Swimming gear
A month or so ago I went to visit Carroll Voss at his store, Fleet Feet San Antonio. Carroll is a runner, a tireless race organizer (Big Bend 50K) and also runs an annual marathon training group. He’s a veteran triathlete and one who has given me a good deal of advice and support in my rookie effort at triathlon. Thanks, Carroll.
On this particular visit Carroll brought in a bag full of swimming accessories for me to pick through. Being new to this, I was seeing some of the training devices for the first time. For instance, a pull buoy and hand paddles. Carroll also had three or four goggles, a swim cap which might have come from his first tri, and a pair of very brief Speedos. (I think he said something like “I’m afraid my gut might hang out if I wore these today.” Oops…..sorry Carroll). Truth is, my gut would hang out too. That’s why I swim in a more modest Nike suit.
All of this points to the question of exactly what we do need as we train for the swimming portion of a triathlon (or just to be in swimming shape for the summer). I hope one of our experts will chime in here, or perhaps one of you reading this can enlighten the rest of us. Obviously, we need swim suits. I doubt there is a Hippy Hollow triathlon. Goggles are also a given. But what about nose clips, ear plugs, pull buoys, hand paddles, flippers? And while we are at it, what are the thoughts regarding snorkels (both for training and competition) and wet suits?
I’m just going to bait the line with the above questions and wait.
2 comments:
The foreboding SWIM GEAR.....
Because I come from a swimming background and an old one... Fins were new to me for training. I was like why do I need those? It's harder with out. For Drills, oh yuck was my reply. Why do we have to do those. I would rather swim more and drill less. I mean really dont they understand that we could have swum like 600 additional yards instead of doing those stupid drills? OH yes I am a mileage junkie. And soon I began to learn, HOw hideous my stroke had become. I need the drills and stroke instruction more than ANYONE! Goggles obviously a must.
Pull buoy and paddles etc etc, all help. I use them all. Even the old fashioned kick board. I love kicking. I wish they just had a butterfly kicking race and I would win I just know it. Cap, I say a definate yes for women, you can figure that one out, but I say yes also for men too. It protects your hair, you HAVE TO WEAR ONE in an event so you might as well get used to it NOW, and besides, it reduces drag and makes you feel faster! Same with the Speedo! And believe me NO ONe cares or is looking and I mean it. But wear what you feel comfortable in. it is your race. It is all about you that day and that moment.
Snorkels? I hear that they are legal but being a swimmer I never investigated..? Shelly? As far as training with one ask Shelly she swam a 5k with one on once, for some strange reason I cannot remember.
WETSUIT? I used to hate it hate it hate it. The one day Jim Slauson told me it was his best buddy and that I needed to think of it that way also. As I started to change my thinking I realized how much fun it is. Its like a toy. It makes me float, and it keeps me warm, and its easy to tinkle in. No one sees you and EVERYONE does it.
Bottom line what ever gets you in the water ... use it. BUT what is also nice about swimming is all you need is your swim suit, cap and goggles and isnt that easy to take traveling.
oooops and practice in your wetsuit before an event! I like the sleeveless IM brand with the long legs.ZETTA
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