Basic Triathlon questions from those who don't know

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LazyDaisy Jun 2018 8:40pm, 17 Jun 2018 22,876 posts	0 LazyDaisy Also, how are you at treading water? I never go on my back if I want a rest but just tread water.
LindsD Jun 2018 8:42pm, 17 Jun 2018 23,593 posts	0 LindsD Me too
Plodding Kath Jun 2018 12:55pm, 20 Jun 2018 6 posts	0 Plodding Kath Hello triathletes. I've got my first sprint triathlon on Saturday (Leeds Castle) and am having a bit of a panic. I think I'm ok with the bike, having eventually mastered riding and stopping wearing cleats, and I'm not thinking about the "undulating" run but I am worrying about the swim. I am v v v slow and although I've been practising in open water, I often struggle to hit a rhythm and breathe normally. I'm also v bothered by the shore start (think that's what it's called? Where everyone starts of the side, all pile in and then swim). Any tips gratefully received.
Angus Clydesdale Jun 2018 1:07pm, 20 Jun 2018 13,717 posts	0 Angus Clydesdale Start on the edge or at the back of the group. That way you avoid the melée. If you can, get in the water before the start and swim a little to acclimatise (not all events allow this). Start steady! Don’t get drawn into an early effort which leaves you breathless and panicky. Swim at your own pace. Relax and enjoy it.
Sweetie Jun 2018 1:21pm, 20 Jun 2018 2,866 posts	0 Sweetie ^^^^ Everything Angus said. Go at your own pace, don't be tempted to 'race' just take it nice and easy, don't worry if you have to breast stroke at times to catch your breath and you'll have a blast. Very best of luck!
LazyDaisy Jun 2018 1:31pm, 20 Jun 2018 22,924 posts	0 LazyDaisy What the others have said ^^^. Remember the swim is the shortest bit of a tri so don't worry about keeping up with everyone else. You'll find it much easier to swim in uncongested water and you can claw back a lot of time on the bike and run.
Plodding Kath Jun 2018 4:27pm, 20 Jun 2018 7 posts	0 Plodding Kath Thanks for the advice everyone. I suspect wherever I start I am likely to end up at the back of the swim and the only melee I'm in danger of is that of the next wave...
Gobi Jun 2018 5:08pm, 20 Jun 2018 64,087 posts	0 Gobi and if you need a laugh just think that I would be behind you because I am the worst swimmer here :¬)
LindsD Jun 2018 9:07am, 21 Jun 2018 23,616 posts	0 LindsD I did breaststroke all the way in my first ow tri
HellsBells Jun 2018 9:09am, 21 Jun 2018 23,974 posts	0 HellsBells I only do breast stroke - it's quicker than my attempts at crawl. I suspect I'm probably the slowest swimmer here - it really doesn't matter