In the tri swim, runners' math doesn't computeFastest distance between two points isn't a straight lineThe strategy seems sound.
You stand on the edge of the surf, finally discovering a use for 10th grade geometry by penciling an imaginary straight line to the first buoy 100 yards offshore, tactically positioning yourself at Point A. You assume the ready pose, listen for the start horn, and plunge into the waves heading toward Point B with dreams of a sprint triathlon PR swirling in your head.
That’s how it should work. Simple math… the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Thus, fewer strokes, less distance, quicker time. It’s logical. (See, Ms. Norwood, I was listening when you drew those chalk lines on the blackboard.)
Well, maybe it’s logical, but not practical.
Similar to taking the most direct route to the green on a tree-lined Par 5, dogleg left; or discussing a raise with the boss, obstacles await those who employ the straight-line strategy on the swim portion of a triathlon.
Unfortunately, this direct method sets up like a chaotic game of Musical Chairs with 100 players and one chair (the buoy), or can even turn into a saltwater version of MMA ultimate fighting. Are you listening, Don King?
So many swimmers, so little space“The natural tendency in the swim is to go the straightest line possible,” agrees DRC Sports owner Chris Moling, who has directed triathlons for 12 years. “But, it isn’t the best strategy because you’ve got too many people trying to occupy the same space.”
In other words, being part of the peloton works wonders in the Tour de France, but is quite counterproductive in the triathlon swim.
The approach leads to a mass of humanity with slapping, kicking, and elbowing… none of it on purpose. It’s back to high school, and physics class. If you put a group of people in a phone booth with instructions to move arms and legs in a swimming motion, everyone is going to get bounced around like a pinball, and it’s going to be quite unpleasant.
Most triathletes understand how to avoid such time-wasting pitfalls on the bike and run, because 90% of us are cyclists or runners first and the other a close second. We’ve read article after article about increasing speed and endurance. We understand the nuances of cycling and running. Swimming is stuck in the basement among our specialties. It’s our off-day training. It’s simply a necessity for competing. So, we look at the first leg of the triathlon as an appetizer… a wake-up call to begin our morning.
There is a secret, however, to enjoying the swim, avoiding flailing arms and legs, and most importantly, finishing faster. And, I’m here to share it. First thing is to throw your geometry book right into the sea, then take heed to the words of wisdom from the triathlon master.
“The intelligent athlete will try to use the ocean current to his advantage,” explains Moling, who will direct Jacksonville Sprint Triathlon 2 on July 16. “They’ll take a little bit of a longer path, but will end up with a better time. The smart athlete will try to circle 8 to 10 feet outside of the first buoy to avoid the mass of people. They’ll line up a few feet outside of the big group on shore. If you try it, you’ll be amazed at how many people you pass -- you can swim the entire way instead of stopping and starting because you’re either running into other swimmers, or they’re running into you.”
Again, discipline is the key. We must separate the swim from all those Runner’s World articles that encourage us to draw mental straight-line pictures along the course to cut down on steps. Yes, in the swim, as strange as it appears, you’re better off adding a few yards and strokes.
Thus, straight is the way to go in cycling and running, but a crescent moon is the best swim strategy.
I know I’ll try it in my next triathlon.
