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Ten strategies for conquering the ocean swim mass start
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Ready, set, swim! Photo courtesy of Liz Oakes
As a first time triathlete, Gloria Driscoll, trained diligently for months before her first sprint triathlon. On race day, she nervously awaited for the gun to go off to announce the start of her wave. "Pop!" A cluster of coated neoprene-clad women bolt into the water, diving down letting the waves pass and crash over.
However, Gloria had not anticipated the kicking and jabbing. Feeling like a fish in a school caught in a net, she felt overwhelming panic. Sadly, Gloria did not finish the swim portion of her race.
For some, this story brings back memories of first races, while others wonder, "why would anybody voluntarily do this-and pay to participate?" Yet, some veteran triathletes get excited anticipating their next race.
In order to overcome panic in mass starts as described above, Dr. Jim Taylor, two--time Ironman finisher and author of "The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training", recommends practice and preparation.
- Speak to experienced triathletes, so you know what to anticipate.
- Practice mini mass starts by swimming in close proximity to five or more friends.
- Use mental imagery. In the weeks leading up to a race, imagine yourself in a crowd of swimmers and being jostled. Remain calm and imagine that you maintain your rhythm.
Ben Caldwell, a Long Beach-based triathlete suggests accepting.
- Accept that you will likely be unmaliciously bumped. Few result in injury.
- To lessen the likelihood of crowding, accept what your swimming ability is. Know where you ought to be in your pack. Faster swimmers will stay to the front; slower and less experienced swimmers stay in the back. By staying to the side or behind the pack, you will less likely be "swam over".
Becky Lavelle, a professional triathlete and Triathlon Magazine's 2008 "Triathlete of the Year", says get beyond the people and the waves.
- Start off to the side of the other swimmers and spot while you breathe. By breathing on the side that faces the other swimmers, you will be able to see where the other swimmers are.
- Wade out as far as you can. When possible, dive under the waves, hands first. This prevents you from getting pushed back onto shore.
- Breathe deeply and relax.
Rich Julason, Jr., a USA Triathlon certified coach and founder of Simply Tri to Lose Weight, offers the strategy of watching and waiting.
- Watch the swimmers ahead of you, as they enter the water. Is the current pulling them toward or away from the buoy? Adjust your position, so you will not be swimming against the current.
- To ensure you will avoid all the people in your heat, count off three seconds after the gun goes off, allowing the swimmers to go ahead of you. You control your position after that.
Practice these ten strategies pre-race and at each race. You will find which strategies work best for you.
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