Can I go from 0 to 400 meters swimming

[zoidberg]

in less than a month?

I am trying to decide if I should sign up for a first time tri on August 24th (5k, 10 miles, 400 m). I really, really want to do it, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

My training might kind of suck from the anemia, but I should be very close to fully recovered by race day.

What would you do?

[zoidberg]

And when I say 0, I mean that I do know how to swim after a fashion, but haven't really done it in 20 years.

[texassmith]

I would say no. Is it a reverse tri (swim is last)? If so, then you'll be tired from the run and bike already. If the swim is first, you might be able to fake your way through it. Is it a pool or OWS? That can make all the difference too, if you don't have a chance to train in open water.

This coming from a non-triathlete, so others may have more insight.

[zoidberg]

Reverse tri in a pool.

[kams]

Zoid, are you cleared to go swim this week? If you can get a swim in this week, that might give you a better idea.

The atmosphere of the race you're talking about is so cool and calm - it's really te perfect race to give it a shot if you think you can swing it. The run & bike & overall distance will be no problem for you,

[zoidberg]

I am still not supposed to push myself (no getting out of breath). I could probably do a leisurely swim.

Maybe I should just wait until spring and do a different one. I really WANT to do it, but maybe I should just accept that this summer is kind of jacked and I'll have to be patient (not good at!).

[zoidberg]

Are there any sprints in the spring or later in the fall?

[CallingAllAngels]

When I started swimming, even though I was in half marathon shape, I got winded really easily. I had to catch my breath every 50 meters or so. About a month in, I probably could have swum 400 yards in a race, but it wouldn't have been pretty. Since the race is laid back, I would say that you could go for it, but I have reservations about your medical issues.

[zoidberg]

WHY CAN'T I JUST ALWAYS DO STUFF THAT I WANT?

It might be prudent to wait. I literally haven't swum (swam? swimmed? swove?) a lap since middle school, and I'm 35.

[coconutbug]

I think Patriot Tri is in Sept (kind of hilly, but pool swim), and in April there's Rio Grande Tri and Spring Fling Tri.

[zoidberg]

I will look those up.

[kams]

Nutcracker in December is fun, Rio Grande in April is super fun...there are tons of options!

[zoidberg]

You said "nut". lol

[zoidberg]

I am actually super tempted by Nutcracker. It will be nice and cool so I might actually do well in the run!

[kams]

Last year it was really chilly - if I had nuts they might have cracked. It was seriously so fun though! You won't mind the cold. I just wore a light jacket over my tri kit - easy peasy.

[coconutbug]

And if you want to work on your swim and do some local races, the dash and splash series that's from Jan-March or so is low-key and fun.

[zoidberg]

That would probably be the wiser option, wouldn't it? I don't like going into a race feeling unprepared.

[zoidberg]

Thanks for the tips, guys!

[joenali]

For a pool swim?? You should be just fine! Do it!!!

[Raggedeannie]

zoidberg is there a program you are going to follow to "learn" to swim laps? I've been thinking of getting into swimming but also an totally incompetent and out of shape in the pool. I'm thinking of a C25K esque program for swimming. Does this exist?

[coconutbug]

Raggedeannie - here's a C25K-ish program, but I haven't tried it: ruthkazez.com/ZeroTo1mile.html
I'd consider taking some adult lessons first though, if you're new to swimming or not sure about your form. Have fun!

[katinthehat]

Jul 15, 2013 4:22:19 GMT -5 Raggedeannie said:

zoidberg is there a program you are going to follow to "learn" to swim laps? I've been thinking of getting into swimming but also an totally incompetent and out of shape in the pool. I'm thinking of a C25K esque program for swimming. Does this exist?

The program she linked is a good one and there's also one even more beginner than that - ruthkazez.com/Zeroto1milePreamble/pre-zero.html