First Triathlon Training: Pool vs Open Water Swimming

First Triathlon Training: Pool vs Open Water Swimming

From Hope Not Nope by Hope Not Nope

June 3, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 128

About this episode

This episode discusses the balance between pool and open water training for first-time triathletes, focusing on techniques, safety, and race day preparation.

Training for your first triathlon and wondering whether you should spend more time in the pool or open water? While pool training is essential for building technique, fitness, and confidence, race day happens in open water. We break down how to balance both environments, reduce race-day anxiety, and prepare for the unique challenges of swimming in lakes, oceans, and rivers. In this episode, we cover: Pool vs open water training for first-time triathletes Why specificity matters for triathlon performance Navigating sighting, currents, waves, and race-day chaos How open water reduces uncertainty and builds confidence A graded exposure approach to triathlon swim training Essential safety considerations for open water swimming If you're preparing for your first triathlon, this episode will help you train smarter, build confidence, and show up ready for race day conditions . - If you have a question you want answered, Submit it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to help share the message of Hope with others? One big way to help is by sharing this episode with friends and…

People in this episode

Host: Hope Not Nope

Topics covered

  • triathlon training
  • pool swimming
  • open water swimming
  • race day preparation
  • swimming techniques
  • safety considerations

Keywords

  • triathlon
  • swimming
  • pool training
  • open water
  • race day
  • confidence
  • safety

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