surprised how many triathletes get panic attacks or struggle with the swim. I count myself as a poor swimmer, can do pretty much any distance, but at the speed of a sloth. But I look at all the people around me when I race and they all seem so good and confident. I guess that’s not universally the case.
One thing that helps me is I live and train in the uk. There are loads of lakes near me to train in and in April/may they can be at 12°c (about 54°f) so I’m used to being very cold in the water. Also, knowing that I’m very slow I always go at the back, so miss the worst of the maelstrom. Still doesn’t mean I avoid a few kicks to the face or people grabbing my ankles (seriously, every race!) but I’ve yet to have someone completely swim over me.
I’ve often felt a little ashamed at my swimming, but I guess I should be proud that I’m able to get out there, do my thing and get round the course.
Hats off to everyone who does this sport, it’s tough.
For me, my wetsuit feels tight and my breathing starts to get out of sync and I have to relax my mind and breathing. Also, I try to loose a couple of extra pounds so my wetsuit isn’t so damn tight. Definitely a lot going on with open water swim and panic attacks can happen to anyone anytime, very dangerous when it happens in open water with lots of people thrashing around. Sure it is hard for the safety spotters too
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