Swim Technique and Volume Are Key for Triathletes

A standing joke among triathletes goes something like this:
Q. What do you call the first triathlete out of the water?
A. Loser.

And while it is true that triathletes are unlikely to win a triathlon during the swim leg of the competition, it is equally true that a triathlon can be lost in the water. In the inaugural edition of the Zone Urban Epic, for example, the race winner finished the ocean swim in a respectable 22nd position. For Kurt Perham, the Urban Epic was won on the bike, but clearly, he did not lose much time in the swim, finishing only 3:05 slower than the first swimmer out of the water, who finished 74th overall. The overall winner for the woman's competition was 3rd out of the water, where Katie Payson put over 5 minutes into her closest competitor, Erin Brennan. Despite a faster bike ride, Brennan was not able to bridge the gap. In her words, "It's one thing to catch Katie, it's another to pass her!"

Both swim technique and swim volume tend to among the top limiters for triathletes, who as a group, seem to prefer biking and running over the water sport. But as summer fades and the days grow shorter, time spent in the pool perfecting technique and building volume can be the keys to a successful competitive season next year.

The Greater Portland area offers many Masters Swimming programs where qualified coaches lead structured swimming programs. For example, Kerry Kertes leads a Masters Swim Group in Cape Elizabeth at the Don Richards Pool. Beginning on September 24, Kerry's classes always begin with an assessment of swimmers followed by 4 to 6 weeks of technique work. Once the technique has been honed, the winter and early spring sessions add both volume and speed work designed to help athletes become stronger swimmers.

Other Masters Swimming programs throughout Maine can be located at the Maine Masters Swim Club web site. Consider joining a Masters Swim program. The fall and winter is an excellent time to improve your swim stroke, maintain your aerobic engine and began to prepare for the 2008 season.