As triathletes we spend so much money trying to get our drag coefficient as low as possible on the bike. How much did you pay for your bike (frame, aerobars, wheels, accessories, fittings, etc...)? There are actually several articles and an abundance of research out there that can detail out for you the cost per second you save on each upgrade to your cycling kit. For example, upgrading from a regular road frame to a TT frame saves about 2-2.5 min on a 40km time trial (www.aerosportsresearch.com). Based on what the average triathlete purchases, it is obvious that we greatly value every second!  

When it comes to swimming there is very little time that you can “buy."  On the other hand, just like in cycling, there is a lot of time to be saved (arguably more) without necessarily increasing effort (power output).  On top of that, the existing power that you do produce in swimming can always be used more efficiently.  

Consider these thoughts:

• Water is 784 times denser than air.  Fun fact, dirt is only 2.5 times denser than water!    
• Your drag coefficient while swimming is always changing and you need to be aware of your body position at every point in your stroke.
• How often do you watch yourself swim?
• A good swim pays ongoing dividends for the rest of your race. Becoming a more proficient swimmer does not just save you a few seconds on the swim but it will improve your bike and run performance. 
• Doing something over and over again without feedback creates habits.  Are you creating good or bad habits? “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” - Albert Einstein.
• Improving your swim makes you look much cooler in T1 ;)

Swimming put into cycling terms:

• Good body tension = A nice stiff frame
  • You would never use full suspension shocks on your TT-bike because you don't want those precious watts being absorbed by the shocks.  Keeping good tone throughout your body creates a stiffness to transfer the power generated by your arms and legs into forward locomotion.
• Your body position or alignment = Aero (Frame, Wheels, Helmet, etc..)
  • Your body position at each point in the in the stoke is your time-trial frame, aero-helmet, race wheels etc..,  If you have saggy hips, over bending knees, over lifting of the head, then you are not riding an aero frame you are riding a fat tire with a parachute dragging behind you.     
• Your catch = Gears or chain ring
  • Are you pushing a "38 tooth chain ring” next to someone who is pushing a “53”? Keeping your hand and wrist in vertical alignment with your forearm as long as possible throughout the pull will maximize your leverage on the water. 

No, unfortunately you can not walk into your local swim shop, swipe your credit card, and come out a faster swimmer.  However, with proper feedback and a systematic approach you can greatly improve your swim this season! 

If you want to work on your "hydro" check out our swim consulting page.