- Events
- Calculators
- Running
- Triathlon
Cycling Events
Triathlon Articles
- Fitness
- Sports
Outdoor Events
- Nutrition
Nutrition Articles
Health & Injury Articles
- Kids & Family
Every Triathlete Can Relate to These Annoying Swim Problems
Written by
Michael Nystrom
Despite its simplistic concept, swimming is one of the most technical (and sometimes daunting) aspects of triathlon. From proper technique to race day tactics, the swim leg can truly make or break a race. For many triathletes, swimming is the sport they've not previously had much experience with. With a steep learning curve and a trial-by-error approach for some, these things about swimming are some all triathletes have complained about at some point in their triathlon careers.
4 a.m. wake up for a 5 a.m. Masters swim class.
1 of 30
And forgetting to start the coffee pot before said Masters swim.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonYards-to-meters conversions.
1 of 30
Or calculating intervals in your head—5 a.m. (or any time) is too early for math.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonKick boards that look like they've been chewed on.
1 of 30
Or ones that have actually been chewed on...
Find:
Your Next TriathlonNot paying attention and hitting your arm on the pool coping.
1 of 30
Not paying attention and hitting your forehead on the pool coping.
Catching a heel on the lane line.
Catching a heel on the lane line.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonRealizing your Garmin is dead as you jump in.
1 of 30
How will people believe that I actually swam?
Find:
Your Next TriathlonAwkward swimsuit tans.
1 of 30
Dry, crackly chlorine hair and skin.
Raccoon eyes from goggles that are too tight.
Chafed armpits. #bodyglideFTW
Raccoon eyes from goggles that are too tight.
Chafed armpits. #bodyglideFTW
Find:
Your Next TriathlonShowing up to the pool and all the lanes are taken.
1 of 30
When you go to ask someone if they'll split the lane with you, and you talk to their flip turn instead.
Sharing a lane with someone faster than you. #bruisedego
Sharing a lane with someone faster than you. #bruisedego
Find:
Your Next TriathlonLosing track of your set and swimming longer than prescribed.
1 of 30
No, I will not see the bright side.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonRipping your favorite race's swim cap.
1 of 30
Or tearing your new triathlon wetsuit with a fingernail.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonThe "what IRONMAN are you training for" small talk.
1 of 30
Or really any other dumb triathlon question.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonWhen there's no hot water in the locker room shower.
1 of 30
And the long, cold walk from the locker room to the pool.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonLosing your goggles after diving in.
1 of 30
FOGGY GOGGLES.
Getting kicked in the face during the swim start.
Getting kicked in the face during the swim start.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonTreading water.
1 of 30
Swimming against the current. (Both equally as difficult.)
Find:
Your Next TriathlonFollowing a group of swimmers and going way off course.
1 of 30
Buoys that look like they never get any closer.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonThe lightheaded feeling as you run up the beach/ramp after a long swim.
1 of 30
I swear I haven't been drinking.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonWater that's too warm for a wetsuit but too cold to go without.
1 of 30
When you don't expect the water to be THAT cold. #polarplunge
Find:
Your Next TriathlonLast minute changes to the swim course.
1 of 30
When the pool is closed without any prior notice.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonStaring at that black line for hours each week.
1 of 30
This is my thrilled face.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonThe taste of salt water that never goes away.
1 of 30
Gel burps. Enough said.
Find:
Your Next TriathlonWHEN SOMETHING TOUCHES YOUR FOOT AND NOBODY IS AROUND.
1 of 30
GET IT OFF. GET IT OFF.