About Me
Hi, I'm a primary school teacher living in West Yorkshire, I've got two lovely lively children and a husband who conspire to keep me pretty busy. For no reason that was apparent at the time I decided to take part in my first triathlon a few years ago when I was in my late twenties.
I entered the Rother Valley Sprint Triathlon without any training. I'd never swum in open water, I hadn't ridden a bike in 10 years and I'd only ever run on a treadmill. Waiting to go into the lake, the only competitor without a wetsuit, I was more nervous than at any time since my wedding. I was last but one out of the water and dead last by the time I returned to transition on the bike that I'd borrowed just the day before. I fell even further back during the run walk as I struggled to complete the race.
Why on earth did I do this to myself again? Well, right from the first race I learnt about how supportive other triathletes and spectators are, encouraging me as I went out on the run and cheering when I finally reached the finish. But most important was the sense of pride and achievement that I had managed to push myself around the course when I could so easily have given up. No matter how tough I may find a race now, I can always steel myself with the thought that nothing will be harder than that first one.
Please feel free to leave a comment on one of my articles or contact me here, I'd love to hear from you,
Claire
Comments
re: Open Water Swimming
Thanks for the advice Claire, think we may have to wait until the day to try since you need to be members of the local triathlon clubs in the Staffs area.
Thanks again for getting back to me though, best of luck with everything you have on in 2009!
Regards
Steve
Open Water Swimming
Hi Steve,
Being from Yorkshire, I don't know about open water swimming venues in your area. However, there could well be one as it's a growing thing - loads of crazy people who think it's a good way to spend an hour of their weekend! The best thing would probably be to contact your nearest tri club and ask them, if nothing else they should be able to advise you as to what's possible.
If this really isn't feasible, then at least ask at your local pool if you can do some swimming there in a wetsuit, it doesn't really prepare you for swimming in open water, but at least you'd be used to the feel of the suit.
Otherwise, I would advise you to start at the side or the back in the swim. As a first go this gives you time to get yourself together without being right in the thick of it. If you stay at the side of the pack you'll more easily find space to swim your own race and to see how you feel out in the water. And make sure you get in and get the water in your suit in advance of the start, that way you aren't shocked and out of breath as soon as you start.
Hope this helps.
Claire
Open Water - scared!
Hi Claire
Firstly, can I say as a budding first time triathlete looking for some honest information on how to start, your website is fantastic. Really detailed and good to read.
Myself and two other "virgin" triathletes are training for the sprint triathlon at Trentham Gardens this July (26th) 2009. Training is going ok, but the one nagging thing I have is that whilst you can train in the pool, we won't have experienced an open swim with a wetsuit on, which, to be frank, is worrying me.
Can you offer any advice, tips, or better still, where we could practise in open water without being forcibly evicted from the water?
All the best with your training and keep up the great work on this site!
Cheers
Steve Jones, Stoke on Trent
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