And now there are three
I know some runners who swim, not with intentions of adding triathlon to their goals but merely as a less-stress workout. And I know runners who bike for much the same reason: they want to spare their legs and joints the pounding of running while still getting in something of a workout. So the three disciplines of triathlon would seem to complement each other since each activity requires different muscle groups and entirely different repetitive motions.
However, what I am finding in the early going is that the bottom line, how hard are you training and how tired are you one day to the next, indicates considerably greater expenditure of energy at the end of a week juggling all three activities. I say to myself, oh how I would love to trade in a day of swimming or a day on the bike for a nice 12 mile run.
At the pool finally, I remarked that swimming, in these early stages anyhow (the last time I swam with any regularity was [gasp!] 35 years ago) seems much more difficult than running. A swimmer replied that he detests running and loves the fact that the water and not your legs support your body in swimming. I guess its obvious that all is relative.
When I think back to three or four years ago, when I restarted a running regimen after many years off, the first jogs were extremely fatiguing. I kept myself going with the promise I could stop and walk after a couple of hundred yards; but the other promise I made myself was that I would return day after day to run more. This deal-making went on for weeks. The success I eventually had is attributable to the fact that all the deals were made, none were broken. So my conclusion now is that succeeding in the water is going to require of me the same deal-making I used for making myself into a runner.
Are you a runner reluctant to dive into the sport of swimming? Or have you made the transition successfully? We would sure love to hear from you and learn what worked for your success.
2 comments:
Generally speaking, individuals who gravitate to the sport of triathlon are type A, self-motivated, and drive themselves with a work ethic deserving of super hero status.
But, those characteristics can make three of the most important aspects of training incredibly frustrating- PATIENCE, BALANCE, & REST.
I tell my athletes all the time to be gentle with themselves and pursue the sport with passion and vigor but balance the rest of life into the equation. Admittedly, this takes a lot of practice and becomes yet another challenge to be conquered.
Here's to James and every other athlete who is facing a challenge with training and a seemingly vertical learning curve. Know that you are not alone. Talk to your buddies and trainng partners. Find a group, seek a coach, or simple just post a comment here. We want to know about your enthusiasm and help you find the "balance" in your training plan!
Oh yes my friend and now there are THREE! And good job to you James. I come from a swimming back ground and I so admire anyone who gets in the water to swim with out one! Just breathing on my opposite side is enough to make me uncomfortable and lose my breathing pattern. I look at the new swimmers and I am so impressed at their desire to learn, as I know there efforts are much more multiplied than mine.
Eventually with Patience,Balance and Rest and STROKE Drills it does become easier.
I think more than any of the other disciplines it is very important early on to swim with a group and get started with some good technique and stroke drills. Don't worry about going fast. Get it right first, the rest will follow.
Even "we" who have been doing the sport of Triathlon need stroke instruction as a mainstay in our training plan, myself especially.
Thank goodness for Susan and her patience with my right arm,one sided breathing, etc etc etc.
Use your newness to start good habits and enjoy!
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