For many triathletes training in Britain, open-water sessions should be included as frequently as possible.
That's because there’s usually only a short gap between the water being warm enough to the start of the racing season.
Including a run or bike directly after the swim not only makes for efficient training, it is a great way of practising transitions and warming up once out of the cold water.
Equipment needed: swimwear, wetsuit, lubricant to stop chafing, goggles, 2 swim hats.
Open-water booster
Warm-up
5mins stretches shoreside; 5mins easy strokes parallel to the shore.
Main session
45mins as: 3 x 300m drafting in threes, middle swimmer leads an arrowhead with other two close on their hips, sight every 6-8 strokes; 5 x turn-buoy practice, still in groups of three, practise left and right-handed turns.
Cool-down
5mins easy swim to reinforce sighting by picking out landmarks. If conditions allow, practice dolphin dive exits to help get back to shallower water.
Performance benefits
This session instils a sense of rhythm and controlled breathing, plus it helps master techniques for effective sighting, turning at buoys and drafting on the hips or toes of competitors. It’s also lots of fun, so you can learn to enjoy the open water.
Mental benefits
The swim might be the smallest component of a triathlon, but getting off to a good start is so important after months of preparation.
With the pre-race build up and nerves heightened, this session gives confidence that the open water swells and surf can be conquered.
Physiological benefits
Concentrating on breathing and a steady, relaxed rhythm, the effort can be meted out evenly, keeping the heart rate under control and completing the distance in the most efficient manner with the least expenditure of energy.
(Main image: Romilly Lockyer)
For lots more swim workouts and advice, head to our Training section