Question:
I have a pool available that is
a very small pool - at the most
it is 12 yards across. I am wondering
if this is adequate for training
size for training for a 1/2 mile
open water swim? Is this basic enough
to train for the triathlon swimming
leg?
Answer:
I think you'd be better off in the
larger pool, too, but the best thing
you could do would be to have a
knowledgeable person observe your
stroke. Swimming is much more technical
than running or cycling .. just
about anybody can pound along in
a jog or pump a bicycle, but if
you don't have the basics of a swim
stroke, you're not going anywhere!
You don't
have to spend hundreds of dollars
for a coach or a camp (although
it would do you more good than a
new wheelset). Ask around the pool
or check out the schedule for the
swim team(s) that use this pool.
Most coaches don't mind giving out
a little free advice, and they only
need to see you do a couple of strokes
to see your weakest fault.
You're also
more likely to find other open water
swimmers practicing in the bigger
pool, too. Have one of them teach
you how to get your bearings in
open water, and what mods need to
be made to a pool stroke for use
in open water.
