Not all swim portions are 1/2 mile. My first triathlon coming up in December has only a 150m swim. It's at the end, though, instead of the beginning. (Run, Bike, Swim) Look around on the 'net. Try trifind.net[/URL" target="_blank"> and look for the shorter swims. If you are in So Cal, check out Tinsel Triathlont[/URL" target="_blank">

Good luck,
Ed
(edited to fix URL's)
------------------
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW! What a ride!

My User Profile[/URL" target="_blank">
SW: 280
CW: 242
GW: 180ish

http://This message has been edited by FatManRunning (edited Aug-30-2007).

You are not alone...I do triathlons and am a terrible swimmer. I'm up to one mile now although it be very slow. Some people just have natural ability...others like me have natural inability.

I actually placed in my age group in a couple of the reverse order tris with short swims like the others mentioned...Tinsel Tri in Hemet last year being one of them.

I'll be there too!!!

------------------
My Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Go for it dude! You'll do fine. Everyone has a weak event. Mine is swimming. My wetsuit is such a great floatation device that I can stop swimming, lay on my back in it and float forever.

Find a tri shorter than a half mile swim. And even if you cant find one, you will be surprised how short a half mile is. It just sounds long.

Laurie

quote:<HR>Originally posted by rented mule:
1) In the transition period between swim/bike - do triathletes keep the wetsuit on for the remainder of the competition or change into running shorts? I've never even seen a wetsuit (except watching Ironman on tv) and can't remember exactly what happened during the transition from swim to bike etc.<HR>

Not sure I follow. In general, athletes will either where a wetsuit with their tri-shorts and top underneath, or a trisuit. Forget the trisuit for the sake of this answer, for most of the people who might wear that are Pro's. Come out of the water, strip your wetsuit off, and now hope on the bike with your tri-shorts and top. I always wear Tri-shorts underneath but often not the Tri-top. I wiggle into the top in Transition. For Ironman I in fact change both top and bottoms in the change tent. It's a long day, I'd rather not go out on the bike in wet shorts. Very few athletes wear typical running shorts.

quote:<HR>2) What is the average time for the transition from swim to bike and from bike to run?
<HR>

Scan race results of a local Sprint or Oly race. That'll give a good idication of where you should be.

quote:<HR>A little background.....I never swim but I can. The furtherst I've ever swam was 1/4 mile about 30 years ago in a college swimming class.<HR>

Forget your background. You can do this. No question. Just get in the water early and often.

quote:<HR>The idea of getting in a triathlon next year is exciting and I appreciate your encouragement. I have a lot to learn.<HR>

Just wait... this sport really is something special.

I had been a runner only for years. After having run roughly 20 marathons, I got into this amazing sport. It has honestly been the absolute best thing that has happened to me in my sports-active life. And it has made me a better person in my non-athletic life. It has even breathed a world of life into my running. You'll love it.

I hate to hijack this thread, but this is me! I can run and bike, but all I can do as far as swimming is the breaststroke (like the old lady kind where you don't put your face in the water). I swim 25 laps once a week the day after my long rides and the day before my long runs.

Will a DVD really show me how to do the crawl without feeling like I am drowning?

Abb

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Abb94:

Will a DVD really show me how to do the crawl without feeling like I am drowning?

Abb<HR>

It's more about your preferred mode of learning. If you're good at picking up information by watching a DVD, the Total Immersion DVD will definitely help. It's ideal for people who either don't have the money or interest in swim lessons. If your preferred mode of learning it to have someone teach you, by all means find a swim instructor. You won't need them every time you practice, so it doesn't need to be super expensive.

The Total Immersion DVD was a great help to me. It breaks the elements of the freestyle stroke down into drills that you practice separately. Then you gradually work up to the point that you're suddenly swimming freestyle, well-balanced, and breathing comfortably. There's also a book, but most people do better with the visuals. Or even the combo of the book and DVD.