7 Tips for a Great Race
These race tips are for athletes who have adequately prepared for their event, who showed up to practice and worked hard each workout.
Of course, always use common sense when approaching any activity or event. If you are feeling ill, sick, hungover or generally "off" race morning, don't race as you could be putting yourself or others in jeopardy. Have a great race! Swim Las Vegas Coaches |
1. Pack Your Gear
Make a list of everything you need (wetsuit, 2 pair of goggles, bike gear, run gear etc) and pack it up. Doing this at least 2 days before your race will de-stress your Friday evening of driving to get your packet.
2. Arrive to the Race Start EARLY!
Set your alarm and get up, no snoozes on race day. You'll need plenty of time to eat breakfast, drive out to the lake, set up your transition area, chat with friends and yes, use the porto-potty (lines can be long!).
3. KNOW YOUR COURSE!
It's up to YOU to know where you are going. Check the website maps, survey the course and pay attention to the pre-race safety meeting!
4. WARM UP!
et in that water 15-20 minutes prior to your race to acclimate. Swim easy for at least 1/2 of your race distance practicing your drills, breathing, sighting and loosening up your arms and making sure your wetsuit is in it's proper place. The psychological advantage you have over swimmers who just dive on in (and subsequently panic because they're not used to the cold water) will allow you to have a better race.
5. It's okay to rest.
If you're having some trouble breathing or if you experience a cramp, FLOAT on your back to catch your breath. If you raise your hand, a kayak volunteer should come towards you so you can rest on the boat(note: NEVER EVER EVER grab a kayak from the side, always the front or back). Practice long slow exhalation until you feel calm then move forward. "just keep swimming!"
6. Get the blood flowing.
In the last 100-200 yards to the shore, really open up your stroke and start kicking. This will bring the blood flow back to your legs so you don't get dizzy when you stand up.
7. Watch out for other Swimmers!
Open water safety starts with you! If you see someone in distress, calmly tell them to float on their back and breathe, yell for help and raise your arms over your head until a rescue kayak comes to assist. You'd want someone to do it for you!
Make a list of everything you need (wetsuit, 2 pair of goggles, bike gear, run gear etc) and pack it up. Doing this at least 2 days before your race will de-stress your Friday evening of driving to get your packet.
2. Arrive to the Race Start EARLY!
Set your alarm and get up, no snoozes on race day. You'll need plenty of time to eat breakfast, drive out to the lake, set up your transition area, chat with friends and yes, use the porto-potty (lines can be long!).
3. KNOW YOUR COURSE!
It's up to YOU to know where you are going. Check the website maps, survey the course and pay attention to the pre-race safety meeting!
4. WARM UP!
et in that water 15-20 minutes prior to your race to acclimate. Swim easy for at least 1/2 of your race distance practicing your drills, breathing, sighting and loosening up your arms and making sure your wetsuit is in it's proper place. The psychological advantage you have over swimmers who just dive on in (and subsequently panic because they're not used to the cold water) will allow you to have a better race.
5. It's okay to rest.
If you're having some trouble breathing or if you experience a cramp, FLOAT on your back to catch your breath. If you raise your hand, a kayak volunteer should come towards you so you can rest on the boat(note: NEVER EVER EVER grab a kayak from the side, always the front or back). Practice long slow exhalation until you feel calm then move forward. "just keep swimming!"
6. Get the blood flowing.
In the last 100-200 yards to the shore, really open up your stroke and start kicking. This will bring the blood flow back to your legs so you don't get dizzy when you stand up.
7. Watch out for other Swimmers!
Open water safety starts with you! If you see someone in distress, calmly tell them to float on their back and breathe, yell for help and raise your arms over your head until a rescue kayak comes to assist. You'd want someone to do it for you!