Here's the third article for the swim series from club Secretary Cecilia McGuinness. Cecilia is an accomplished swimmer, swim teacher and lifeguard having represented sligo many times at national level in competition. Cecilia is also the co-leader of the ladies division so well worth reading her great advice. She picks up from where Scott left off in the previous article.In case there's any confusion the last swim series race is on Sat June 26th in the evening with exact time to be confirmed.
"So your swim leg is now underway and you need to know how to navigate successfully (taking the shortest route).
At this stage it’s hugely important to make your sighting/ pick your buoy/point of destination and stick with this. In Mullaghmore, it will be initially a buoy and then the ramp at the yacht club that will be your sighting. At Rosses Point, it’s the roof of the yacht club. Try not to follow others, stick with your own sightings as others can be very wrong and can steer you way off course!!
While you are swimming, it is very important to establish your swimming space. It can feel weird to have so many bodies swimming into and around you. Ladies, it can be especially intimidating to have to have so many large male bodies to navigate your way around! It can also be a strange experience when others swim closely to you and hit your legs, it can feel as though you are being pulled. It is very important not to panic at this stage, to breathe slowly and mentally be able to swim your way through it. The more practice you have swimming in the open sea water, the more confident you will feel about all of these factors.
If you are a weaker swimmer, just hang back, take your time and let the other swimmers plough on ahead of you. You will get there, just swim in a manner that suits your ability. The last thing you want to do is be put off by a bad experience.
It’s the initial entry that’s the hardest. Once you establish your space and start swimming you will be fine. Just work on your breathing, initially it may be every 2 strokes but as you relax into your swim, you will be able to establish a rhythm and breathe on every 3 to 4 strokes. Again, it’s up to you to establish what breathing style you are most comfortable with.
PACING
Try to stay focussed and not be put off by people swimming ahead of you. Remember to reserve you energy for the bike and run ahead if you’re participating in a triathlon event. Establish your own tempo and try not to expend too much energy in the initial stages of the swim. Swimming in a wet suit is tiring in itself so be careful to pace yourself correctly and to be oblivious of others where possible.
BUOYS
Please remember to swim fully around the buoy, don’t take any shortcuts as this may disqualify you from an event. You don’t want all of your hard swimming to be in vain!!!! Be sure to find out the direction of how to swim around the buoy before the event. Usually there will a kayak etc that will oversee the buoy and will assist but don’t always rely on this. Also, other competitors will help to steer you around the buoy in the correct direction. Awareness and common sense again should prevail and see you through in the correct manner.
LEAVING THE WATER
It is crucial that you swim as far as you can into the shore. Do not make the mistake of standing up too early and wading your way through the water. This is an exhausting experience and is very annoying as others will pass you that continue to swim! You easily make it quicker to shore whilst continuing to swim in as far as is possible.
MAKING YOUR WAY TO THE TRANSITION
Momentum, onlookers and adrenaline will help you to make your way to the transition area. Try to run as fast as possible. This isn’t always easy if you are tired after an exhausting swim especially if the conditions have been rough and unfavourable. It is of utmost importance that you start to undo your wetsuit en route to the transition area. This is where the tri-suit is invaluable as all you have to worry about putting on your footwear and helmet and making your way out of the transition area. Try to cope without the socks, you won’t really need them. Hydrate and get some sustenance into you whilst on the bike.
Enjoy the cycle ahead…… "
Cecilia McGuinness
