Best Place to Swim for a Tri and Other Questions From A Newbie

I've been trying to muscle up the courage to actually train correctly for a triathlon. I've signed up twice, and have yet been able to train correctly to even get to the start.

My weak spot is swimming. I went tonight to my public pool for a short swim.

Questions for the group:

1) Where is the best place to do open water swimming? Oak Street Beach?

I live in Ravenswood.

2) Do I need a wet suit if I sign up for the super sprint in August?

Are their free swimming clinics for newbies similar to training rides? I'm not sure I'd like to join a tri club, or at least just yet.

Maybe if I actually WRITE this here I will do it.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle S on July 14, 2012 at 8:37pm

FYI that the park district installed about 20 or so lockers at Ohio St Beach, for which you can bring your own lock and store your gear while you swim. They have become instantly popular, so they are often all filled at the busiest times.

dana said:

totally agree with ohio street beach, AKA "Tri-Beach." when i lived in NYC and was starting to do tris, i would have loved a spot like this! full of triathletes and also marked with distances. it's also fun to be able to look at the buildings and see how far you've gone! the problem i always run into is what to do with your stuff while you swim, but if you don't have any valuables you can always lock your bag to your bike. wetsuits are helpful but not essential for short distances in warm weather. feel free to add me to your email when you go out for a swim!