Factors of the Triathlon Swim

Triathlons, as you might already know, are composed of three events: swimming, cycling, and a marathon. Enduring the rigorous conditions of the event requires a person to have very solid strategy.

If you are planning on joining a triathlon, then you might want to know that the triathlon swim is often the most arduous and draining of the events.

It is also often the first event to be tackled, meaning it gives the best opportunity to gain a lead and set your pace for the race. In order to come up with a solid strategy, here are some factors you might want to consider:

1) Course – a few triathlon swims take place in swimming pools, but the majority are in rough water. As you might realize, different locations make for very different conditions.

There are usually three types of swim locations in rough water: Pontoon dive, deep water, or water’s edge. Each course requires a very different tactic.

2) Depth and Approach – since a triathlon is designed to test your endurance to its limits, you should consider rest points, where you can conserve your energy and yet keep going. In a triathlon swim, this means you need to consider the depth of the water.

Try and find out if you can actually rest without putting yourself in the danger of drowning. Find out how long you can run into the water before you need to swim. You should also know if the water is shallow enough to let you stand whenever you need to rest.

3) Conditions – you need to know just how much environmental conditions will affect the swim. Take into account the wind and the current of the water, so you know how hard you have to work in order to endure and keep moving in the triathlon swim. Preparing yourself for the conditions will allow you to cope for anything unexpected.

4) Exit – remember that the triathlon swim is only one-third of the event. You must consider the exit of the swim to learn how easy it is to get to the next leg of the race. This is because you have to change clothes and shoes before you can start cycling or running comfortably.

Considering these factors and more will allow you to conquer the triathlon swim pretty easily, so start planning ahead and keep training!