FEATURES

Open Water Anxiety..

Saturday, 10 May 2014 00:10

By Sara McLarty (triathlon.competitor.com)

Discomfort in the open water is very common. Whether it is a panic attack in the middle of the course, fear of the “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” or simply an aversion to dark and murky water, you are not alone. Anxiety is normal among athletes at all experience levels. The answer to conquering your fear lies in your pre-race training, mental preparation, and creating and utilizing a personal race strategy.

Consider these strategies:

• Mimic the chaos of open water by swimming with a large group in the pool. Share a lane with other swimmers where you’ll be forced to make contact, and swim side-by-side to become more comfortable.

• Practice in open water as often as possible. Gather a group of training partners for a trip to the beach and attend any open water clinics in your area. Take advantage of every opportunity to swim in your wetsuit to get accustomed to constriction around your neck, shoulders and torso.

• Use visualization to mentally prepare. Imagine stressful situations that can occur and think about staying calm, controlling your breathing and continuing to swim forward. READ MORE