Swim

While I learned to swim as a kid, it was for the pure joy of playing in the water. I didn't compete in a swim tournament until 2011. It was a blast.

I swim on my own most of the time because that's what fits with my day to day schedule. I have participated in squads and have had a number of coaches provide advice. I've found that important because swimming is very technical.

I believe in using tools - pull buoys, paddles and sometimes fins - to help with body position and building strength in the water.

I also believe that the best way to improve as a swimmer is to swim a lot, as in frequently. It's the consistency of being in the water that helps develop a feel for the water.

That's a key reason why I see great value in swimming for seven days a week - sometimes twice a day - once every three or four months.

As with all three disciplines in triathlon, volume is good and bad. Swimming longer distances or for longer periods of time per session helps develop endurance. But if fatigue leads to poor form, then it's best to call it a day.