SWIMMING IS NOT BORING
Swimming is NOT Boring.
As someone who loves to swim and is a dedicated coach in multi-sport training, I stand firm on this belief: swimming is not boring. While many view swimming as monotonous, it’s actually a complex sport that demands patience and a tailored approach for real progress.
Let’s dive into what makes swimming so dynamic. The sport offers various strokes, drills, and a wide range of equipment, which creates numerous training possibilities. Workouts can be varied with short and long intervals to target both anaerobic and aerobic systems. You can focus on technique, breathing, strength, and flexibility. Plus, swimming is an excellent way to reduce the impact on your body while still maintaining or enhancing aerobic fitness, making it an ideal complement to running and cycling.
One common challenge for athletes is swimming alone. Many don’t have access to a swim group, and balancing training for three sports with work, family, and other commitments can make attending group sessions difficult. Additionally, master swim programs may not always align with the needs of endurance triathletes. Training solo in any sport is tough, and swimming adds an extra level of difficulty when faced with the endless, blank line beneath you.
I understand why some might not share my passion for swimming. With that in mind, here are some tips to inspire non-believers and help others feel more motivated for their next swim.
Break It Down
Correcting your stroke can be difficult without visual feedback. It’s challenging to know if you’re performing drills correctly when you can’t see yourself. However, many swimmers make common mistakes, and there are drills designed specifically to address them. Take the time to learn a few key drills that target these issues and focus on one at a time.
Mix It Up
For a long time, I was hesitant to use too much equipment, especially pull buoys, fins, and flotation pants (or what I jokingly called “cheater pants”). Over the years, my perspective has changed. If using these tools gets you to the pool more often, that’s a win in itself. These tools can also help simulate race conditions and correct body position, which many triathletes struggle with.
Ditch the Watch
Try swimming without your smartwatch. Most competitive swimmers don’t use them in workouts or races—how many did you see at the Paris Olympics? There is real value in tuning into how you feel in the water. We often become so dependent on data that we lose touch with our internal sensations and cues. Letting go of pace data can reduce anxiety as you focus on refining your stroke. You may slow down initially before improving, and it can be helpful not to fixate on numbers during that phase. This approach leads to a deeper understanding of your body and technique.
Change Your Thinking
Stop seeing swimming as just another base-level run or ride. In open water coaching, when I give sets that require pace changes, I often hear, “I only have one speed.” My response? “We need to change that.” Training with varied paces develops different energy systems, prepares you for changing race dynamics, and makes training more enjoyable by adding variety.
Show Up
Consistency is essential in swimming. We tend to enjoy activities less when we struggle with them, so for triathletes who find swimming difficult, it’s often the first workout to be skipped when time is tight. To improve, aim to swim at least three times a week. If that’s difficult, consider dedicating a six-week training block to focus on swimming, whether during the off-season or before a race. Seeing improvement is one of the best motivators.
Engage Your Mind
Don’t leave your thinking at the pool deck! It’s surprising how many intelligent, driven athletes forget basic math once they hit the water. Instead of going through the motions, learn to use the clock. Understand your base pace, critical speed, and race pace. This engagement not only enhances your training experience but also makes it easier to track and appreciate your progress.
Overcoming the challenges of solo training and shifting your mindset can transform your swimming experience. With consistency and a willingness to try new approaches, you’ll not only improve but also find more enjoyment in the water. Dive in and explore the many layers of swimming—it’s far from boring. I promise.
~ Coach Karen