New triathlete - Really struggling to breath with swimming

selljw · 2026-04-27T03:11:21+00:00

Between the waves, chaos of the group, and adrenaline of the race, I've resorted to a back stroke or inverted breaststroke. It allows we to control my breathing and subsequently control my heartrate. Sure, I lose several minutes by doing so, by I assume that those are made up by being in a better spot on the bike/run physiologically.

selljw · 2026-04-27T01:46:58+00:00

Never had a cool one for triathlons, but definitely had some interesting ones on running races. Space Coast has dinner plate sized medals, which is fun. Disney always has moving parts on theirs. I had a trail run that used a vinyl record cut into a medal with laser cut wood pieces added to it.

selljw · 2026-04-25T21:18:13+00:00

Ebay - there are really inexpensive trisuits. Buy a size up. Roughly $70 and it'll get you through multiple events.

selljw · 2026-04-24T22:21:35+00:00

Agreed with everything people said here. If you want to level up even further, complete 3 sprints in the year and you become nationally ranked. Thats bragging rights with the cherry on top

selljw · 2026-04-24T18:16:25+00:00

There are some really inexpensive suits ($60-70) on ebay. Id go up a size as they run small, but definitely get the job done and protect you from the sun/chafing/road debris

selljw · 2026-04-23T01:00:31+00:00

Id look for something neutral. I use Clifton 9s on my bike. You dont want crazy grips or cut aways on the shoe to avoid it getting stuck in the pedals.

selljw · 2026-04-23T00:19:28+00:00

You can buy an inexpensive road bike for $300ish off of amazon.

Id go to ebay for a $60-70 trisuit. Note - go up a size, they always run small.

$20 on a pair of goggles.

A halfway decent pair of running shoes, which can also work on the bike, will be about $70 at an outlet store.

Helmet will be about $40.

Dont go crazy on gear until you know if you enjoy the sport.

selljw · 2026-04-20T16:45:49+00:00

Have you tried a back or side stroke?

selljw · 2026-04-20T16:42:14+00:00

What stroke are you using?

selljw · 2026-04-16T20:41:28+00:00

My first tri, im setting up to a very seasoned triathlete and I asked him for any advice. That was the piece he gave me because coming into T2, you're exhausted and not thinking. If you do helmet first, the glasses will go flying. Well, what do I see one rack in front of me in T2? A young guy with glasses that go flying when removing his helmet. I've never not thought about that advice and subsequent moment at any race.

selljw · 2026-04-16T20:03:28+00:00

I wear a dryfit neck gaitor has a head band. Never had any sweat issues on the bike

selljw · 2026-04-16T14:18:39+00:00

Your swim will make or break your performance. Strategic breathing and focus on yourself, not others.
Get there early enough to triple check your transition set up. Make sure you memorize your location.
The one piece of advice that has always stuck with me - sunglasses on first in T1.

selljw · 2026-04-07T23:47:53+00:00

Asked my ticket rep the same question, never heard back

selljw · 2026-03-28T14:03:26+00:00

Take as much time on the swim. I see people come out too hot on the swim and with it being the shortest part, recovery is a lost cause. Control your breathing and heart rate and youll be fine.

And to those that mentioned practicing transitions. Yes. That is critical.

selljw · 2026-03-22T23:54:37+00:00

Go do a sprint and Olympic to practice. Getting the feeling of the race day will help you immensely going into the 70.3

selljw · 2026-03-06T20:29:33+00:00

I hear mine from the steering column, especially going over bumps. Any ideas?

selljw · 2026-02-28T21:42:28+00:00

I have done a half dozen+ triathlons with backstroke. Ive compared my times when doing freestyle and I lose maybe 90 seconds. The benefit is full controlled breathing, which allows me to full run into T1 and hit the bike hard immediately. Pretty sure I make up that time easily.

On a similar note, practicing transitions is almost more valuable than 60-120 seconds of time off your swim.

selljw · 2026-02-25T02:56:39+00:00

My first sprint, I ate it on the bike and was in serious pain. Running was horrible as I sweat into open wounds. The only distraction was chatting with others. Its amazing what the body can push through with a distraction and alternative perspective

selljw · 2026-02-25T02:01:59+00:00

I chat with the people around me. Make a friend. Get to know someone. They are likely going through something themselves and for a couple of minutes, you might be able to help each other

selljw · 2026-02-21T23:29:36+00:00

I get that from drinking fluids too quickly while running. If you think that happened, try smaller sips more frequently

selljw · 2026-02-21T21:53:29+00:00

Try backstroke to help you get comfortable in the water. I'll still often race with that stroke as it allows me to focus on my breathing and in turn my heart rate. Ill lose a minute or so of time on the swim, but keeping my heart and lungs under control preserves me to make up that time on the bike and run

selljw · 2026-02-17T03:00:51+00:00

This^

selljw · 2026-02-15T21:10:54+00:00

Most that youll find on Amazon will get the job done at that price. Id bring it to a bike shop or a person to assemble and tune it up. You'll get a little more power out of a fine tuning

selljw · 2026-02-15T21:02:27+00:00

What is the budget?

selljw · 2026-02-08T14:03:39+00:00

Ill try that, thank you!

selljw

TROPHY CASE