DO TRIATHLETES REALLY NEED TO SWIM DURING THE WINTER?
The allure of warmer weather often pulls triathletes outdoors for their training. However, maintaining a consistent swim routine throughout the fall and winter months is crucial for overall triathlon success.
It's easy to hit the snooze button on those cold, dark mornings and skip the pool. Many triathletes question the necessity of swimming during the off-season, believing that focusing on other disciplines is more beneficial. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Swimming is a cornerstone of triathlon, and consistent practice is essential for building a strong foundation. Regular swim sessions improve technique, develop muscle memory, and enhance overall endurance. The controlled environment of a pool allows you to focus on refining your stroke and incorporating specific drills to address weaknesses.
Moreover, swimming is a low-impact activity that helps prevent injuries while providing valuable cross-training benefits. It's also an excellent way to build mental toughness and adapt to colder water conditions.
Joining a swim club can be a game-changer when it comes to consistency and adherence. The structured environment, camaraderie, and expert coaching provided by a swim club can make a significant difference in your training.
Contrary to the myth that only elite triathletes need to swim year-round, the reality is that swimming benefits all levels of athletes. Even if you're not aiming for a podium finish, consistent swim training will improve your confidence, reduce race-day anxiety, and enhance your overall triathlon experience.
So, next time that alarm clock blares on a chilly morning, remember the countless advantages of hitting the pool. Your future triathlon self will thank you!
Julia Aimers
CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CSEP High-Performance Specialist
Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga and Swimming Coach
USA Cycling Level 2 Coach
Training Peaks Accredited Coach
Team Triumph Triathlon Club offers group swim practices, private swim coaching and underwater swim video analysis. Find out more here.
A year ago I could only tread water and had not run since childhood. With the amazing Virtual Olympic course, support, guidance, and tips from of all the folks at Team Triumph I've ended the season with my first Olympic distance triathlon under my belt and am hooked! Really looking forward to the 2025 season and even to the hard work over the winter to prepare. Karen Houle
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman