I’ve been pushing (and kicking and swearing) my way through learning to swim for about six weeks now. It hasn’t been easy. There’s SO much to think about all at once. Add to that the whole water panic thing and the need to come up for air and I’ve got a challenge on my hands.
Many of you have asked me for tips on how to get started. While I am no expert on the actual swimming part yet, I CAN share with you some of the valuable resources that were recommended to me or that I stumbled upon by myself. Oh and they’re totally free too.
Swim Smooth. I especially love their glossary of swim terms. Because truly I am clueless. Sign up for their “Feel for the Water” blog and you’ll get swimming tips delivered right to your inbox weekly.
Total Immersion Swimming. This site’s ultimate goal is to sell you training DVDs. While I haven’t sprung for those, I did sign up for their emails and I have to say, they’re pretty awesome. Lots of videos on proper swim technique, stroke efficiency, as well as mental stuff to help you calm down in the water (I NEED this!).
Enjoy Swimming. Because really: isn’t that what it’s all about? I find this entire website calming and pleasant….something that swimming is not (for me at the moment). You’ll find lots of great drills that break down the elements of swimming into manageable chunks that minimize the intimidation factor. Sooner or later, it’s all gonna click, right?
Kiefer Swim. This is where I received guidance on the kind of suit (and size…I would’ve gone 3 sizes bigger if it were up to me) I needed, cap, pool toys, all of it. I talked about the cool story their founder here. While not necessarily for beginners, Kiefer shares daily swim workouts on their website. Hopefully someday I’ll actually be competent enough to do one.
USA Triathlon. Like the total newbie doof that I am, I made the mistake of joining the USA Triathlon Association instead of buying the one-day tri “license” you need when you do a tri. But I’m happy to say, I’ve been impressed. They send me great emails filled with valuable information on swimming technique, recipes, tri strategy, crosstraining, everything. While I don’t recommend you drop $44 on a membership right away (after all this post is about FREE info) I DO recommend you checkout their website because it’s packed with great information.
Do you know how to swim? How did you learn? Any tips for my first tri?
I am a horrible swimmer! I have only done one tri so I don’t have any great advice for you other than be confident that you will do well. You have been training like a beast!
Great list here. I would add USA Masters site to the list, too. Keep up the great work!
I’m a weak swimmer too. I’ve never done longer than a sprint distance tri because I don’t think I could handle the swim. Thanks for the resources! By the way, I love your goal to run all the marathon majors. I’m hoping to do that someday as well. (Maybe when the kids are older & travel is a little easier.) 🙂
Great resources…if you want to swim! Good for you for sticking with it. I don’t know if I would have gotten this far…
I am totally going to check out that Enjoy Swimming site! I envy people who feel calm and relaxed in the water.
I can swim in that I know I won’t drown in the lake or pool. However, I HATE to put my face in the water and try to avoid it whenever possible!
I’m in awe of the fact that you are pushing yourself so far out of your comfort zone with this. I’ve always thought that doing a triathlon would be the ultimate in competitions but I never will do it because of the swim.
For the swim portion, start at the back and off to the side – you’ll have less turbulence that way and can pass the slower swimmers in front of you in the open lanes to the sides.
I remember WAY back in college, having to swim 40 laps (using various strokes) to get an A in my swimming class. O.M.G. was that difficult. I prefer dog paddling. You inspire me.
Technically I can swim but it’s not pretty and definitely not a workout. I can basically keep my head above water 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend Marcia and Happy Valentine’s Day!
I will have to check out some of these sites! Always looking for swim motivation! So glad you’re finding ways to help your swim – I did none of these when I was learning! You’ll look back at this time with a great sense of accomplishment. I agree USAT is a great organization – totally worth the membership!
How clever! i had never heard of any of those, but yes, they would make swimming life so muh better! Thanks for sharing, and I am glad they are helping you so much 🙂
I was making swimming part of my fitness a couple years ago, before I decided to run higher mileage. I kind of miss in, from one perspective. During the school year, going to the Y to swim when it’s not crowded is extremely peaceful. I didn’t try learning perfect form and stroke, but more so lap building for endurance. I may need to consider it again. The only thing I don’t like is the “grooming needs” as a woman … haha 😉
I am not a very good swimmer because I hate water in my face/up my nose….I do however enjoy floating around, therefore I’ll never be a tri-athelete, but applaud those of you that can do this! GREAT job lady!!
As much as I loved swimming as a kid, I am just not a swimmer! I will play in the ocean or jump in the pool, though.
nevermind, you found tons of resources 🙂 i’m NOT a good swimmer. I can swim, but it’s not proper form and one of the main reasons I don’t care to tri (and i don’t like biking).