EPISODE · Jan 7, 2026 · 27 MIN
Six Months to IRONMAN: Smarter Swim Training for Busy Age-Groupers | Ep 572
from Oxygenaddict Triathlon Podcast · host Rob Wilby
If you’re coming into triathlon from running or cycling, you’ve probably assumed swimming works the same way:The more you swim, the faster you get.Nope!In this episode of our Six Months to Ironman series, Coach Rob explains why most age-group triathletes are not fitness-limited in the water, they’re technique-limited… and why that’s actually good news, because it means you can make big gains without adding endless extra swim volume.This episode is aimed at the adult-onset swimmer: the busy Ironman or 70.3 athlete who feels like their aerobic fitness from the bike & run doesn’t translate in the pool, and how to fix that.We cover:Why swimming is more analogous to gold or tennis than running or bikingThe “more swimming” trap that keeps slower swimmers stuck and embeds bad habitsA useful benchmark: why ~7:00 per 400m is often the point where technique becomes the biggest leverHow to build endurance without letting fatigue wreck your stroke How to identify your single biggest limiter with simple cuesThe order to fix your swim: breathing → balance → propulsionSimple, high-impact drills including:Sink-downs + “bubble” exhale for breathingFist drill for catch and feel of the waterThe “Waltz / Unco drill” to connect rotation, hips, and propulsionThis episode will help swimming stop being the IRONMAN discipline you dread, and help turn it into one of your main strengths in a matter of months!* * * * * * *SPONSORS* * * * * * * *Thinking about your first Ironman or 70.3 in 2026? At Team Oxygenaddict, we specialise in helping busy professionals fit high-quality training around demanding jobs and family life. We’ve just reopened for new athletes with only a handful of slots available. Book an application call today to find out if you'd be a good fit for Team Oxygenaddict for the coming season here: https://team.oxygenaddict.com/consultation-call/ * * * * * * * * * * * *precisionfuelandhydration.comPrecision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fuelling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised race nutrition plan for your next event. And then book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the PF&H Athlete Support Team to refine your strategy.Listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolytes with Precision Fuel & Hydration. Simply click this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.* * * * * * * * * * * *Watch on youtubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple Podcasts
What this episode covers
If you’re coming into triathlon from running or cycling, you’ve probably assumed swimming works the same way:The more you swim, the faster you get.Nope!In this episode of our Six Months to Ironman series, Coach Rob explains why most age-group triathletes are not fitness-limited in the water, they’re technique-limited… and why that’s actually good news, because it means you can make big gains without adding endless extra swim volume.This episode is aimed at the adult-onset swimmer: the busy Ironman or 70.3 athlete who feels like their aerobic fitness from the bike & run doesn’t translate in the pool, and how to fix that.We cover:Why swimming is more analogous to gold or tennis than running or bikingThe “more swimming” trap that keeps slower swimmers stuck and embeds bad habitsA useful benchmark: why ~7:00 per 400m is often the point where technique becomes the biggest leverHow to build endurance without letting fatigue wreck your stroke How to identify your single biggest limiter with simple cuesThe order to fix your swim: breathing → balance → propulsionSimple, high-impact drills including:Sink-downs + “bubble” exhale for breathingFist drill for catch and feel of the waterThe “Waltz / Unco drill” to connect rotation, hips, and propulsionThis episode will help swimming stop being the IRONMAN discipline you dread, and help turn it into one of your main strengths in a matter of months!* * * * * * *SPONSORS* * * * * * * *Thinking about your first Ironman or 70.3 in 2026? At Team Oxygenaddict, we specialise in helping busy professionals fit high-quality training around demanding jobs and family life. We’ve just reopened for new athletes with only a handful of slots available. Book an application call today to find out if you'd be a good fit for Team Oxygenaddict for the coming season here: https://team.oxygenaddict.com/consultation-call/ * * * * * * * * * * * *precisionfuelandhydration.comPrecision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fuelling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised race nutrition plan for your next event. And then book a free 20-minute video consultation with a member of the PF&H Athlete Support Team to refine your strategy.Listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolytes with Precision Fuel & Hydration. Simply click this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.* * * * * * * * * * * *Watch on youtubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple Podcasts
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Six Months to IRONMAN: Smarter Swim Training for Busy Age-Groupers | Ep 572
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