If at First You Don't Succeed, TRI, TRI Again.

I wasn't planning on attending Runners Soul's Open Water Swim Session, but Friday's failed attempt at open water made for a good excuse to get out. I'm glad that I did.

Sean Pinder, owner of Runners Soul and top swimmer at Ironman Canada, hosted the chance to "test the waters."  He gave general instruction on fitting and purchasing wetsuits, tips and benefits to swim caps, and instruction on basic differences of open water swimming. He discussed navigation, tricks (such as dolphin hops), and drafting. With each concept, the group of 30-ish swimmers practiced out in the cold, murky water above the dam.

It was great to experience the bumping and jarring of triathlon starts as well as the crowded swimming conditions in the water; however, I noticed a significant anxiousness in open water that made it more difficult to breathe. With an increased heart rate, I needed to take breaths on every other stroke. It was also difficult to relax making my stroke less efficient and tiring my muscles prematurely. My big realization after the session was the need to get in even more open water experience... to tri, tri again.

Enjoy the following clip, one of my favorite Clif Bar commercials featuring Wes Hobson, renowned triathlete and coach. Perhaps this is the kind of open water practice I should work on.

Related Post: Failed Tri Training Attempt