Open-water swimming season may feel a long way away as this issue hits the shelves. After all, February is usually the coldest month in UK waters, the domain of hardcore dippers and folk who do things like swim the Channel and carry pickaxes around to make holes in ice.
In reality though, things will soon start to warm up between now and Easter, and triathletes will typically head back to outdoor swimming from about April, with races starting in late May/early June. Smaller lakes and bodies of water will heat up quite quickly, too, once the days lengthen and air temps rise.
For now, most of you will still be doing the majority of your training in the pool and as the key to staying safe in cold water is to keep it short, that’s the correct thing to do if you’re looking for a decent chunk of training. But if you begin working on some open-water skills now, you’ll be in a much better position when it’s time to head outdoors again. Over the next few pages, we identify the three key areas to focus on based on your ability and experience, with something for everyone to incorporate. Ready? Let’s go…
BEGINNER
OPEN-WATER SWIMMER
Heading into your first season as an open-water swimmer? Then you may be feeling a little anxious. But don’t worry, here’s where to start…
BEGINNER SKILL #1
R E L A X
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How to Carb Load - Packing your working cells with carbohydrates in the build-up to your big race is a proven strategy to race stronger and faster...
Whichever distance triathlon you're racing, the intensity and duration of your activity will see your body tap into its stores of carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen) to power your effort. While it's possible to top up your tank on the go, it's better to start your event with your stores full to the brim.
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The opening line of the race report read how 20 years on from New Zealand’s first and only Olympic triathlon gold medal, Hayden Wilde had put in a careerbest performance to regain the title for his nation. Then Alex Yee comes around the corner.Yee’s charge, seemingly from nowhere on the final lap of the 10km run in Paris, didn’t just help him become the most decorated Olympic male triathlete of all time, and didn’t just cap a rivalry that has been building for six years, it left seasoned watchers of swim, bike, run in awe. It will go down as one of the greatest triathlon races; Yee, still just 26, as one of the greatest triathletes. His medals from Paris added to the two from Tokyo, leaving his haul at two gold, a silver and a bronze, and counting.
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