pace with a 20-second rest after each 50m interval. Finally, cool down with a few more easy lengths.Nearly all triathlon swims take place in open water and in a big crowd, which is very different from cruising along in your own lane with the black line

Olympic1.5K swim, 40K bike ride, 10K runIronman3.8K swim, 180K bike ride, 42K run (marathon)Between each leg is a stage known as transition, giving you time to prepare for the next discipline (for example, removing your wetsuit or parking your bike). Don

Most runners who are considering their first triathlon can cope with the cycling aspect of the event. It's the swimming that scares the life out of them. But it shouldn't, as long as they know the basics. "Gifted swimmers simply have a better

There were 43 world records set at this year's controversial World Swimming Championships in Rome. One of them came courtesy of Australian Christian Sprenger, who swam the men's 200m breaststroke semi-final in a staggering 2:07.31.Swift it may have

coach at Swim Smooth (www.swimsmooth.com) says, "The longest possible freestyle stroke isn't necessarily the most efficient in all situations and for all swimmers."Jack Maitland of TheTriathlonCoach.com agrees the emphasis on increasing stroke length has

forward in the water.Superman kickSwimming with one arm ahead of you and one arm to your side, propel yourself for a length with only your kick. Focus on being horizontal in the water, keeping a soft leg and kicking from the hips.FistsAs it sounds, swim a

for lengths eight, 12 and 16? "If the figure remains constant that's a good indicator that the mechanics of the stroke are not tiring you out and the stroke is becoming more sustainable," says Bullock. It may take a lot of practice but once you've mastered a

"Water is 1,000 times denser than air," says Laughlin. "So the single most important factor is to slip your body through the smallest hole in the water." Imagine a central axis extending from the top of your head to the opposite end of the pool. Rotate your

There were 43 world records set at this year's controversial World Swimming Championships in Rome. One of them came courtesy of Australian Christian Sprenger, who swam the men's 200m breaststroke semi-final in a staggering 2:07.31. Swift it may have

1. The TI method of instruction engages the whole body, rather than offering a more conventional focus on kicking and pulling above everything else.2. It requires you to first master foundation skills before anything else: posture and alignment