I'm thinking about entering a triathlon which has a "one mile, current assisted" river swim with a 45 minute cut-off time. Wetsuits are OK.

I've never tried to swim any distance before... I know HOW to swim, but I've never done it with any discipline or specific goal in mind. But to be honest, I'm not even sure how far a mile swim is (in terms of lengths of a pool). So with all that in mind, how realistic would it be to think I could complete this (one mile in under 45 minutes) on Memorial Day weekend? And if you think it's feasible, can anyone point me to a training program which would get me there?

Yowza. I don't have a clue about open water swimming but if you want to get a gague of how it might feel for distance, jump in an olympic pool and swim 32 lengths (1600m/9m shy of a mile).

Man, just thinking about that makes me tired.

M@

Yowza. I don't have a clue about open water swimming but if you want to get a gague of how it might feel for distance, jump in an olympic pool and swim 32 lengths (1600m/9m shy of a mile).

Man, just thinking about that makes me tired.

M@

Thanks Matt... that little piece of info (32 lengths = 1 mile) gives me an idea of what it would take... 50 meters to a length, eh? That works out to roughly 80 seconds per length to make the 45 minute cut-off time. I might have to make a trip to the pool this weekend...

Current assistance is the key. That will save you a LOT of struggle. Stagnant water and current water is like day and night.

I would say if you can do a mile in a normal pool within an hour and a half (dear God that sounds horrible...) you will make the mile in 45 mins with current assist, no problem. (Varying with the speed of the current of coarse)

Yeah, it is THAT much of a help. Like walking on one of those airport belt/escalator things that snake throught the terminal. You can walk the same speed as anyone else, but travel at 4 times their pace.

I would first focus on trying to swim for 45 mins straight. Hell I know I’m dead after 5 lengths, let alone 32.

I'm thinking about entering a triathlon which has a "one mile, current assisted" river swim with a 45 minute cut-off time. Wetsuits are OK.

I've never tried to swim any distance before... I know HOW to swim, but I've never done it with any discipline or specific goal in mind. But to be honest, I'm not even sure how far a mile swim is (in terms of lengths of a pool). So with all that in mind, how realistic would it be to think I could complete this (one mile in under 45 minutes) on Memorial Day weekend? And if you think it's feasible, can anyone point me to a training program which would get me there?

Hardy har har. That didn't take long did it Philly!? A 'swimming' event???? Awesome!

First of all, you are right (as others have said). A mile is 1,600m = 32 laps (up and back) in a 25m pool.

First, the current will really help. Night and day. Like running on a treadmill vs. open ground. If you stop in the pool you sink, if you stop in the current you move with the current.

Second, in relation to me. I hadn't set foot in a pool to swim laps for 20 years. I can swim 400m (1/4 mile) in about 8 mins and have gotten up to 800m non-stop in just under 3 months. However, you are much more fit than I am and with some practice, you should have NO PROBLEMS completing the swim portion of the Tri.

Join a masters swimming class? They have them everywhere and are excellent chances for adults to get swim training. Also, if you are looking for a training plan go to: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp?h=1

Start out with the sprint distance as you are just getting started in the pool. You probably won't need to train for the mile as it really will only be a 1/2 mile (if it truly is WITH the current).

Any more questions? PM me. See you in Kona in 2010?

How does that line go?

Whatever you do DON'T PANIC!

Swimming in open water is NOTHING like swimming in the pool. The first few tri's I did, the hardest part was getting through the swim. There's feet and arms everywhere, you get kicked and pushed, you drink what seems like half a gallon on lake water, yuck! Try if you can to swim in a lake before the event. The best would be in the body of water you will be competing in. In my first race, I thought I was fairly comfortable in the water. I could swim 45 minutes straight no problem. When the triathlon came, I ended up doggy paddling more than 1/2 the swim. I wasn't alone either. It's a combination of nerves and the unfamiliarity with open swimming. But, you'll get through it. Then the next one will be easier, and the next, and next...