Ahh, the dreaded swim for my terrestrial dominant triathletes...
I'm definitely no elite or pro class triathlete (well, at least not yet), but swimming a straight line in an open water swim is a challenging feat, in and of itself...then, add 50-100 people into the mix during your wave in a tri, and you've increased the challenge exponentially.
But, is there a way I can practice maintaining a relatively straight line during my pool swims? One really important training tip I've practiced over the years and has helped me tremendously is to get into the pool and swim with your eyes closed.
Say what?!
Yes, swimming with your eyes closed creates an entirely different swimming experience. Obviously, don't try this during a masters' swim practice or during peak pool times, lest you be thrashed or splashed (and rightfully so) by your fellow poolmates.
The benefits of blind swimming?
1) Improves your feel for the water- Your proprioception (body awareness or sense of space/environment) is enhanced during this activity, so you can feel for the way and degree to which your body rolls, your head and body position, your hand entry, pull, and recovery...even that elusive "holding still water" concept becomes a bit more real to you.
In open water swims, most of the propulsive activity of your stroke should occur below the water surface any way, so it would behoove you to be more aware of what your arms and body are doing underwater.
2) Stroke equalization- you will notice very quickly if you tend to pull harder on one side or the other since you'll invariably snag one of the lane ropes if you have this tendency.
In an open water situation where you may have chops or swells, being able to swim with an equal stroke certainly minimizes the waywardness that we all experience from time to time during the swim.
3) Fear management- Let's face it. there are no lanes, no straight black lines in an open water swim. Heck, sometimes, I can't even see my own hand in some of the waters in which I've swum. Since you can't see what lies beneath the surface, the darkness and depth can be unnerving at times (watch Shark Week on the Discovery channel...or any Friday the 13th classic...).
So, why not acclimate to your fear of the unknown in the comfort of your own pool?? Getting your eyes closed helps you to get used to not being able to see the bottom, which helps you relax better in open water, and focus on sighting or dodging those other swimmers who didn't read this blog on the benefits of blind swimming!