Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the UK and in April of this year I decided I wanted to enter one or two, as a newbie to Triathlons, the swim was always the one I was going to struggle with as I hadn’t swam properly for years and even then wasn’t very good at it. so when I decided it was time to enter my first event, the swim was my main focus to improve on. At first I could only swim 25 metres of the Pool before becoming out of breath and thinking I was going to drown, it seems that bike and running fitness does not transfer across to swimming!

Gradually over the next few weeks I become a bit stronger then decided it was time to take my first foray into the lake. This I don’t mind admitting filled me with dread. I initially went up to Tri20 Centre in Burghfield and spoke to the extremely helpful guys there and got fitted for a wetsuit I then tentatively got into the lake (which was 16 degrees at this point) and swam about 10 metres before getting out and heading home. I was happy Id at least just got in the lake that day. I then set small goals such as swimming to the first buoy then getting out, then swimming to the second buoy before resting on my back and swimming on, eventually I managed a whole 750m lap with out stopping or resting. It may not have been quick but I got round. I now much prefer lake swimming to that of the pool.

The lake at TRi20 at Reading Lake Hotel

Fast forward 2 months and I have now completed my first longer Triathlon, the distance of this requiring an 800m swim in the lake at Dorney I have now managed to swim 1500m without stopping which sets me up nicely for my first Olympic Triathlon in September.

When I mention to people that I have started entering Triathlons I often get a reply that they would love to do one but can’t swim very well or hardly at all. My response is always the same you can do pretty much anything if you persevere at it, have patience and perhaps even hire a good coach at least for a few sessions. Swimming is very technical so unless you are one of the lucky ones its not going to click over night. Im still working at it and have a long way to go but am determined to give it my best and improve as much as possible.

So how about it, why don’t you try a Tri?

If its something you are interested in have a look at Human Race Events website http://humanrace.co.uk/events/triathlon