 =800 Then gradually increase your distance by reducing the sets and increasing your yardage until you can swim 800 yards at once, then work your way up to 1200.

later,
workout a) 1X100 on 2 min, 1X200 on 4 min, 1X300 on 6min, 1X400 on 9min, 1X300 on 6min, 1X200 on 4 min and 1X100.. Make sure your warm up with some arm pulls and kicks before starting any swim workout.

workout b) 800 yard swim followed by 5-10 X100's on 2 min

here is a training schedule that i found on-line. do you see any glaring errors or ommisions?

The boat.

hee hee hee, too funny! (i origianlly mis-typed and wrote, "too finny", but, even i, the ultimate punster, couldn't take *that*! ;) )

Wheez -

Look in the May and June issues of "Oxygen" magazine - there are some women triathletes in there, and if you Google and email one or two of them, I'm sure one could recommend a training schedule for you OR someone who could construct one for you.

Go Wheez Go! Where is your race, so we can come cheer? :D

I am an experienced triathlete and previous tri/run coach. I recommend a web site: www.trinewbies.com and if there is a triathlon club in your area, train with them especially if you are a beginner.

I have been racing since 1994.
Diane

irondiane,

thanks for the info on the great triatholon training site.

my race has been postponed until next year. maybe next year i'll train for the whole thing myself rather than relying on members of a relay team. although, i really don't like running. i wonder if i could do the swim and bike legs and my running friend could do the last leg? i'll look into it for next year.

in the meantime, i'll keep swimming. finally, an aerobic activity that i enjoy! i'd enjoy it even more if i didn't have to get up so dang early to get to the pool .... :rolleyes:


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mrb,

will definatley look for oxygen magazine. sounds like it has some interesting articles. thanks!