IRONMAN SWIM START...triathlon competition, swim technique, and moreThe ironman swim start can be a pretty nerve-wracking time. It's much easier to deal with if you have a swim plan in place before the gun goes off. MOST NEW TRIATHLETES HAVE VERY LITTLE SWIMMING EXPERIENCE Statistics show that pretty well everyone has some biking or running experience when they first decide to take on the Ironman challenge, but have little or no swimming experience. Hey! That sounds just like me! If they do, chances are they have no idea what it will be like to swim in the open water. Worse yet, they will be joined by around 2000 other swimmers when the ironman swim start gun goes off. BE SURE TO PLAN AHEAD FOR THE STARTING GUN Usually about 20 minutes before the race start everyone will be starting to make their way down to the water. Be sure you don't leave your last nervous pee for too long, because the line-ups get huge about 30 minutes before the race begins. It's a good idea not to zip your wetsuit right up too soon. They are just far too hot. Just put it on up to your waist and about ten minutes before the race begins, get someone to zip it up for you. Also be sure you have not dropped your swim goggles along the way and that your timing chip is on properly. DO NOT PUT IT ON OVER TOP OF YOUR WETSUIT AS SOME PEOPLE TEND TO DO It should go on your bare leg. Don't forget that you are going to have to have your wetsuit pulled off after the swim and your timing chip will go flying right along with it if it's over top of your wetsuit.
THE SWIM START DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A SCARY EXPERIENCE There is no need to obsess about the ironman swim start. It need not be the awful nightmare that you might imagine. It took me about 6 tries to figure out how to develop a swim strategy that took all the stress out of my Ironman swims. It took me about the same amount of time to find a swim program that was perfect for a triathlete, especially for longer distances like the Ironman 70.3 and the Ironman. You won't need to spend six years figuring it out because I can give you some direction and tips from my own experience(and mistakes more than anything)in both a swim strategy, swimming techniques, and how to develop a great swimming stroke. I came up with a swim strategy that worked great for me the first time I ever tried it, and it has helped many first time Ironmen really enjoy and feel relaxed about the swim. The Ironman swim strategy I believe is a great option for those just trying to make it through the swim any way they can is an intricate part of the first book I wrote.
THIS IS ONE TRIATHLON BOOK THAT WILL TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE As a matter of fact "IRONSTRUCK...THE IRONMAN TRIATHLON JOURNEY" has become the favorite book for many first time ironmen and those just trying to decide if they are ready to take the plunge and pursue Ironman immortality. You can also find my Ironman swim strategy on the Ironstruck website as you visit my pages on Triathlon Swim Training. A perfect complement to MY swim plan is to develop a loooong, smooooth, swim stroke. A proper stroke and sound technique will keep you relaxed and keep your heart-rate down, and in the process you will burn far less energy. Energy that is wasted during the ironman swim start and the rest of the swim is energy that you will need much later in the day on the marathon course. ONE OF THE BEST SWIM PROGRAMS ANYWHERE FOR TRIATHLETES TOTAL IMMERSION is a swimming technique that helps develop the perfect, relaxed form for a long swim like the Ironman. Is has been instrumental in helping many, many people(including myself)enjoy the Ironman swim and come out of the water feeling great and ready to get on the bike. Something as simple as a TOTAL IMMERSION book or DVD can make the difference in how your Ironman will ultimately turn out. You can visit TOTAL IMMERSION here. Visit the Total Immersion online store and if you type IRONSTRUCK in the coupon box that's in the shopping cart, you will receive a 10% discount on your purchases.
The Ironman Swim Start Back To Ironman Race Day Page
I hope you take the opportunity to have this 7 Part e-Course articles sent to you. You will receive one every three days so you can have a glimpse of what you can expect on your Ironman journey. Best of all it's free and there's not enough free stuff in the world these days.
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I have written three books that all serve a specific purpose when it comes to those new to the sport of triathlon or those who perhaps have the Ironman on their mind.
"Ironstruck...The Ironman Triathlon Journey" is a perfect book for those who have the Ironman on their mind and perhaps need some motivation, inspiration, and encouragement to help them make that final decision to challenge the Ironman and make it to the finish line.
"Ironstruck? 500 Ironman Triathlon Questions and Answers" is most like the only Q+A book in the world on the subject of triathlon in general and the Ironman.
This is the perfect book for the triathlete who has decided to take on the Ironman for the first time, or perhaps has done one or two and would like some insight from a different point of view.
It is a great companion book for "Ironstruck...The Ironman Journey" and the pair of books would make a great gift.
"Triathlete in Transition" is a book that was inspired by all the people who would stop by at my Ironstruck book signings and suggest I write a book for the very beginner triathlete who just wanted to know more about the sport.
I suppose because I had this passion for the Ironman that it seemed natural to write about it first almost six years ago now.
So in effect I have gone from the most difficult and challenging of triathlons and ended up at the beginning of the triathlon journey.
Triathlete in transition is full of information about how to get started in the sport and like my Ironstruck books, are inspirational and motivational as well as full of practical advice on triathlon that make the sport much more enjoyable.
Regardless, now I have three books that cover the full range of triathlon from just learning about triathlon in general, to ultimately reaching the Ironman finish line.