Beginner Triathlete to Ironman: The Swim

Beginner Triathlete to Ironman: The Swim

From The Exercise Engineer by Lou Kelly

February 16, 2026 · 16 min · Season 1 · Episode 76

About this episode

Lou Kelly shares her experiences and lessons learned while transitioning from a beginner triathlete to preparing for an Ironman, focusing on the swimming leg of the race.

In this episode, Lou breaks her four-month silence to give a "no-filter" recap of her Ironman journey so far. Transitioning from a beginner to a long-distance triathlete is no joke, and while the swim might be the shortest leg of the race, it’s proving to be the biggest mental hurdle. Lou shares her ego-bruising lessons on technique, the tools she wish she’d used sooner, and the pre-pool anxiety that almost kept her on the couch. The "Ironman Distance" reality check. The Math of a Triathlon: Why the swim is often the forgotten discipline. Lesson 1: Swallowing the ego and using swim tools (Paddles & Pull Buoys). Lesson 2: Intervals vs. Distance – Why "just swimming" isn't enough. Lesson 3: The Open Water Fear – Wetsuits, sighting, and toe-grabbing. Lesson 4: The Mental Game – Overcoming pre-swim procrastination and finding "flow." What’s coming up next (The Bike). The Power of Tools: Don't let your ego stop you from using paddles (for hand positioning/catch) and pull buoys (for hip buoyancy). They are shortcuts to better form, not "cheating." Structure Over Volume: Simply grinding out lengths is great for the soul but bad for…

People in this episode

Host: Lou Kelly

Topics covered

  • Ironman journey
  • triathlon training
  • swimming techniques
  • mental hurdles
  • open water swimming
  • swim tools

Keywords

  • Ironman
  • triathlete
  • swimming
  • mental game
  • swim tools
  • open water
  • technique
  • intervals

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